I have been thinking about what motivates me to ride my bike everyday. Sure I enjoy riding my bike and have for the past 15 plus years. I was an avid racer, still do regular training type rides, and an occasional race. That alone is not enough o get me out of bed every morning at 5:45 and out the door by 7:00. So what is it?
One thing is that I enjoy knowing that I will be spending less money on gas. Especially since it is now about $3.50 a gallon here in Seattle. That ends up saving me about $20 a week and the savings will only go up as gas prices continue to rise.
Another is that I seem to be more awake and alert by the time I get to work. Sure sometimes I may be 5-10 minute late but I am fully alert and ready to go and start working on my daily tasks as soon as I walk in the door. Conversely when I drive in I find myself surfing the internet and goofing off for the first 30-40 minutes of my day.
Finally, I think it is the little unexpected things that happen during my ride. Today was one of those days. I saw several Robins flying around eating breakfast. There were a lot of crows along the route and many were laughing at me. At least that is what I was telling myself. Then I ran into another commuter that I had not seen in like a year and a half. We had a great conversation to finish up the ride and made me realize that it is the little things that keep me riding everyday.
What motivates you?