I started out as an avid runner from an early age, from the time my brothers chased me until I became a competitive runner in high school and college. After a series of knee surgeries, I received the news that, at just age 24, I was bone-on-bone with the knee of an 80 year old. My doctor said, “If you want to walk when you are 30, you need to stop all impact sports now.”
So I did. And thus opened the wonderful world of riding a bike.
Here are my top 10 reasons to ride a bike.
#10 Before you Ride.
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Check your tire pressure. The recommended pressure is on the sidewall of the wheel.
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Oil your chain if it looks dry or makes squeaky sounds when you ride.
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Check your brakes, are they working?
#9 Prep Your Bike for your Ride
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Take a tool kit that has an extra tube, tire pump (or CO2 cartridge), tire repair kit, tire levers (to take the tire off the rim) and multi-tool. If you don’t know how to change a tire, check with the bike shops.
#8 Prep Your Self for your Ride
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Bike shorts were invented for a reason. But if you don’t have any, or don’t like the look, snug fitting shorts/pants will feel better because they won’t bunch up in those sensitive areas. Wear layers for the weather to stay comfortable
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Wear glasses for eye protection. Mud, sticks, even wind can hurt. Protect your eyes.
#7 Wear a Helmet
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Always. I know at least 6 people who wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for their helmets, me included. Set a good example for your kids
#6 Bring Food & Water
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Always bring a water bottle. If you are out for an aggressive ride for more than an hour, you may want to add electrolytes or a carbohydrate/electrolyte mix to the water.
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Take a snack. Running out of energy when you ride is a bummer. Take easy to digest foods like energy bars (more carbohydrates than protein), gels, or I like peanut butter and banana sandwiches.
#5 You can ride a bike at any age
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You can go fast for exercise, you can go slow to enjoy the scenery, you can commute to save gas. It’s all good.
#4 Cycling is much easier on your feet, ankles, knees, and hips than running
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My doctor recently told me that if it wasn’t for my cycling and staying light weight, I would have had to have had my knee replaced 10 years ago. With 8 knee surgeries, I’m still going strong with my original equipment – thanks to cycling.
#3 Cycling burns a ton of calories and is great for your heart and lungs
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According to Myfitnesspal.com, a relaxing bike ride (<10 mph) burns 272 calories versus an easy walk (2 mph) at 170 calories per hour, and a 60-minute bike ride at 14-16 miles per hour will burn about 680 calories (150 pound person).
#2 Cycling makes you smile and feel alive
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Whether you’re out in beautiful sunshine or a blustery day, you are going somewhere and doing something good for your body. Plus, if you happen to be riding your bike instead of driving a car, you are doing good for the world by reducing pollution, using no gas and reducing traffic congestion on the road.
#1 Explore! Ride for Adventure
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Think back to when you learned how to ride a bike. Remember the thrill? Maybe you got lost? Perhaps you rode farther than you were supposed to? There is so much adventure to be had on your own bike.
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Let the kids choose the route.
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Get out and enjoy our beautiful scenery!
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Travel by bike! Whether it is with a guide or on your own, bicycle touring is so fulfilling! You have a huge accomplishment every day, burn a ton of calories so you can indulge in the local cuisine and you’ll see far more than from a car, bus, or a train. Plus you get all of the health benefits of riding a bike.
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Now, get on your bike and ride!
Owner & Manager Bellingham Tennis Club & Fairhaven Fitness
Creator of www.PowertoPedal.com
Robin and her husband have traveled around the world on their bikes and most recently were in Tuscany, Italy on a two week self-guided adventure riding from hill town to hill town. Robin has also developed a set of indoor cycling videos to teach techniques to make it easier to ride. She also provides cycle coaching and indoor training at the Bellingham Tennis Club & Fairhaven Fitness.
