Bike from summer into fall and feel fresh, strong and balanced.

This spring and summer something fantastic happened. Despite the dark days of pandemic and national terror induced by the tiny living organism with a pretty name Covid19 folks wanted to get out of isolations, physical distance locations, garages and basements, tiny houses in backyards and newly built tree houses. Enough is enough and live has to go on, but when you get out for some fresh air what do you do? This is the thing, we took to biking. We bike in dozens, trails are squeaking from amount of wheels hitting them, they are so overloaded. I have never seen that many bikers on famous Cape Cod Rail Trail. The bike shops have seen revival and sustainability of their business as they offered something that gyms could not do: promise of physical activity in fresh air, relative safety and safe distance from others at the same time. There is more to it. Biking is one of the most desirable sports if you are alone and decide to grab a bike and start pedaling; it is a great group activity; it is a great family outdoor sport for all ages. I insist on the idea that it is a sport for all ages. I saw young families with kids in trailers, back-seats and front-seats for the offsprings; I saw octogenarians biking and passing with amazing speed next to me. Relatively inexpensive comparing to other sports, like golfing and skiing among others, biking provides for very good aerobic, strength and balance training at once. It provides balm for tired soul if you decide to take on a road to a dedicated bike trail. There are so many marked trails around the country and in New England’s most pristine locations: cutting through woods, spiraling along rivers and taking you over bridges. Cape Cod bike trails are a grand jewel and a special part of any planned or unplanned time off to that great locale. I recently biked 120 miles in a span of 10 days or so. I felt strong, invigorated and refreshed each time I came back home from my bike trip. Biking builds the leg strength and lower pelvic strength. One of the features of aging is loss of muscle tone, muscle mass and worse off balance. You may find many activities that will build muscles, but there is not many that keep up your coordination at bay - there is so much to staying erect on the bike. It is the power of your legs, grip and power of the upper body, strong and agile neck and finally the delicate network that includes the works of eyes, ears and central nervous system balance center that allows you to bike forward, pass the others, avoid collisions, take turn and speed and stop all at the same time while you avoid build up of decay in your body and burn those calories.

It is probably a good idea to start with shorter and less challenging terrain if you just start the biking season (fall is a favorite biking time for many). It is good to maintain the bike with attention to air in tires, health of the brakes and possibly some few extras like bike lights, basket, rack and mirror. On a bike trail I always have my helmet, mask, water, some cash, often extra snack and often sunscreen and insect repellant (you can get 2 in 1). I do not speed, I bike for distance with periods of faster and slower pace rides. Frequent brakes to rest and enjoy the surroundings are a must. I take photos of flowers and animals I pass on my trips and a few times I swam in nearby lake or ocean. In other words I take it all in. To avoid injuries you want to bike well hydrated and sober, be courteous to others, respect road signs and think ahead of the ride. Other than that is is pure joy and I am so grateful that I took back to biking in pandemic. (Gallery of pictures below is my few minutes reflection and planning before the bike trip: anticipation and hope for some fun).

The video below is from my recent time off on Cape Cod, the well-loved bike tour I did in the land of natural beauty, rest, relaxation and people that inspire me with their life, art and Yankee attitude. The Cape Cod marshes are natural wonder and are bursting with precious and delicate life. The classic circle of life.

And finally masked on the trail - the mask is made by my friend, it is two layer cotton that I wash after each use.