Discuss.
Discuss.
In some mysterious way woods have never seemed to me to be static things. In physical terms, I move through them; yet in metaphysical ones, they seem to move through me.
– John Fowles
Reasons abound...
I can only afford chains, grips & pads.
It's not about the ride... it's about the ride.
The rider I am now is a far cry from... I vaguely remember.
Beer.
It hurts when I do this.
Beer.
Earn your turns.
Beer.
Everyone has their reasons. Mine keep me honest.
material reasons:
awesome full body work-out. reduced maintenance. be fu@#ing awesome.
real reasons:
A zen-like connection with the bike and forest. As you don't have options for making it easier, just be in the now- stand and pedal- and stop the inner voices from making excuses. When in the groove, this results in a greater awareness of one's surroundings and connection to the simple activity on hand. For me, and I expect others, riding serves to be a mental purging of life's busy-ness as much as a physical experience. SS seems to make the mind a bit more clearer at a quicker pace. As most of my rides are only 1-2 hrs. long (a result of hectic busy-ness) , to reach a steady-state faster is beneficial.
It's quiet.
Skill development is another reason - you will ride FS much smoother after a few SS rides. It also makes trails that may be a bit boring on your 10" bike a bit more interesting. (Note: sizes may be exaggerated in an attempt to stroke egos)
I'm always in the right gear.
Hah! So true when everyone sprints down the fire roads and I'm spinning like a sewing machine gone crazy.
I agree with all of this. Heck, I haven't touched my geared bike more than twice in the last 2 years. I was mostly looking to fire up this here SS forum. I'm in agreement with Troutbum: more SS=more harder=more beer!
In some mysterious way woods have never seemed to me to be static things. In physical terms, I move through them; yet in metaphysical ones, they seem to move through me.
– John Fowles
Sharpens Jedi Focus On the Engine (Instead of the "Transmission")
"Everyone I know in bicycling is at least a little bit crazy, present company included." Sheldon Brown
semass