We went to Bike Barn here in Houston, where they are so not snobby about being riders. True story, I had some initial concerns that the long-time bike riders would be able to pick the newbie out of the bunch right away. The staff there was incredibly helpful and recommended a Hybrid. Aaron has several Specialized bikes, so that was the brand that we went with. A hybrid bike is a mix between a mountain and a road bike. Its tires are more durable than a road bike, but the bike itself it lighter than a mountain bike. Annnd.... bonus- because colors matter- it came in pink and black, so it was the obvious choice! It has proven to be the perfect bike for me- we ride on a mix of road and trails (that can sometimes include gravel, grass and other non-smooth surfaces). I have never had an issue with my tires popping, and it has been a great starter bike! If we were riding strictly on the road all the time, I would probs go for road bike, but since we do a mix- the hybrid works for me!
2. My Favorite Way to See New (and rediscover familiar) Places
Ummm... hello. Who would have thought I would be having a love affair with a bike? Well, it turns out it is up there on my list for my favorite new way to see new places and see familiar places from a different vantage point. One of mine and Aaron's favorite things to do is to load up the bikes on the bike rack and go ride somewhere new. This past Easter, we road out to Anahuac, Texas (gator country). They have a beautiful wildlife refuge, where they host thousands of gators in their natural habitat. So naturally, we rode our bikes right on through and we got to see them up close and personal!We saw things we never would have seen in the car.
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| There we are....and there are the gators! |
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| Had to wear my Texas jersey! |
3. Great for Cross Training
I didn't really have any initial expectations when I got my bike. I thought it would be fun for sure. What I didn't expect, is what a great form of exercise it would be. My poor muscles didn't even know they were overworked with all the running, until I got my bike and started using different ones. My quads, glutes and calves and done after a long bike ride. I can run 13 miles, but nothing makes me more tired than getting on my bike for 20+. The exhaustion I feel after a good, long ride is a great indication of a great workout. I've worked it into my marathon routine and have seen some definite improvements in my running as a direct result of riding.
4. You Can Hate Your Bike Sometimes (if you are also a runner)
I always dread my run the day after a bike ride. I talked about that love-hate relationship earlier. My legs are so fatigued the day after my ride, I spend about half my run- trying to loosen up my tight muscles, and the other half- fighting for endurance. However, this is proof(!!!) that getting on that bike is good for you! It is also low-impact, so it helps give those joints a bit of a break.
5. Hanger and Bike Riding
I have never been more hungry in my life than after riding my bike. I can run a half-marathon and not be as hungry as I am after a 20-mile ride. It doesn't just make me hungry- bike riding turns me into the "get-me-some-food-now-before-I-die" type of hungry (Hanger is real). So, basically what I am trying to say here- I always fully appreciate a post-ride meal (guilt-free). I suppose you can say I might be one of those who exercises so she can eat?
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| Post-ride sno-cone! The first one of the season! |
And, as if you needed more reasons to consider jumping on that bike- here are seven more.
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