Was just having a lunchtime mull and was thinking that the main difference between cycling and driving is that cycling is smart where driving is technical.
And I think it's all down to the engine. Driving the bike is an infinitely variable, versatile and fuel efficient machine. Steering, braking and acceleration is assisted by a dynamic weight distribution system which has no effect on performance. All of this is controlled by a powerful central computer. The technology around the engine is enabling, but engine can continue unassisted by it.
Driving the car is a V8 2l whatever which works within certain limits of torque and horsepower. Controlled from powerful central computer, but this is limited to five levers, one of which is a simple six way switch. Steering is limited by issues such as turning angles and infrastructural limits. Performance and fuel efficiency is affected by technical limits to steering and braking. The technology around the engine is necessary, it cannot continue unassisted by it.
Really it's the complex simplicity of cycling that I love. The fact you can take an impossibly sharp corner just by shifting the weight on your pedals or power up a hill just by leaning forward is something to be celebrated, and the fact we all do things like this organically without the need to be shown just underlines how human it all is.
But that's just my 2c.
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