racing
I took up racing to enjoy bikes but take me off the road (after a bike crash). I raced for 4 years and everytime I tried out a roadbike I hated the handling, the restrictions of the road systems and the dressing up for all seasons (here in the uk).
When I stopped it was a few years before I bought a road bike, for the fun of being back on a bike and not having to pack the van to go racing everytime I wanted a ride. Now, having just got back from a UK to CapeTown trip I now know why I love bikes and it has nothing to do with the calculated trade-off of rain vs good roads. It's about the feeling of freedom and, as mentioned earlier, it's the feeling of actually 'being there' rather than just seeing. Society puts alot of emphasis on 'seeing' places rather than actually 'being' there. The rush of speed leaves few lasting memories whereas a saharan sunset or busy african city stays with you a lot longer.
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