by Raymond L. Marr

Created on: December 13, 2007

The benefits of cycling, to ride is to exist, so many benefits could your write one article on them all? Well I will certainly give it a try. As an avid cyclist I am surprised I have not contributed to this thread previously. As my examples are of my own experience, but worthy of a second look or a first look for those wanting to venture this journey.

The many benefits of cycling, start with the fact that you are out there moving by your own power, point to point, and enjoying each moment, and saving so much money. To think with all the savings you can setup a retirement account, besides gaining a longer life and a great outlook on the life you live.

Secondly, your body needs exercise, sure it is common sense but sometimes easier said then done, a bike, its as simple as getting on and pedaling. You do not have to cover 100 miles on your first ride out but the fact that you are starting is a benefit in itself. There has been articles about the matter of starting and finishing, within helium. It is easier to start riding and continue riding then to stop. Low impact as it is you may be surprised how much area you cover at your own pace, not the pace of traffic, the pace of the freeway but your own. More then once it amazed me how easy it was to cover 30-40 miles in a day and not even be winded.

Third in this list, you can cycle commute, get a set of panniers and a rack and you are set once it is installed in your bike. Take it for a spin do some grocery shopping, you may find that because of the limited space you start planning menus ahead of time, which will save you money in the long run.

The list continues, you enjoy camping? Well try this on for size, people have traveled north and south in California following some of the most scenic routes you can imagine, and the amazing vistas, you know the ones you never really stopped and admired because you were in your car and there was really no space to pull over and you were traveling so fast you did not pay attention. On a bike, you can stop admire the view, in all its glory at your own pace on your own time clock not that of traffic. You know the panniers and racks I mentioned? Well load them up with camping gear only that which you need and have a map handy on your handlebar bag, then be astounded at the variety of campgrounds along some of the most scenic routes, and the price, well I can tell you this it is far lower then you would pay if you took a car into the same place. You can always find a bike and hike, they are amazing.

In conclusion, though this is a partial list, get out there and ride, make your own list because surely it goes on and on.

Thanks for reading: My Rides can be found at my blog.

For now take care, Enjoy the holidays, and ride on.

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