Think back to when you were a kid. A bike was usually the very first way you could get around on your own accord. It was simultaneously your vehicle for freedom and your play toy. I’ve got good news, it’s still both of those things today.
Meeting New People, See New Places
There is an unfortunate stigma that all cyclists are a closed off, snooty and an unwelcoming community, when in fact, this isn’t the case. Just do a quick google search for your local bike shop and you’ll likely find that they host weekly group rides, have a cycling team or will be happy to provide you with information on where you can safely ride around your city. Speaking of riding around where you live, when you start riding you’ll see your town in a whole new way. I’ve explored so many back roads and neighborhoods on my bike that I’d have otherwise never known were there.
Once you start dabbling with cycling, it’s a slippery slope. You’ll start having fun and you’ll want to go farther, go faster, and see more places. There are so many opportunities to do all of those things. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned professional, Gran Fondos are great opportunities to check off all those boxes. The BPMS150 is also an excellent race to break the cycling ice. Both are usually fully supported, full of encouraging cyclists and because they're not official races, you can go as fast or as slow as you want.
It’s all about socializing
Well, some of the time anyway. For me, I definitely need a few rides a week that isn’t about training but are about riding with friends to a cafe to get coffee and pastries. Cyclists are known to have a soft spot for delicious treats and finely roasted coffee, so it’s not a hard sell to work these rides into a weekly routine.
When I’m looking to do a longer or more challenging ride, there are times I want to do that alone, but most of the time it’s great to have company. Not only can you take turns pulling or drafting, but it’s simply nicer to have someone to talk to.
Go Green
Yes, bikes are fun and a way to exercise, but they’re also a terrific mode of transportation. Don’t forget that the next time you need to pick up something small from the store. You’ll be doing double duty- reducing your carbon footprint and maybe your waistline.
I could go on and on with more and more reasons, but honestly, the best way to know if (and it likely is) cycling is for you, is to simply go ride. In the next few blogs, I’ll lay out how to choose a bike, essential gear, and skills you need to start riding, and do’s and don’ts of road riding.
Live Wild,
Reese
