That feeling.

[Onthedrops]

I was out for a ride last Sunday.
Now it's a bit hilly round these parts so climbs are unavoidable. I'd just completed a long steady climb and the old lungs had been given a good workout. Turned left and rode along a rambling country road. Turned a corner and was met with a beautiful view of the valley way below stretching as far as the eye could see.
At that time I got an amazing feeling of freedom and overall happiness, especially as I was riding in the warm sunshine. (I know, a bit poetic and deep)

It was a general feeling of enjoying the ride out, in the sunshine and out in the countryside. I just felt how much I loved this cycling mullarkey and was able to take in the view and surroundings as I pedalled along. Something I think you could never experience in a car.

Anyone else think the weather and surroundings make riding all that much more enjoyable?

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

I like dark and rain.

 

[Onthedrops]

I like dark and rain.

Puts a completely different complexion on it @Marmion . Riding in the dark is something else, especially on quiet unlit country roads. It's a lot quieter for a start and you tend to hear everything. From rustles in bushes from night creatures to roadside streams. Can be a bit spooky tbh!

 

[Pat "5mph"]

I like dark and rain.

You certainly live in the right place for it!

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

Can be a bit spooky tbh!

Boo!

 

[Slick]

I was out for a ride last Sunday.
Now it's a bit hilly round these parts so climbs are unavoidable. I'd just completed a long steady climb and the old lungs had been given a good workout. Turned left and rode along a rambling country road. Turned a corner and was met with a beautiful view of the valley way below stretching as far as the eye could see.
At that time I got an amazing feeling of freedom and overall happiness, especially as I was riding in the warm sunshine. (I know, a bit poetic and deep)

It was a general feeling of enjoying the ride out, in the sunshine and out in the countryside. I just felt how much I loved this cycling mullarkey and was able to take in the view and surroundings as I pedalled along. Something I think you could never experience in a car.

Anyone else think the weather and surroundings make riding all that much more enjoyable?

I quite often think the very same thing. One thing that does continue to surprise me is when and what exactly brings that feeling on. Sun and traditional view points don't always do it for me, some of my best rides have been in the wet. Even as I type it, I question it. Different strokes I suppose.

 

[raleighnut]

Puts a completely different complexion on it @Marmion . Riding in the dark is something else, especially on quiet unlit country roads. It's a lot quieter for a start and you tend to hear everything. From rustles in bushes from night creatures to roadside streams. Can be a bit spooky tbh!

It's fantastic at night when there's a touch of mist, I run a dual front light system and those 2 beams reflecting off the water droplets

I used to set off on tours at half 3 or 4am regularly.

 

[tallliman]

Agree with the op. Misty days down near the Trent whilst potentially dangerous are quite fun!

 

[Vantage]

I remember seeing this on a night ride and was gobsmacked at how gorgeous it was. It reminded me of why I loved cycling. The photo doesn't do the actual sight any justice.
According the metadata, June 2014 just after 11pm.

 

[Mrs M]

I love cycling on a sunny day, feeling the warmth on my back as I toddle along
Also riding along in the fog
Had a great ride a while back on the roadie, set off on a lovely sunny day, short sleeves, etc. A wee distance from home it began pelting down (Florida weather). Sunscreen was making a streaky white pattern down my arms and I was literally soaked through, magic fun though. Just caught in the moment, would never set off in that weather.
Some great moments that just freeze in time and you always remember them

 

[Slick]

I love cycling on a sunny day, feeling the warmth on my back as I toddle along
Also riding along in the fog
Had a great ride a while back on the roadie, set off on a lovely sunny day, short sleeves, etc. A wee distance from home it began pelting down (Florida weather). Sunscreen was making a streaky white pattern down my arms and I was literally soaked through, magic fun though. Just caught in the moment, would never set off in that weather.
Some great moments that just freeze in time and you always remember them

Lots of opportunities for you to ride in fog then.

 

[NorthernDave]

I was out for a ride last Sunday.
Now it's a bit hilly round these parts so climbs are unavoidable. I'd just completed a long steady climb and the old lungs had been given a good workout. Turned left and rode along a rambling country road. Turned a corner and was met with a beautiful view of the valley way below stretching as far as the eye could see.
At that time I got an amazing feeling of freedom and overall happiness, especially as I was riding in the warm sunshine. (I know, a bit poetic and deep)

It was a general feeling of enjoying the ride out, in the sunshine and out in the countryside. I just felt how much I loved this cycling mullarkey and was able to take in the view and surroundings as I pedalled along. Something I think you could never experience in a car.

Anyone else think the weather and surroundings make riding all that much more enjoyable?

Yep - you're right.

Although I live in one of the biggest cities in the country I can get on the bike and be in the countryside in 10 minutes or so - add a few more miles on and you'd have no idea a metropolis was so close. Does me the world of good, I can tell you.