I think the thing I like most about bike rides is that it has the same effect on me as swimming: the free-flowing fluid around me (air or water) and the ability to clear my mind and think about nothing else but that moment. It's probably related to the endorphin release from exercise, but still. The wind blowing in my face is freeing. And definitely provides more cooling than just running. Fast = more fun.
K and I went on a 10+ mile bike ride on Saturday. We found a park/bike trail near our house that runs along below a series of power lines where nothing can be built. It's really nice because it gets us off the streets to a quiet park with a meandering (paved) trail through grassy areas and a few playgrounds and only a few interruptions from street crossings. After that we hopped on a paved bike trail that runs along either side of a canal a few miles from our house. With the long stretches of minimal stopping, I was able to get up to a comfortable yet mildly exerting pace of 14 mph (on surface streets I don't go much faster than 12mph because of the constant stopping and avoiding cars both parked and moving).
The weather was fantastic: sunny and warm... although perhaps a little too sunny. Got a little sun on my shoulders and backs of my arms, but not burned. Healthy dose of Vitamin D. :-) K fortunately didn't burn either, which is a little surprising considering he's much more fair-skinned than I am.
The bikes are a much better investment than the gym, because at the end of the year, even if we do nothing, we still have the bikes to show for the money we spent. With the gym, nada.
Bikes for the win! Thanks to God for His provision for us to afford it and time to spend out and about.
1 comment:
Awesome! I really need to get out on my bike more - you're right about the freedom!
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