WTF! Why do people cheat on fitness apps?

[Rexlion]

I rode at a nice easy pace on my last ride, and it was refreshing. More time to look around, smell the plant life, etc. Usually I'm pushing hard up the hills, but it was fun to take it easy for a change. Might have to do it more often.

 

[PedalUma]

A shroom micro-dose might help after all devices have been removed while under the consultation of an expert. The non-data driven wonder of the current, present moment real-time will flower and open. They will never be constipated, mean, or shallow, soulless dorks, or left brained angry geeks ever again. Cured for good. They will be free of monkey brain, alive, real, happy on a ride in the present and in full context with the larger world around them and not slaves to an app on their riding on their back.

 

[jabberwocky]

Melancholy is incompatible with riding a bicycle. But those folks are not riding a bike, they are being driven by an app. That is why they look unhappy and constipated. Here is the ape app. Motivation has been externalized and made narrow and data driven, right-brain. Motivation should be intrinsic and about happiness in the moment and expansive, left-brain.

Jeebus, c'mon guys. Tracking rides and using strava/whatever doesn't make cycling less pure or indicate some sort of mental problem. I know lots of very passionate cyclists who track their rides. Some of them are like me, just liking the data, keeping up with where friends riding, tracking mileage, being able to look at past routes, etc. Some are people who take training and racing more seriously, and ride data is important to inform training. Cycling is a lot of things, but exercise is a major one, and its pretty normal to want some metrics for exercise you do regularly. People don't go to the gym and just grab whatever weight they are feeling that day, man, so the data-monkey doesn't rule them. I have always had loops I do regularly and I know where a fast time, a slow time and an average time is for those loops.

And the whole "people must look constantly happy while doing something they love" thing is... you have to be someone who throttles around exclusively to actually think that. Cycling is physically difficult. And thats something I love about it. I don't want it to be easy. I don't want to ride around barely exerting myself so I can smile at randoms I see and everyone can see how happy I am. Some of my most memorable rides are the ones where I struggled back into the parking lot, completely spent, after a long day out with friends. Where I barely had the leg strength to push the clutch pedal down in my car to drive home. I'm sure I looked pretty miserable at the end of those rides, but those are the ones that gave me the greatest sense of accomplishment and the ones that I fondly remember years later. Pushing yourself, exploring your limits, finding you have more in you than you thought, well, thats an amazing feeling.

Obviously everyone needs to figure out how best to enjoy cycling. Some people don't like tracking for various reasons. If it takes enjoyment away from riding for you, then don't do that. But it not being for you doesn't mean everyone else feels the same way.

 

[Gionnirocket]

Jeebus, c'mon guys. Tracking rides and using strava/whatever doesn't make cycling less pure or indicate some sort of mental problem. I know lots of very passionate cyclists who track their rides. Some of them are like me, just liking the data, keeping up with where friends riding, tracking mileage, being able to look at past routes, etc. Some are people who take training and racing more seriously, and ride data is important to inform training. Cycling is a lot of things, but exercise is a major one, and its pretty normal to want some metrics for exercise you do regularly. People don't go to the gym and just grab whatever weight they are feeling that day, man, so the data-monkey doesn't rule them. I have always had loops I do regularly and I know where a fast time, a slow time and an average time is for those loops.

And the whole "people must look constantly happy while doing something they love" thing is... you have to be someone who throttles around exclusively to actually think that. Cycling is physically difficult. And thats something I love about it. I don't want it to be easy. I don't want to ride around barely exerting myself so I can smile at randoms I see and everyone can see how happy I am. Some of my most memorable rides are the ones where I struggled back into the parking lot, completely spent, after a long day out with friends. Where I barely had the leg strength to push the clutch pedal down in my car to drive home. I'm sure I looked pretty miserable at the end of those rides, but those are the ones that gave me the greatest sense of accomplishment and the ones that I fondly remember years later. Pushing yourself, exploring your limits, finding you have more in you than you thought, well, thats an amazing feeling.

Obviously you are right... But then there's the other extreme where someone can't make a post without maps, graphs and crying.. "Look at me, look at me". If you try to contribute anything to a conversation you get "where are your stats."
Some morons even collect and publish data on a 15 minute test ride at an LBS.

I have no use for collecting and publishing stats. I push myself on almost every ride and I'm not throttling around... but I also don't require validation or praise from others.
Yesterday I was operating on my 3rd day in a row with less than 4 hours sleep but I still wanted to get out and ride and unwind. I didn't/couldn't push myself as usual but I still found the ride productive and beneficial... and yes I was smiling at others and just enjoying the beautiful weather.
For many of us cycling is not a goal... It's an escape from daily responsibilities and statistic gathering/publishing doesn't even enter our minds. But this in no way diminishes the enjoyment, commitment or claim of being a valid cyclist.

Obviously everyone needs to figure out how best to enjoy cycling. Some people don't like tracking for various reasons. If it takes enjoyment away from riding for you, then don't do that. But it not being for you doesn't mean everyone else feels the same way.

And some strava bitches... just can't understand this.

 

[Slaphappygamer]

I work with a guy whose religion is cycling. He has a few very light road bikes. He is very competitive. He bikes about 60 miles a day. He is also 54ish years old. It’s fun to talk to him about his ventures. I recently learned that he builds his bikes.

On the other hand, I bike to avoid the afternoon commute. I’ve timed it, by car I can get to work in 12 minutes. On the way home, it’s almost 45 minutes to travel the same 4 miles.

Soon after I got my bike, I realized there is so much more to the bike than just the mechanics. I love adding things and organizing my bike. Soon, I plan to rewire my bike and change a few things around. I get as much joy working on the bike as I do riding it.

 

[fooferdoggie]

I think most serious cyclists love riding, even if they are working hard and look unhappy. I enjoy riding but do ride for fitness as well and I’m sure when Im pushing hard up a climb Im not smiling.

exactly I dont smile while I ride this my blind wife's job on the back of the tandem.

 

[Gionnirocket]

That doesn't explain the miserable faces I pass on flats and even down hill when you should at least be enjoying the speed rush.
ahh the face of the determined miserable f*cks... such a badge of honor.

 

[Slaphappygamer]

That doesn't explain the miserable faces I pass on flats and even down hill when you should at least be enjoying the speed rush.
ahh the face of the determined miserable f*cks... such a badge of honor.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

An inclusive approach to cycling would respect riders who don't look blissful, riders who contribute little to their forward progress, and riders who crave outdoor exertion. It would celebrate utility riders in particular.

Look down on the yahoos who choose to ride like jerks. They deserve it. But looking down on responsible riders who don't happen to ride like you do is also a character flaw.

 

[BlackHand]

An inclusive approach to cycling would respect riders who don't look blissful, riders who contribute little to their forward progress, and riders who crave outdoor exertion. It would celebrate utility riders in particular.

Look down on the yahoos who choose to ride like jerks. They deserve it. But looking down on responsible riders don't ride like you is also a character flaw.

You're forgetting that Gionni doesn't give a f**k as he so frequently and vociferously reminds us every time Strava is mentioned.

 

[Gionnirocket]

An inclusive approach to cycling would respect riders who don't look blissful, riders who contribute little to their forward progress, and riders who crave outdoor exertion. It would celebrate utility riders in particular.

Look down on the yahoos who choose to ride like jerks. They deserve it. But looking down on responsible riders don't ride like you is also a character flaw.

I think you hit the nail on the head!
That's why they look so miserable. It's not that they are enveloped in exertion... It's that they can't accept that they have to share the path with cycling infidels.

You're forgetting that Gionni doesn't give a f**k as he so frequently and vociferously reminds us every time Strava is mentioned.

View attachment 175548

Sometimes I can't even give half a f*ck... especially if you mix Specialized and Strava in the same circle_jerk.

 

[jabberwocky]

Obviously you are right... But then there's the other extreme where someone can't make a post without maps, graphs and crying.. "Look at me, look at me". If you try to contribute anything to a conversation you get "where are your stats."
Some morons even collect and publish data on a 15 minute test ride at an LBS.

All technology can be used to enable crappy behavior. Ebikes are firmly in that category too. There are definitely riders who would be ok on a normal bike but ride like raging dickheads when they get a motor and throttle.

I have no use for collecting and publishing stats. I push myself on almost every ride and I'm not throttling around... but I also don't require validation or praise from others.

Ok? I don't either. It sounds like seeing people posting their rides bothers you. Sure, don't do strava then. To each their own. I like seeing people doing interesting rides. I like seeing where my friends are riding. Social media can amplify some bad impulses (for attention for validation, whatever) but this not some inherent quality. I've known a few people who chase strava glory to an unhealthy degree, but the vast majority of cyclists I know aren't doing that. At all. Its just a way to show friends what they're doing, track their rides for whatever purpose and keep up with friends.

For many of us cycling is not a goal... It's an escape from daily responsibilities and statistic gathering/publishing doesn't even enter our minds. But this in no way diminishes the enjoyment, commitment or claim of being a valid cyclist.

Whether you're tracking your rides and training seriously or enjoying the flowers and breezes with a smile, you're a valid cyclist. I hate gatekeeping.

An inclusive approach to cycling would respect riders who don't look blissful, riders who contribute little to their forward progress, and riders who crave outdoor exertion. It would celebrate utility riders in particular.

Look down on the yahoos who choose to ride like jerks. They deserve it. But looking down on responsible riders don't ride like you is also a character flaw.

Yeah, absolutely. There are a bunch of ways to enjoy cycling. None of them are "wrong". You don't even need to enjoy it. I don't enjoy driving my car, but I need to get from point A to point B sometimes. In my bike commuting days there were definitely days I didn't enjoy being on the bike, but I needed to get to work and would rather ride than drive.

 

[PedalUma]

I think the left brain, connected to the right hand,

You are correct. I know this stuff and it was a type-o.

@jabberwocky, This is entertainment. I have been taking a POV role here to keep the ball bouncing. It is not serious.

 

[PedalUma]

This is why we ride bikes. And, cargo moms are the best. I befriended new one today. She is so sweet and bit of a hip hippy chick. Ride to a lovely spot with some friends and have a picnic. It is a one hour impromptu mini-vacation. We found a flat worm that changes colors when you touch it. Found bugs, identified wildflowers, and beautiful lichens, then fed our spare organic carrots to the free-range cattle, after finding some wild spices and climbing trees. We could see the sea to Jenner. Then we all went back to work a few miles away. Being in the moment is worth more than the statistics of a past ride. I told a friend that she could dress as Julie Andrews.

 

[PedalUma]

The free-range cows just walk up to you expecting a friendly greeting with a food hand out. They are curios more than skittish. Torque sensor cargo bikes let you still feel the contours, elevation and climbs, but without too much pain. I know how to do the right moos. It has to be big, low and long, with a higher pitch at the middle that drops down. They come running. A sniff of carrots on the wind helps.

 

[fooferdoggie]

the more you smile while riding the more bugs you get in your mouth. so serious cyclists don't smile they cant digest al that extra protein.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

All technology can be used to enable crappy behavior. Ebikes are firmly in that category too. There are definitely riders who would be ok on a normal bike but ride like raging dickheads when they get a motor and throttle.

Or a simple cadence-sensing ebike that enables ghost-pedaling. Then the pedals are effectively all-or-nothing foot throttles.

The yahoos will always be with us, and respect for rules and other people is at an all-time low in my 75 years. That's why we can't have nice things.

 

[Gionnirocket]

Or a simple cadence-sensing ebike that enables ghost-pedaling. Then the pedals are effectively all-or-nothing foot throttles.

Isn't that what you own?

The yahoos will always be with us, and respect for rules and other people is at all-time low in my 75 years. That's why we can't have nice things.

I have nice things

All technology can be used to enable crappy behavior. Ebikes are firmly in that category too. There are definitely riders who would be ok on a normal bike but ride like raging dickheads when they get a motor and throttle.

I concur

Ok? I don't either. It sounds like seeing people posting their rides bothers you. Sure, don't do strava then. To each their own. I like seeing people doing interesting rides. I like seeing where my friends are riding. Social media can amplify some bad impulses (for attention for validation, whatever) but this not some inherent quality. I've known a few people who chase strava glory to an unhealthy degree, but the vast majority of cyclists I know aren't doing that. At all. Its just a way to show friends what they're doing, track their rides for whatever purpose and keep up with friends.

I'm not talking about people mutually sharing stats and ride info socially in general.
I'm talking about interjecting your stats and ride info into other conversations and then trying to use them as some sort of status symbol that then elevates you to an expert in all things cycling. I wouldn't say I'm loosing sleep over any of this... but it will make you a target for some olive twisting.
In general I don't take much of this too seriously and I'm looking for a a laugh more than anything else.

Whether you're tracking your rides and training seriously or enjoying the flowers and breezes with a smile, you're a valid cyclist. I hate gatekeeping.

My sentiments and why I twist'em on them.

Yeah, absolutely. There are a bunch of ways to enjoy cycling. None of them are "wrong". You don't even need to enjoy it. I don't enjoy driving my car, but I need to get from point A to point B sometimes. In my bike commuting days there were definitely days I didn't enjoy being on the bike, but I needed to get to work and would rather ride than drive.

I concur.

 

[Rexlion]

The free-range cows just walk up to you expecting a friendly greeting with a food hand out. They are curios more than skittish. Torque sensor cargo bikes let you still feel the contours, elevation and climbs, but without too much pain. I know how to do the right moos. It has to be big, low and long, with a higher pitch at the middle that drops down. They come running. A sniff of carrots on the wind helps.

Sounds like the cows were not cow-ards. And that's no bull.

 

[Chargeride]

My friends are obsessed with Strava and its stats, I eventually caved in a few years back and went to a Scottish MTB trail with them on an early DIY electric bike.
Straight away they started bleating that my stats wouldn't count.
I don't even have the app...
So we arrived in several vans, the scenery is beyond stunning,

No one mentions it..OK, they come here a lot I guess.

We proceeded to tear around the course at breakneck speed, instantly it become a competition, there was zero banter or stops to admire the scenery, every mistake was met with the rider cursing himself.
We got to back to the vans and the slower riders were sulking.

Straight back on the road for four hours home.
That night the group chat was entirely speed stats.

I guess I'm not a very competitive person, though I do like a challenge, me vs the terrain.

These are men in their sixties.
Mid life crisis possibly, but it's hard to deny that the fitness and drive is good for the physical and mental health overall.
They are all fitter in their sixties than their entire lives, but it is becoming quite obsessive and I've drifted from the group, there is nothing to be gained from being the topdog.
It just feeds envy and petty behaviour in my experience.