I love all of my memories of bike riding as a kid. We would go out for hours on trails and roads with no helmets or a care in the world. I was a child of the 80’s and it was pretty rad. Being the youngest of 5 kids, I got a lot of hand-me-down bikes and as long as they carried me through town, I didn’t care. Luckily I was the only girl, so I didn’t have many hand-me down clothes from the boys. Sorry, I digress….
One particular memory I have as a child was a true reflection of me even today. I loved sweets. My mom had just taken me to the grocery store and bought me a pack of sugar-free Life Savers. They briefly made them with no hole in the middle and so they seemed special to have. I got home, stuffed them in my corduroy pants pocket and zipped off on my hand-me-down dirt bike. We didn’t have bikes with chain covers, that is what rubber bands to put around the ankle are for! Well, I was about a 1/2 mile from my house and my pants go stuck in the chain. I pulled and pulled and tried to get the balled up pile of cloth out, but it didn’t budge. So, I did probably what I would do today. I just sat on the ground, pulled my candy out of my pocket and ate through most of my pack of sweet treat and waited for someone to drive by and take pity on me. Eventually someone did and I rode on with a rip on my and a few less Life Savers in my pocket. I could go on and on with bike riding stories, but I am sure most of us could!
The popularity of bike riding has sky rocketed with the new electric bike craze. I admit, I am a fan! While mountain biking is also hugely popular, I prefer the easier terrain myself. I love the ease of throwing it in the car if needed and exploring new trails. There are so many benefits of bike riding. I encourage you to give it a try, but don’t let it replace the exercise of bike riding. Or do, I just want to encourage you to get outside!
My dad and I biking in Molokai, Hawaii. There are lots of hills!
Health Benefits of Bike Riding for Women:
Bike riding is a great low-impact activity. If using an electric bike, make sure to mix it up with actual riding for the full benefit of riding for exercise. Cycling helps with cardiovascular health, weight loss, muscle strengthening, flexibility and more. Whether you are looking to lose weight, improve your mental health discover a new exercise routine, cycling offers a myriad of benefits.
Cardiovascular Health: Cycling is a great cardiovascular exercise that gets the heart pumping and blood moving. When done on a regular basis, cycling can help improve heart health by strengthening the cardiovascular system, reducing the risk of heart disease, and enhancing overall circulation.
Weight Loss and Management: If you are wanting to shed pounds or maintain a healthy weight, cycling is an effective and fun option. It burns calories, fires up your metabolism, and uses multiple muscle groups, contributing to weight loss and the development of lean muscle mass.
Low-Impact Exercise: Biking is gentle on the joints, making it a great exercise for women of various fitness levels and ages. If you are worried about getting injured while outdoors, biking is a safe choice for the most part.
Toning and Strength Building: Bike riding engages several muscle groups, including the quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, and core. As you pedal, you are not only burning calories but also toning and strengthening muscles.
Improved Respiratory Function: Women who incorporate biking into their fitness routines often experience improved breathing and endurance if done often. Cycling is also good for enhancing respiratory functions.
Mental Health Benefits of Bike Riding:
In my blogs, I often refer back to movies I have seen. Maybe I should do a movie blog? Nah, that would keep me inside too much! If you are a fan of the Muppets, you may remember the scene where Ms. Piggy is biking with Kermit. I often think of that when I bike ride through parks and it makes me smile.
Biking offers a visual escape from the rigors of daily life. Riding through nature or exploring urban areas can be a meditative experience, reducing stress levels and promoting a sense of calm. Biking can triggers the release of endorphins, which can boost your mood. If done regularly, biking can contribute to a more positive outlook on life. It can reduce anxiety, lead to overall improvements with your mental well-being.
Finding a cycling group or riding with friends makes for a good social connection with others. There are lots of groups to join for any skill level. I encourage you to look into groups if you are new to an area or wanting to try out biking as a sport.
Proper Gear for Women Cyclists:
Buying gear for outdoor activities can be fun. There is a ton of biking clothing to choose from! Besides a helmet, make sure you have the following for a good experience.
1. Comfortable Clothes: I suggest moisture-wicking, breathable clothing. Comfortable clothing reduces chafing and enhances the overall riding experience. No one likes chafing!
2. Good shoes: Choose cycling shoes with proper grip and support. is importnat if you are getting certain pedal types, Otherwise, I suggest shoes that are appropriate for pedaling efficiency and that they provide stability.
3. Bike Size: Ensure your bike is the right size for your height. A well-fitted bike will reduce discomfort and reduce the risk of injuries. I myself like a padded seat for more comfort.
Trail Etiquette for Cyclists:
There is nothing worse than a jerk on a bike path! For your safety and the safety of others, please follow the trail rules whether it be in the city or a trail in the mountains or the forest.
When riding on shared paths, yield to pedestrians. It is polite to announce your presence by using a bell or calling out. I am sure you have been surprised by someone racing by you and it gave you a fright. This is a great excuse to get a fun cute bell for your bike!
Be respectful to other cyclists, hikers, and runners. Pass with care, and communicate effectively to avoid collisions. As my dad says, assume everyone else is going to make a mistake. If you are going too fast to stop safely, it can be assumed you aren’t in control.
Stick to marked trails and paths to preserve the environment and prevent damage to sensitive ecosystems. Over time, bikes can do a lot of damage to nature and we need to protect what we have. Lots of times volunteers take care of the trails and it is helpful to follow the rules. That includes leaving no trace behind. Make sure to clean up after yourself at all times.
Biking is good for your mental well-being, your heart, your muscles and spirit. I encourage you to try out biking if you haven’t gotten out in a long time. Before buying an expensive bike, I suggest trying out a friend’s bike to see what kind you like. Lots of urban cities also have bike rentals if you want to work up to buying a bike for yourself at a later time.