Hey, I didn’t mean to write about fitness two weeks in a row, but just learned that May is National Bike Month. I feel responsible for passing this news on to you, since I’m obviously a primo cyclist who never has any problems or setbacks on the bike. (Note: I am waving “sarcasm hands.” If you don’t know why, read just about any entry in my “Thoughts on Two Wheels” category.)

Expert or no, I like the idea of a Bike Month. And as a matter of fact, this week is Bike to Work Week–that’s why I’m publishing this post a day earlier, to give you all week to consider commuting by bike. Cycling can be a great transportation option if you’re in the right location. It saves auto fuel and parking hassles, plus gives you an automatic workout.

Some of us, however, don’t benefit much from “Bike to Work.” F’rinstance, I work at my computer in the spare bedroom. Not only would the bike commute be extremely short, it would also be totally flat. I mean, where’s the challenge?

So for me, bicycling is pretty much just a form of exercise. With that in mind, I’ll let this month mark the beginning of training-in-earnest. Brent and I have plans for a couple of organized rallies this summer, plus a cycle touring vacation which I’ll tell you about later.

So I got to wondering… Did you ride bikes when you were a kid? Do any of you still bicycle as adults? As I’ve mentioned before, you don’t have to be a “Category 1” pro racer to get out and enjoy some sunshine and fresh air. If you’re out of shape, cycling around the neighborhood is a low-stress, low-impact way to get moving.

As you go farther afield, you’ll find you get the most out of scenery at bike speeds. Best of all, riding even gives you time to think (assuming you aren’t trying to keep up with a pro racer).

The League of American Bicyclists has lots of Bike Month information and ideas–check out their website. If you don’t ride but think it might be fun, visit them for inspiration.

I hope you can spend some time on a bicycle this month. I’d love to see your story, plans or goals… please share in the comments below!

Thanks for reading!
Tailwinds,
Jan