It's a different kind of experience than if you were to check out every pebble and smell every flower. I don't think you can compare them and say which one is more valid.
To better understand the "other side", consider these:
o When going fast you cover more ground, see the mountain from different sides, catch the view from different peaks, etc...
o Exerting yourself physically excites the body and the mind. It's just a different overall experience, some would say more primal.
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