Advantages of cycling for Introverts

[Andy in Germany]

I've been thinking a bit about how much cycling is helpful to me as an introvert in a world which, let's be honest here, is designed for Extroverts. Examples I've found so far are:

• You can cycle/travel alone, which really cuts down on unnecessary small talk; this also neutralises the old extrovert comment of "You should get outside more / do more sports." I "get out" more than most people, and I'm a lot more active then them.
• It is an "acceptable" activity to do on your own: I dreaded the question "what did you do on the weekend?" because "I made a model of a railway locomotive" Is apparently not "acceptable". People react very differently when I say "I cycled to Tübingen and back".
• Cycling with other people can be a way so socialise without doing more extroverted activities like going to the pub or karaoke night. It also means that the focus is on the road, bikes, map or landmark, not on me, and it means we're never short of a conversation subject.
• Also, it isn't loud or competitive.
• I'm not expected to "stop and chat" with people when I ride in the the local area. This is an advantage over walking which people seem to think is an invitation to make small talk.
• Riding gives automatic common ground with other cyclists so it's a easier way to have conversations without having to work out what to say.
• It also provides a way to stop conversations by cycling faster/slower/in a different direction.

What other advantages have I missed?

 

[Mo1959]

I've been thinking a bit about how much cycling is helpful to me as an introvert in a world which, let's be honest here, is designed for Extroverts. Examples I've found so far are:

You can cycle/travel alone, which really cuts down on unnecessary small talk; this also neutralises the old extrovert comment of "You should get outside more / do more sports." I "get out" more than most people, and I'm a lot more active then them.

It is an "acceptable" activity to do on your own: I dreaded the question "what did you do on the weekend?" because "I made a model of a railway locomotive" Is apparently not "acceptable". People react very differently when I say "I cycled to Tübingen and back".

Cycling with other people can be a way so socialise without doing more extroverted activities like going to the pub or karaoke night. It also means that the focus is on the road, bikes, map or landmark, not on me, and it means we're never short of a subject.

Also, it isn't loud or competitive.

I'm not expected to "stop and chat" with people when I ride in the the local area. This is an advantage over walking which people seem to think is an invitation to make small talk.

Riding gives automatic common ground with other cyclists so it's a easier way to have conversations without having to work out what to say.

It also provides a way to stop conversations by cycling in a different direction.

And other advantages I've missed?

I am extremely introverted. I nearly always prefer to walk, jog and cycle on my own. I can cope with the occasional conversation if someone comes alongside for a while but I’ve never gone out of my way to seek company. I used to let it bother me and think I should make more effort, but the older I get I think who cares.......I no longer care if people think I’m strange!

 

[Deleted member 1258]

My cycling keeps me sane whilst dealing with my Good Ladies health problems.

 

[Andy in Germany]

I am extremely introverted. I nearly always prefer to walk, jog and cycle on my own. I can cope with the occasional conversation if someone comes alongside for a while but I’ve never gone out of my way to seek company. I used to let it bother me and think I should make more effort, but the older I get I think who cares.......I no longer care if people think I’m strange!

There's an increasing body of evidence that introverts brains work differently: we seem to process information differently using more sections of our brains, so it becomes stressful to be in a "social" situation because we can't respond fast enough.

I'm familiar with the "People think you're weird" thing as well, but that just shows how extroverts rather naturally have created a culture where extroversion is the norm.

 

[Mrs M]

Relief! not only me
We’re off next week to Lanzarote
Mr M and his brother will be golfing
I will be reunited with my beloved Mr Arbuckle (fat bike)
Love going off on my own along the coast, enjoying the sights and sounds, love watching and listening to the sea.
Will also meet the cats from Freddy’s cat house

Maybe I am a wee weirdo but I don’t care

 

[Slick]

I've been thinking a bit about how much cycling is helpful to me as an introvert in a world which, let's be honest here, is designed for Extroverts. Examples I've found so far are:

• You can cycle/travel alone, which really cuts down on unnecessary small talk; this also neutralises the old extrovert comment of "You should get outside more / do more sports." I "get out" more than most people, and I'm a lot more active then them.
• It is an "acceptable" activity to do on your own: I dreaded the question "what did you do on the weekend?" because "I made a model of a railway locomotive" Is apparently not "acceptable". People react very differently when I say "I cycled to Tübingen and back".
• Cycling with other people can be a way so socialise without doing more extroverted activities like going to the pub or karaoke night. It also means that the focus is on the road, bikes, map or landmark, not on me, and it means we're never short of a subject.
• Also, it isn't loud or competitive.
• I'm not expected to "stop and chat" with people when I ride in the the local area. This is an advantage over walking which people seem to think is an invitation to make small talk.
• Riding gives automatic common ground with other cyclists so it's a easier way to have conversations without having to work out what to say.
• It also provides a way to stop conversations by cycling faster/slower/in a different direction.

What other advantages have I missed?

There must be something in the middle as I would describe myself as neither introverted or extroverted and I enjoy the company of others on leisure rides but I do find great benefits of sorting out the events of the day on my cycle home at night. Also I find that's the best time to help me plan out how best to deal with things the next day. Not sure what that makes me, if anything.

 

[Slick]

Relief! not only me
We’re off next week to Lanzarote
Mr M and his brother will be golfing
I will be reunited with my beloved Mr Arbuckle (fat bike)
Love going off on my own along the coast, enjoying the sights and sounds, love watching and listening to the sea.
Will also meet the cats from Freddy’s cat house View attachment 504827
View attachment 504828


Maybe I am a wee weirdo but I don’t care

Ah, enjoy. 👍

Not sure if I'm more envious of the cycling or the golfing.

 

[Deleted member 1258]

There's an increasing body of evidence that introverts brains work differently: we seem to process information differently using more sections of our brains, so it becomes stressful to be in a "social" situation because we can't respond fast enough.

I'm familiar with the "People think you're weird" thing as well, but that just shows how extroverts rather naturally have created a culture where extroversion is the norm.

Too busy, too noisy, there's a huge supermarket near me that does my head in, I prefer the small one near by. Also making conversation, I struggle with that.

 

[All uphill]

I think you have summarised the benefits for introverts brilliantly! Its definitely good to know I am not alone.

The building, repair and maintenance time is also very good for me.

When I meet someone who doesn't understand I remember " don't apologise and don't explain". It saves a lot of misunderstandings.

 

[Reynard]

Yeah, cycling is definitely my "me time."

I'm not very good in large gatherings where you are expected to be sociable as I'm rather shy, not great at small talk and teetotal - I much prefer the company of one or two friends at the time, preferably over a pot of tea and plate of cake. Am also hard of hearing, so it's not always easy to keep track of people and conversations in large noisy spaces.

Cat shows are a bit like cycling, as I can interact or not as I choose. Though as a judge, I have to keep interaction with exhibitors to a minimum until I've signed my certificates anyway. At motor racing meetings I can hide behind my (large) camera.

Although some of the people I know think cycling (especially utility cycling) is actually far madder than yellow stickering, painting, writing or puttering about with my archive...

 

[marinyork]

There must be something in the middle as I would describe myself as neither introverted or extroverted and I enjoy the company of others on leisure rides but I do find great benefits of sorting out the events of the day on my cycle home at night. Also I find that's the best time to help me plan out how best to deal with things the next day. Not sure what that makes me, if anything.

Ambiverts are in the middle.

You sound maybe a slight introvert from limited what bas been written.

Introversion v Extroversion is part of the big five personality traits or OCEAN, where E is for extroversion. It's well studied but only one trait.

 

[Brandane]

I always wondered if cycling was the sport of choice of introverts; it makes sense from what has been said.
I was diagnosed with social anxiety many years ago. It only affects me in more formal situations (weddings, funerals, meetings, interviews etc..) so I consider myself lucky as I have outwardly been able to live a reasonably normal life. I enjoy going to the pub, for instance, but prefer when it's not overly busy. I also managed to hold down the job of Police officer for 19 years but that was a struggle and maybe social anxiety contributed to my eventual medical discharge. Who knows; but it was a Police related event that led to my diagnosis. For those that don't know, social anxiety is a form of extreme shyness - but those who have met me might be surprised at that .
Cycling has, over the years, provided me with motivation for getting out the door when it might have been easy to put my feet up at home. Now - all I need is some decent weather .

 

[Slick]

Ambiverts are in the middle.

You sound maybe a slight introvert from limited what bas been written.

Introversion v Extroversion is part of the big five personality traits or OCEAN, where E is for extroversion. It's well studied but only one trait.

Interesting. I reckon I'm neither one or other but have been both on many different occasions, if that makes sense.

 

[Mrs M]

I’m a wee bit of both
I think

 

[mudsticks]

I've been thinking a bit about how much cycling is helpful to me as an introvert in a world which, let's be honest here, is designed for Extroverts. Examples I've found so far are:

• You can cycle/travel alone, which really cuts down on unnecessary small talk; this also neutralises the old extrovert comment of "You should get outside more / do more sports." I "get out" more than most people, and I'm a lot more active then them.
• It is an "acceptable" activity to do on your own: I dreaded the question "what did you do on the weekend?" because "I made a model of a railway locomotive" Is apparently not "acceptable". People react very differently when I say "I cycled to Tübingen and back".
• Cycling with other people can be a way so socialise without doing more extroverted activities like going to the pub or karaoke night. It also means that the focus is on the road, bikes, map or landmark, not on me, and it means we're never short of a subject.
• Also, it isn't loud or competitive.
• I'm not expected to "stop and chat" with people when I ride in the the local area. This is an advantage over walking which people seem to think is an invitation to make small talk.
• Riding gives automatic common ground with other cyclists so it's a easier way to have conversations without having to work out what to say.
• It also provides a way to stop conversations by cycling faster/slower/in a different direction.

What other advantages have I missed?

Can relate to all that..
Although I reckon I'm about 60% intro 40% extro.

I love interesting company, and conversation.

But I can get that from myself too.

And I definitely need to spend a good chunk of time by myself so as not to get irritated by other humans - however nice they are.

I think identifying, and understanding those needs in ourselves would reduce a lot of interpersonal confluct.

I'm not totally sure that the world is set up for extroverts, they just tend to make a whole load more noise..

You have to find a way of making some space.

Luckily my work allows me to do that.

And I very rarely cycle with others, cycling is utterly selfish 'me' time, so having to keep up with, or wait for others, impinges on all that.

If I'm on tour I might randomly hook up with other cyclists for a few hours or days.

But oh the luxury of being able to make one's excuses, and push off in glorious solitude again.