Something Old is New Again - For Me it is Bicycling

I owned a bicycling for years.  As a Boy Scout, I proudly earned the Cycling Merit Badge.  However, I did not use it much in my later years.  Even when I did spinning at the gym, I did not bike. 

Before I begin, I should thank the employees of Bike World (http://www.bikeworldky.com/). Especially Hutch, Martha and Landon.  They and other employees of Bike World were so helpful to my family when they had biking questions.  Based on Hutch’s recommendation, we bought a sturdy and easy to mount bike rack. We can also open the trunk. You may not think that means much, but it really does make a difference.

Since living in Virginia I biked around the neighborhood and quickly realized a few (or many) of the muscles I use when running are not the same ones when biking.  In fact, I think alternating between running and biking may be a very good exercise routine.

Recently I went for my first longer run on a bike path.  It was windy and I saw several other bikers and runners on the path.  Most of the bikers were far more serious about the sport than me. They had gloves, special clothes and several water bottles.  Before you ask, yes I do wear a helmet (more on that later).

Now, I am again enjoying biking. It is an excellent alternative to running.  Shifting gears is fun. But, I think one reason I have a renewed interest is the sheer number of bike trails and paths I have access to.  And a really good bike rack.  The counties in the region promote biking and have numerous and long bike paths. It is in the hundreds of miles. For those who like more of a challenge, you can hit the trails.  Even the U.S. parks in the area have several easy and difficult bike paths.

But most importantly, it is like running. I can just think or let my mind float and see what pops in (or does not).  At least to me biking and running both offer a different form of meditation.  No distractions, no interruptions, no noise.  Most importantly, I always feel better after a ride.

Postscript:  Since I wrote this I had a bicycle accident.  I was very lucky, only slightly fracturing my elbow.  No cast was required but I do have my arm in a sling.  Unfortunately I cannot recall how it happen. 

Before I started bicycling again, I briefly thought about not getting a helmet.  Now, I think it helped me minimize the injury. Now, I will wear a helmet all the time and never ride without one.  My family and I are very appreciative for Landon Beans with Bike World for convincing me to buy a very good and sturdy helmet. 

And yes, I am looking forward to bicycling (and running) again. Just as soon as my doctor clears me.  I miss running and bicycling.