As a first time rider, it was one of the biggest thrills of our childhood.
Let’s face it, if we can’t enjoy our ride time then there is no purpose of getting on the bike in the first place. To enjoy it is to want to do it. Anything other than that
How to focus on the thrill of riding
When we have to exert energy doing something it becomes a physical challenge. We can take it as too hard which will mentally distract us from enjoying it and getting any pleasure out of it. I personally tell people to look at riding as one of the fun things to do when you are bored.
If you enjoy sightseeing, riding a bicycle around town, in parks or at a lake will provide a variety of scenery as you are exerting that energy. Can you see how the thrill replaces the physical exertion of riding?
For people like me who is basically a workout nut, just pushing to the extremes is pleasure within itself. But you don’t have to push yourself really hard. You gradually work yourself up to challenging yourself against distance and time that soon becomes an extreme workout game.
Then there is the fun of riding with a buddy or family which brings some good bonding time. As I ride I’ve noticed an increase in people out on a family ride. This is not only fun but good for the health of everyone involved.
Offsetting the physical strain aspect of bike riding
As we increase our riding, our bodies get stronger. This, in turn, makes it easier to ride longer and make going up hills bearable. It also helps to incorporate some alternate exercise into your life as well. I personally add some work out plans bodybuilding. You don’t have to try to look like Arnold Schwarzenegger but any workout is good you. Basically just train your body to handle some physical exertion.
While at work I do what I call the 30-minute workout. That’s half of my 1-hour lunch working out and the other half feeding the body. Oh yeah, drinking plenty of water. Real simple stuff as follows:
Push Ups
Sit Ups
Arm curls
Scissor Kicks
Leg Lifts
Calf Raises
Squats
Push Ups
Sit Ups
Arm curls
Scissor Kicks
Leg Lifts
Calf Raises
Squats
Push Ups
Sit Ups
Arm curls
Finding enjoyment comes in many forms according to the individual. I just touched on the tip of the iceberg dealing with bike riding. I’m sure that others can find their satisfaction zone as anyone would if they have it in their minds to have fun with it. And you to will find it to get easier and easier to Keep on Pedaling!
“When the spirits are low, when the days appear dark, when work becomes monotonous, when hope hardly seems worth having, just mount a bicycle and go for a spin down the road, without thought on anything but the ride you are taking” – Arthur Conan Doyle
Hey Ronnie, really enjoyed reading your blog entry. I am a regular cyclist but until recently was doing it more for commuting which I really like as it saves me money and keeps me in shape. The only problem is I live in a city where cyclist are truly second class citizens and motorist are really ignorant! So I have made a decision to do more cycling for leisure and pleasure. I have signed up for a 90km fun ride at the beginning of November so I think we follow your training plan to improve my fitness for that. All the best with you site, I really look forward to reading more in the near future.
Hi Manny. I know what you mean because I have been hit once and it was really a matter of the driver being impatient to clear past me. It snows here in Oklahoma where I am but I ride in the winter depending on the on the snow fall at the time. I appreciate you taking the time to look at my page and I wish you well as well.
I loved bike riding as a kid and a young adult. I especially liked going down the bike trails that were once train tracks. There is one along the coast that is very scenic. Unfortunately, I started having lower back pain in my early 30’s which stopped me from riding, but I have many great memories.
Yes I have great memories of riding with a group of friends everywhere. I’m sorry about your back. Did you get any therapy on it. I dislocated my hip and they tried to give me a hip replacement. I just figured hey I’m walking so no need. That’s when I started riding again and so far all is good. Maybe some kind of mild workouts will correct it. Just a thought. It wuoryked four me.
Biking is a great way to stay in shape and an efficient method of getting from one place to another. I love that your article motivates people to use their bike more often!
Thanks, I encourage people to think about the good its doing for your health and at the same time you can have fun doing it.