Hobby

I believe that everyone should have a hobby. My primary hobby is cycling. I ride bikes. I ride on the road, on the trail, off the beaten path, and indoors on stationary bikes. I developed this hobby beginning in 8th grade. Cycling is a demanding sport and requires one to maintain health. Thanks to my bike, I was motivated to say no to smoking and drugs during high school. I was a gloomy teen, but I always looked forward to pedaling through the sand and rock of northern New Mexico. I rode almost every day after school. Cycling was a natural antidepressant for me during those crazy years. It's quite possible that cycling saved my life.
My bike hobby helped me in uncountable ways. It increased my mechanical aptitude. I would regularly take my bike completely apart, clean each piece, then reassemble it in excellent working order. The hobby taught me patience, persistence, and focus. I would train to overcome my weaknesses in fitness and technique. The hobby increased my social skills and helped me make some terrific friends. I participated in lots of organized cycling events and races. In college, I continued to race for our intercollegiate cycling team. The hobby taught me to navigate, analyze data, solve problems, and challenge myself. It taught me to find an inner quite and to appreciate the beauty of the environment. It taught me self-sufficiency and survival. I could go on and on. I'm a better person as a result of my hobby. Everyone should have a hobby.