Riding through the years I see cycling not only as a hobby but also as a profession.
The professional aspects of cycling are many and crucial to the sport as well as to the mode of transportation.
At the top I would place advocacy groups for their influence on building and maintaining the sport as well as the mode of transportation that cycling has become.
In the US there are a number of national advocates. The LAB or League of American Bicyclists is a credible one. There are also more local advocacy groups in most states and even cities.
I have been a member/advocate of LAB for a number of years now. When I called while writing my book they picked up the phone. They really care.
Bicycling is also about maintenance for many riders both professional and do-it-yourself. Over the years, I’ve balanced my maintenance needs between these two although I may say I have been learning to take on heavier loads on my own.
There are different types of riding, including joy riding, commuting to places of employment and errands.
I have a carbon road bike, a Lemond Zurich, that I ride to the countryside for my joy riding. For commuting to my work, I have a heavier aluminum bike with trailer that I use to carry equipment. I use the aluminum Fuji Absolute 1.7 for errands planned or spontaneous as well.
