I ride for a variety of reasons.

1. There is only room for 1 car in our garage so when we needed an extra mode of transport we decided to get a bike because it fits in too.

2. To get to work and back home again.

3. To go out on group rides and enjoy social interaction with other like minded people.

4. An appreciation of good engineering. I can't afford a car that is as well engineered as my bike.

5. To be able to pwn boy racers. I know, it's stupid but its in my nature...

6. Most importantly I ride as a meditative device. Riding with full concentration should allow you to turn off what is known as your normal internal dialogue. Any thoughts regarding payment of bills, replies to emails, issues at work, schedules, household chores and any other kind of crap should be banished. The table of your mind should be cleared and by doing so you achieve a greater oneness with the universe than you can normally get. Riding a scenic twisty route, concentrating 100% on the road surface, surroundings, traffic, gearshifts, braking, throttle, etc. will leave no room on your table for the crud of daily life so it will all disappear. I used to get the same effect out of downhill skiing when I lived in part of the world where that activity is more convenient than it is here. Now I get the same kind of meditation from biking. It really does set you free.

So, in a nutshell I ride for practical reasons, appreciation of a fine machine and for meditation.