Cycling through life
Main Street via Kate Rodgers, Photo Editor
Cycling is a sport like no other. It has many distinct differences in its nature, which can likely explain why so many people participate in it. While the reasons vary, the one factor that remains constant is the enjoyment people take away from it. In a state like New York, with thousands of miles worth of trails to explore, there are many great reasons to want to check this sport out.
One key reason people enjoy this sport so much is because it is an independent activity. There is no need to wait for a teammate or opponent, as the only object necessary is the bike itself. This allows the rider to set their own time when they leave for a ride and when they come back.
Within cycling there are many variations available, coming in the form of mountain biking and road cycling, in addition to many more with the recent development of electric bikes. Road cycling allows the thrill of moving quickly across a paved landscape with the only barrier being the willpower of the rider to move more quickly. Mountain biking allows a rider to travel through the woods and make drastic jumps over logs and other natural barriers. Electric bikes have gained recent popularity and allow a rider to balance between their own power and stored electricity. This combination is very attractive to people, and it encourages exercise while still providing the option of a more convenient and practical form of transportation in the event that the rider doesn’t own a car.
Through cycling, a person is able to discover many new locations they may have never otherwise been to in a car. This can be the result of several reasons, ranging from off-road paths not meant for cars to apps displaying alternative cycling routes. Typically, these same apps can track the mileage of a rider and the route they take. This positive reinforcement allows a person to monitor their progress and decide what routes to take in the future.
While cycling itself is a recreational activity that many participate in simply for the more fun-focused elements, there is the additional benefit of a healthy form of exercise. Cycling works both the leg muscles and builds up endurance. While there are many forms of healthy workouts, cycling allows a person to travel great distances as well.
With a landscape like Geneseo and Livingston County, there are plenty of great places to ride. While the hills may be a burden to some, they can be a great challenge for others; and, after climbing for a long distance, there can be the rewards of a fun downhill descent. Along with the great hills, there are plenty of locations worth riding to, including Conesus Lake. Many roads provide large shoulders, allowing for a safe ride and a significant distance between riders and passing vehicles.
Cycling is a sport that many people across the United States and the world participate in. It can provide countless hours of enjoyment and allow a rider to experience new sights they may have otherwise never seen. Acknowledging that the sport is not consistently costly, with the exceptional expense of a new tire or tube, there are many variables that make cycling an attractive activity.