Call me daring. Call me crazy. Or call me enthusiastic. Whatever you choose to call me, the fact is on Friday I rose to the challenge (the “Bike To Work” challenge that is) occurring at our company offices across North America.
Not one to miss an opportunity to contribute to the cause, I cycled 16.7 kilometers (10.4 miles) from my home to my office (and then home again at the end of the day). The distance may not impress some people, but when you weigh in all the factors, I feel it was quite an accomplishment. For example:
- I had to ride through several high traffic areas with no options for bicycle trails or sidewalks
- It was the furthest distance that anyone in our office commuted to work by bike (and there were an estimated 60 bikers)
- I am living with heart disease
- It was my first time out on my bicycle this year
Cycling is a great cardiovascular activity – in fact it’s often part of a cardiac rehab program. Riding a bike can also help to reduce symptoms associated with arthritis, hypertension, asthma, and depression. It is also a great calorie user.
When I was in cardiac rehab I cycled on a stationary cycle three times a week. Since then, I confess that I haven’t got out on my bike nearly as often as I’d like to.
So… when the office challenge came up, I saw it as the perfect motivator to get back in the saddle. Plus it’s an environmentally friendly thing to do.
Equipped with my great Gary Fisher bike, a gel seat for added comfort (highly recommended), a helmet and rear view mirror, a neon reflective vest, cycling gloves, and a backpack with my work clothes, I was ready to set out at 7:15 AM. I didn’t know how long it would take so I was pleasantly surprised when it took just one hour. Going home was harder – I had a head wind, plus I was tired. But…I did it.
Will I be riding my bike to work everyday? I wish I could but it’s just too far and some of the roads are just too dangerous. But I will be getting out on my bike more and I will ride to work again!
For more about cycling and heart health, check out smart-heart-living.com
1 response so far ↓
Jeff // June 2, 2008 at 1:41 pm |
Hi. Please join the Bicycle to Work! LinkedIn networking group. Members pledge that they will try to ride their bicycle to work or on an errand at least once a week. Although the benefits should be obvious, let me outline them here.
Right now people in the industrialized world are facing two very grave problems: obesity and a growing scarcity of oil. Compounding this problem is the new food shortage brought about, in part, by the conversion of food cropland to bio-fuel crop production. Most people feel powerless to help, but there is one thing that we can do. Ride our bicycles to work.
If everyone would agree to ride their bikes to work one day per week we could cut oil consumption by as much as 10-15%. No one would argue that riding a bike burns more calories than driving the car. Although popular politically right now, most bio-fuels consume more energy than they produce. We would be much better to eat those bio-crops then use our own energy to transport us around.
So spread the word. Make it a movement! Bicycle to work one day a week and do your part to cut back obesity and the overuse of oil and precious cropland.
Just go to my profile at http://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreylstevenson and you can click on the group to be included. While you are there, don’t forget to ask to link to my network of more than 9,000,000 like-minded professionals. I accept all invitations and look forward to meeting you.
Jeff