My name is Jeff, and I think I am a bike addict. I do not say these things intending to mock any sort of serious addictions. But I admit: I really like bikes and riding them. I own two, but yearn for at least 3 more – and that’s before concerns of money even kick in. 17 miles pedaling a bike each day is not enough for me. I ache for more, and often I ache because I do more.
Case in point: last Wednesday I came home from work (to which I transported myself to by bike). Upon walking into my apartment, I decided I wanted to go out for a bike ride. I swapped out my road shoes for my MTB shoes, grabbed the mountain bike and headed right back out the door. I spent another good hour on my mountain bike – both casually cruising around the trails and hitting some big climbs and big hucks (jumps for those not privy to the cyclo-speak).
The best part of all this bike riding came the next morning when I woke up. My legs felt almost as fresh as they do every other day. When I first started bike commuting, I was pretty drained each morning when I first got on the bike. But over time, my legs have built their strength and stamina, and accepted that they will be pushed pretty hard every day.
There is a great feeling of satisfaction – knowing that my daily exercise is no longer limited to transporting myself to and from work. I am again free to roam the parks, the open road and the trails in the afternoons, and if I can ever get myself out of bed before 530 am, I will be free to roam these places in the early morning. I think the afternoon suits me just fine though…
But then again, wouldn’t you do the same if this was right out your door? 
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Is that last picture really right out your front door?!? Lucky man!
There’s nothing mocking so-called “serious” addictions…being a bike-lover is a disease like any other addiction, but at least it is life-affirming rather than a health hazard!!!
Funny you mention riding to and from work and immediately wanting to go ride your bike when you get home…the same happens to me — I don’t view my commute as anything but WORK lately…it’s not fun but is just something I do. Then, when I get home, I can shed the bags and other stuff and just ride for kicks on one of my other, more fun, bikes!!
[...] unknown wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptMy name is Jeff, and I think I am a bike addict. I do not say these things intending to mock any sort of serious addictions. But I admit: I really like bikes and riding them. I own two, but yearn for at least 3 more – and that’s before … [...]
[...] on becomming an addict [...]
GR – yeah, it’s not too far from it. My apartment complex borders a golf course. I live in the rear of the complex, right next to a gate that puts you on a trail that goes around the golf course and empties into some red rock mountains, known as Papago Park. All in all, this picture was taken about .75 miles from my door.
Not to shabby…but then again, I live in Arizona and have to deal with 130+ days over 100 degrees.
Hey, man, at least it’s dry…we get plenty (80 or 90 days) of 90+ temps, but we also have to deal with intense humidity….you know all about that, though, don’t ya — Alabama is the same way!
I wish I had some offroad trails that close to my house. All I’ve got are concrete canyons and hour-rate motels. Dammit!