Check into cycling events after you have been cycling awhile, and found out how addictive it can be!
Completing a long ride is very good both emotionally as well as physically. There is a real sense of accomplishment when you complete a challenging ride. Although you may be physically beat, when you receive your “patch” or t-shirt or?? , you feel really proud of yourself. You don’t have to come in first (unless that was your goal), just do the best you can. It doesn’t have to be a race to really enjoy the ride and the camaraderie.