I see the bike as another tool to enable me to travel when I get the chance. Each mode of transport has it's own set of pro's and cons.

With plane transport you can get there very quickly but see nothing of the way there. Also now days the rigmarole with airport security makes the whole experience very unpleasant unless you go by private plane.

Train transport you get to see a lot more of the route but you can not stop to look around you, it is much cheaper outside the UK especially in asia. It is also far more convenient. you can take more with you and that includes a bike for not much extra costs.

Boat transport is nice too but you are limited to water.......... How ever a river cruise can be fun. (more interesting scenery)

Car transport you come and go as you please, you try to choose an appropriate car but there are always compromises ;-) you do get to see a lot of what you travel through but you are a bit removed. You also have the benefit of weather protection and may be a/c too!

Bike transport you come and go as you please, you try to choose an appropriate bike but there are always compromises ;-) you get to see a even more of what you travel through, you are so close you can even smell it, feel it and get wet too!

But the bottom line line is you Travel, and if you are luck you get to meet wonderful people from different cultures, learn a little and become a bit more tolerant of other cultures too.

so me I am just happy exploring the world any way I can! but I do prefer the freedom that comes with my own transport.