I am compelled to ride because of the rhythm and the buzz: the rhythm of my legs rising and falling and of my heartbeat and breathing, combined with the buzz of the chain and gears and the tires on the road. At times the wind in my ears subsides and this buzz is all I hear; I eventually realize that I am riding at exactly the speed and direction of the wind itself.

I choose to ride because of the benefits. Riding benefits me as well as my community and the environment. It’s the overwhelming logical choice, but the sheer bliss of being on the bike is what compels me to do it daily.

Touring is where my efforts are most rewarded. On foot, I would never have walked from California to Oregon to take the above photo. In a car, I probably would have driven right by.

—Daniel Mayeri