Bicycle commuting has fast become one of my favorite things to do since returning to the saddle. Most of the places I need to go can be made by bike. The only time I find myself driving is when I give rides to kids for Wednesday night youth group and Sunday rides to church.
One of the benefits, aside from better health, fitness and loss of weight is the inspiration you become to others. Yet, the drawback is that those you inspire do not tell you this... you kinda find out when you see people emulate you. My friend, Fr. Mark had been a rider for some years, but a busy schedule put his bike riding days on the back burner. He returned to biking by listening to the changes it has brought to me. Same with Brett, another friend from church who, upon learning of my weight loss, took up riding. Lisa Z. took to riding to church. Heather and Jeff bought new bikes. Jeff said that my story of reduced blood pressure was the reason he wanted to give biking a try. Greg rides 14 miles to work.
Even before these revelations, I wanted to advocate bike riding to my fellow parishioners, but I'm glad people have picked up on the idea of riding on their own. I'm thinking of putting together some short rides as a fellowship gathering. Perhaps in the spring... most people will have put their bikes away for the fall/winter. With the exception of rain, I'm going to try to ride through the cold season...
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