Got thinking today about whether riding my bike actually counts as a real sport. You know how it is, people sometimes brush it off like it’s just, well, sitting. Decided to put it to the test myself and really see what’s up. Here’s how that went down, step by step.
First Off, I Actually Did The Thing
Woke up this morning kinda stiff from yesterday’s run, but stubbornness kicked in. Pulled my old Trek outta the garage – dust and cobwebs included, obviously. Pumped the tires till they felt rock solid. Thought about skipping the helmet, nah, remembered that one gnarly pothole last spring. Strapped it on tight.
Started easy, just rolling around my neighborhood. Legs felt heavy at first, kinda like pedaling through peanut butter. But hey, kept turning those cranks. Felt the breeze, noticed the sun getting warmer. Found a rhythm eventually. Started pushing harder on the pedals without even meaning to. Felt that familiar burn creep into my thighs. Okay, point number one: definitely using muscles here. Legs, core, arms gripping the bars on a bumpy stretch.
Then Came The Suffering (The Good Kind, Maybe?)
Spotted this long, gradual hill up ahead. My usual route avoids it like the plague. Not today. Pointed the bike straight at it. First third? Fine, manageable. Middle third? Uh oh. Legs screaming, lungs starting to feel tight, like someone was squeezing them. Had to stand up on the pedals, grunting like some kinda wild animal. Sweat pouring down my face, stinging my eyes. Could barely see straight by the top. Wheezed like an old accordion, heart hammering so loud I swear the birds flew off. Grabbed my water bottle, gulped half of it down in one go. Felt that deep thumping in my chest for a solid ten minutes after, pulse monitor showing a number way too close to my age multiplied by two. Major cardio check, big time. No way a casual stroll does that.
Tracking The Evidence
Checked my basic cycling app afterwards. Looked at the mess it spat out:
- Miles mashed: Just over 20. Felt way longer.
- Time turning pedals: Little under two hours. Legs felt like jelly afterwards.
- Calories torched: App claimed something crazy like 700+. Believed it after that hill fight.
- Avg heart rate: Solidly stuck in the ‘this definitely sucks but I’m not dying’ zone.
Pulled my stuff off after. Jersey soaked through, back damp, shorts grossly sweaty. That distinct workout smell was definitely present. Threw the sweaty gear straight into the wash.
Why It Feels Like a Sport Now
Sitting here with coffee, legs still buzzing slightly, it clicked:
- It demands real physical effort. You gotta push your muscles and lungs.
- Skills matter. Not crashing on corners, handling wind, shifting gears smoothly before that steep grade nails you.
- Competitive potential. Okay, I didn’t race anyone today (except maybe my own stamina), but you totally can. Strava exists for a reason!
- Training pays off. Can actually feel getting a tiny bit faster on my usual loop over weeks.
So yeah. Anyone tries telling me riding is just “casual fun” next time, nah. After that hill battle and the sweat storm? Calling it anything less than a sport feels like a lie now. Gotta go stretch these legs properly.