I haven't paid for Strava yet. It's just a way to record days and distances so far. I collect more data than I need. I'm not sure what to do with it all yet.
Strava seems to have turned biking fun, into competition and getting pissed at yourself if you do not ride as much as others on the platform
Some really great Riders I know, do not get on any bike site, because of the "competition" factor.
The whole point of riding a bicycle, in my opinion, is to get in good physical shape, and not turn this sport into a Job!
I just started riding in 2020 and have been obsessed with going further distances and climbing, but now at the age of 65, I recently realized that I need to not let my home choirs suffer, as I am out riding all the free time, nice days. Trying to sell my house and move South next Summer, so I recently had to put my priorities on getting the outside of the house ready to sell.... Can not paint in the rain, so nice Fall days are consumed by fixing the house up, making wine (easy part inside), and still working as a Plumber HVAC Tech....
Cycling is the best "thing", I ever did for my body. I am way better shape now, lost a lot of weight, then when I was a lot younger!
RIDE ON, WINE ON, and Brew ON!