English 0301 Essay Zone: Example Essays
Goal:
Development and Support; Avoiding Comma-splices and Fragments
Example Essay #2: Cause and Effect Essay
Cycling For Life
When I get out of bed in the mornings, often times I feel the pull of the open road tugging at my slender muscular frame. No, I’m not a world traveler; I’m a cyclist. My oldest brother asked me once, "Why do you enjoy cycling so much?" He wanted to know the causes behind my almost fanatic interest in cycling. My reply, cycling is an awesome, exhilarating experience; a sensation like no other I know. The adrenalin rush, the competition, the physical and mental benefits are what I enjoy so much, and what keeps me and my bicycle on the roadways.
First of all, the thrill of the ride is always what I am seeking. The pure excitement that I feel as I whisk my bike around town at 25-30 M.P.H., riding side-by-side with traffic as I wind my way through local neighborhoods. Also, I strive for the rush of adrenalin hastening through my veins. So, I challenge passing cars; to see if I can beat them to a given landmark. Before my journey’s end, I am looking for that last flow of pure exhilaration. Thus, I scout my direction along chosen roadways were I encounter hills that really make me nervous. These hills offer long and fast descents. Occasionally I will obtain top speeds of 45-50 M.P.H. as I fly down these monsters. What a thrill!
Competition is another favorable aspect of why I enjoy cycling. Competing against fellow cyclist to see who may be, on that give day, the best. For instance, I’m about 18 miles into my ride when I notice some fellow riders sneaking up from behind me. Do I let them pass? Not without a fight for supremacy first. With a nod and a gesture this welcomed competition suddenly begins. We are all locked into opposition, back and forth as the lead keeps changing. My legs are burning from the build up of lactic acid; my lungs are ablaze from the lack of oxygen. I’m looking for something to quench my deepest thirst and all I find in my water bottle is a dust bowl of blowing sands. My mission is to win, or just to survive. Also, I enjoy challenging myself with log distance rides. Today’s competition covered almost fifty miles. So, not only did I compete for supremacy. But, I also competed against the extreme distance I forced myself into. Furthermore, I enjoy competing against me myself. How hard, how fast, and how long could I endure this tortuous endeavor? I realized, the competition is not the other cyclist, or the excessive distance. Rather, the competition is I and my inner self. I search for my inner discipline of intense concentration and the sheer will to go beyond my physical limits. Indeed, this realm of discipline is mind blowing and beckons me back time after time. But, once I achieve it, I feel a state of invincibility.
Lastly, cycling helps me maintain a good healthy body. Example, this type of training is the perfect aerobic exercise and an excellent workout for my heart and lungs. My resting heart rate varies between 40-46 beats a minute. Doctors tell me I have the lung capacity of a swimmer. Not to mention, I don’t have to worry about my self becoming overweight. Cycling shreds the pounds away and keeps them off. Also, cycling awards great stress management in my life. As you now, life gets crazy from week to week; family, work, and school issues always have you turned upside down. Cycling offers a great counter balance to all this madness and helps keep my nervous tension in repress.
To repeat, cycling is like my own fountain of youth; helping me to maintain good physical and mental health. I always thought I would live forever; I know cycling will help.