This summer I use more than ever my bike. I was a bike-fan before, too, but this time, there is no compromise. There is no distance or difficulty that can make me lazy to do. And also, this summer I managed to get out of the city. Twice. Hundred and fifty km.

There is a bigger challenge on using your bike in the countryside, but there are so many advantages to it. You do a sport while you move from one point to another. The bike is better than the car, since:

a) does not require gas
b) you can fix it easily
c) you can stop in the middle of the forest, make a pick-nick and go.

No need for parking, no worries you will get stuck into traffic, no dangerous drivers around you... You have all your things with you, at one hand distance, computer, camera, clothes for a few days, food. You are independent... and free. The process of mastering your bike, as well as fixing it looks to me like the Free Software learning curve - you start slower (especially in spring, when your muscles are not skilled), and then, by the end of the summer, you feel great. Fixing it once, makes it easier next time. Changing the tire - same thing. Each time you get better.