Note: I shot pictures for this post after a 40 minute bike ride, so all the smiles and makeup free sweaty goodness is the real deal!
I’ve wanted a bike for a long time, but I was scared!
I was scared because I live in NYC and the traffic is dangerous enough as a pedestrian, so the idea of becoming part of traffic with a bike seemed like something only adventurous people would do. I was also scared because my apartment is in a walk up building and bringing a heavy bike up and down the stairs seemed… risky.
But over the summer, I kept seeing people on bikes. This year it seemed like more than ever. Cute girls in flowy skirts, men in suits on the way to work. Each time I saw someone on a bike, my desire to ride grew a little more.
This was around the time that I was introduced to Raleigh Bicycles.
I would go on their website, take their simple bike match quiz and was matched with the light weight Alyssa i8 bike.
When I picked my bike up from the bike shop, the bicycle enthusiasts complimented me on my choice, they said this bike is perfect for my lifestyle and they love how light it is.
It probably took me two weeks to ride my bike in traffic without feeling terrified. Now, I ride my bike all the time and I love it.
I ride along the river for a work out and it is so calming. It’s also great not to worry about car traffic on the riverside bike paths. I ride my bike for errands as well (I attached a rack for packages) and I love that taking my bike is a little faster than walking, more active than taking public transportation and cheaper than catching a cab.
The Alyssa i8 is light enough for me to carry up and down the stairs of my apartment building with one hand so it definitely gets a lot of use.
Also, riding a bike is just plain fun!
If you’re on the fence about getting a bike, here are five reasons you should go for it.
Biking is good for you
You don’t have to be a triathlete to make a bike part of your work out routine. 20 miles a week on a bike can reduce your risk of coronary heart disease by 50%.
Biking is Low Impact (Great if you Have Bad Knees!)
When I created How to Get Fit with Bad Knees, so many of you wrote to me about having bad knees. Now that I have a bike, I’ve included it with swimming as a workout I can do that wont put too much stress on my knees
Biking Makes it Easy to Explore
I’m finding nooks and crannies of my neighborhood that I haven’t seen before because I’m using different bike routes
Biking introduces you to new People
Between the guys at the bike shop and the red light chatting in the bike lane, I talk to people I never would have spoken to before, it’s fun!
Biking is Inspiring
When I’m riding, the fresh air and movement of my body is so delicious! I find when I come home my mind is clear and I’m inspired. I also feel good about not contributing to pollution in the environment!
They Make Bike Helmets for Big Heads
I have a big head, I was so scared I wouldn’t find a helmet that fit me… but thankfully they have bike helmets for big heads!
Want to get $150 off of your Raleigh Bike? Click Here and Join The Mailing List!
YESSSS! Biking!
I personally find biking easier than jogging. I was able to do 10-15 mile rides before I could even jog a slow 2 miles. Now that I’ve been working on both, I have done a 32 mile ride and just need to find the time to do longer rides! I definitely agree with your recommendation. It clears my mind and I’m not counting the miles or minutes until I’m finished, like I do when jogging.
YESSSS! Biking!I personally find biking easier than jogging. I was able to do 10-15 mile rides before I could even jog a slow 2 miles. Now that I’ve been working on both, I have done a 32 mile ride and just need to find the time to do longer rides! I definitely agree with your recommendation. It clears my mind and I’m not counting the miles or minutes until I’m finished, like I do when jogging.
I am at the 75% point of getting a bike. The Raleigh Bike Chat people were so helpful.
I am at the 75% point of getting a bike. The Raleigh Bike Chat people were so helpful.
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