What Propels You?

26
Mar
2010

Hello cycling world, this is my first (of hopefully many regular) posts. I’m new to this community and I didn’t realize how many bike lovers there are in the world and the connection that exists between everyone. My eyes are open and I’m impressed.

Why? I never realized or thought about the passion that people have for biking. I viewed bicycles as a necessity of being a child…the first taste of freedom to get around independently and to meet with friends. I, like most everyone else, got to experience this in my youth; and then when I got older, I “moved on” to my car(s) and the need to cycle diminished. Looking back, my bike was a tool for transportation and it never materialized into something that I looked forward to or needed to do daily. Presently, my job as an educator and the relatively short cycling climate I live in (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada) dictates that motorized transportation be my main means of daily travel, further hindering a connection with my bike.

So, what motivates people to become dedicated to cycling? Why are so many people loving the bike? How do I or can I experience the bikers’ passion? These questions have been on my mind for the past couple of months. Since meeting Darryl (my neighbor and the main man behind lovingthebike.com), I’ve been thinking about how I could use my bike more often. I could use it to get in better shape, exercise the dog more, experience the world from a different perspective, go on family rides, etc. Now I look to the cycling community: what propels you to pedal everyday?

Myron

Enjoy Your Ride

Tags:

Pin It

12 Responses to “ What Propels You? ”

  1. ian... on May 21, 2010 at 4:21 am

    Hiya Myron,

    Sorry I missed this post back in March!

    All your thoughts for how to use your bicycle more often are good enough reasons to get pedalling once in a while. It was doing just that – thinking about what uses I could find for my old mountain bike that resulted in leaving our car on the driveway more often.

    Like yourself, “moving on to cars” I gradually became disillusioned with the so-called freedom the car offers. We have always enjoyed getting out in the Summer for leisure, and popping to the shop for a few grocerys on the way home from such a ride was like being bitten by a deadly cycling insect ;>D

    I wasn’t hindered by traffic and didn’t have to go hunting for a decent parking space (the bike stands are right next to the door of the supermarket!).

    Even if you only cycle for leisure, you will benefit. If you also get bitten by the bug, then I’m afraid there is no known cure :>D

    • ian... on May 21, 2010 at 4:25 am

      Oops, forgot to add…

      …to answer your question: What propels you to pedal everyday?

      The answer is easy, and I’m in complete agreement with ‘WhyEyeBike’ on this one.

      “…its still all about loving to ride my bike”

  2. jogya03 on April 22, 2010 at 3:49 am

    Cycling is good for body and mind, so yes, I definitely agree with Cyclin’Missy. Apart of that, one more advantage for us who lives here in heavily populated area is, cycling is always a practical and also reasonably economic option. With my folding bike I have an option for mix commuting and optimizing our family car. We used to have 2 cars few years back, and we only need one now.

  3. Honey Mommy on April 2, 2010 at 9:42 pm

    Cycling is my sanity! I think Cyclin’ Missy expressed it exactly. There is something so smooth and natural about riding. Propelling yourself uphill and speeding back down.

    Not only do I get in my exercise, I get time to be out in nature and let my thoughts go. It is actually very relaxing for me even though I am working hard!

  4. WhyEyeBike on March 31, 2010 at 3:59 pm

    Had to get rid of the extra baggage around the mid section…but then I realized how much I liked biking and it became less about excercise and more about fun. Now I have gotten into racing and its about competition and sport (and fun)….but its still all about loving to ride my bike; just like when I was a kid.

    • darrylislovingthebike on March 31, 2010 at 4:32 pm

      Isn’t it great when fun and exercise go hand in hand? That is definitely one of the reasons I am loving the bike.

  5. MarK Darvin on March 30, 2010 at 12:17 pm

    I really enjoyed this article. You have very good blog with good quality recordings. Thanks for the article.

  6. Cyclin' Missy on March 26, 2010 at 2:00 pm

    And I echo Bryan…there is nothing like being out in nature. I didn’t want to neglect to add that!

  7. Cyclin' Missy on March 26, 2010 at 1:59 pm

    It’s kind of thrilling to exercise by doing something so smooth, so fast. Cycling is a lovely combination of the exhilorating coast and the the heart-pumping climb. It’s not only great for the heart, lungs, muscles and joints, but every ride is also an exercise for the mind.

    There’s something about cycling that feels more natural to me than even running (though I enjoy that, too). I love the challenge, riding with friends, riding as transportation. I love the bike.

    • darrylislovingthebike on March 31, 2010 at 4:33 pm

      Thanks for your comments, Missy. Yes, cycling is so great for the body, mind, and everything else. We are very lucky to be involved in such a great sport and passion.

  8. Bryan on March 26, 2010 at 1:05 pm

    First and foremost, losing the tonnage.

    Second, nothing beats riding through nature.

    • darrylislovingthebike on March 31, 2010 at 4:34 pm

      Thanks Bryan…..hope that tonnage is dropping faster and faster.

Calendar

    March 2024
    M T W T F S S
     123
    45678910
    11121314151617
    18192021222324
    25262728293031

Archives

Sugar Alternatives for Energy and Hydration

Question: I am using the homebrew sugar formulations (sometimes added to green tea).  I am also trying to wean myself off 1/2 dose adrenalean “lip tonic delivery system” (biorhythm brand- caffeine, hoodia g, synephrine, yohimbe) capsule for energy.

My question is other than juice, can you suggest modifications in lieu of table sugar for energy and hydration.

Answer:

Both raw/organic honey or agave can work great in the homebrew (substitute in the same quantities for the sugar, or to taste), but you do have to shake well in order to make sure they don’t settle out.  Have you tried either of these?  Also, make sure to use at least the minimum amount of salt recommended in the homebrew as the temps rise, you need the sodium replacement if you’re sweating.

Sports Drink Homebrew

Please send us your questions for our Expert Sports Nutritionist, Kelli Jennings to “Ask the Sports Nutritionist“. Kelli Jennings is a Registered Dietitian with a passion for healthy eating, wellness, & sports nutrition. For more information go to www.apexnutritionllc.com.

Nutrition Tips