Fitness wise I've never warmed to cycling I don't know why? The last time I went cycling I was in the South of France and porbably only went 2 miles but was walking like John Wayne for the next two days. I can run marathons, spend hours in the gym etc but cycling just hits the wrong spots too hard for me.
You are correct you do miss things when you are in the car but for me driving is for getting from A to B and as long as I've got my cigs and the radio blaring I'm happy plus I really enjoy driving. I'll have to watch out which cyclist I'm beeping my horn at Peter, it may well be you!