Cycling is..

stargazing at 5.30pm on a silent road in the middle of London, accepting being a bit sweaty, wearing earmuffs, getting sunshine and fresh air all year-round, having a niggling ache in your back from carrying too much shopping home, knowing what shoes completely filled with rainwater feels like, dashing down a massive hill with the breaks off, climbing the bloody hill in the first place, arguing with taxi-drivers, feeling proud at the lights when you set off in a pack, pocketing the money saved, admiring other bikes, getting greasy, feeling tired but happy, eating extra cheese / chocolate (both), not having to do traffic jams, getting everywhere on time, going on adventures with your mates like you did when you were a kid, smiling because you love your bike.