What is it about the bicycle? Why am I so addicted to riding? Is it the fitness gains that come with long grinders? Is it all the data I have compiled on STRAVA? Perhaps it is the way food tastes after epic time spent on the bike. Or maybe it is the peace and connection I feel with something bigger than me riding through nature. It could be the mini-adventures that stoke the flames of childlike youth. Or the sense of achievement I feel when making the selection on a competitive group ride. How about the satisfaction that comes from working together as a team to put a teammate on the podium. Perhaps it could be the mental breakthroughs that occur when I want to give up and be done but something inside helps me continue turning pedals. Or when I do give up but I make a plan and commit to working hard to get stronger. Maybe, just maybe…it is the many friendships and sense of kinship that I feel for those who share the love of riding. It could be the “Big Ring Tales” at the pub after rides that draws me in. Or the sense of solitude and recharging effect I get when riding with the group, sometimes not feeling like talking much, but still choose to ride with the group. Could it be the sense of freedom that comes with getting from point A to point B on human power? I think its probably the little glimpses of beauty that I experience on every-single-ride. No-no, surely it is the sense of survival when crazy unexpected weather strikes. How about the “day just gets better” when I’ve ridden or know that I’m gonna get to ride. No I think it is the delight and joy I feel from cruising the neighborhood streets with my little boy in tow. I’m pretty sure it is all the things I’ve seen while riding that I would have never seen otherwise. Nah, surely it’s suffering that I’m addicted to. The challenge of doing something difficult. Nope it totally is the feeling of victory when I finally drop my buddy on that climb or nab that elusive city limits sign. I think it could be that feeling I get when I finally nail that step-up. Or clean that section of trail that has forever been causing me to dab. For whatever reasons riding a bike just feels right and good.

We here at OCA are thankful for another year exploring the Ozarks by bicycle. We want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays! A special thanks to our awesome sponsors in 2017 who share the love of riding and can see the goodness that cycling brings to life. We look forward to 2018 and many more Ozark Cycling Adventures!

We want to know why you are addicted to riding bikes. Drop us a comment below!