I want to stay fit to last longer while biking (my favorite sport in case you are new to this blog), either for recreation or competition. There are times when you don’t want to go out—such as a cold, rainy day. I read about the new trampoline workout you can do at home at https://www.trampolinechoice.com/trampoline-workouts-can-right-now/. If you have a small one, you can do it in the garage, but I bought a large size so I could do more advanced “tricks.” I had to start very slowly as there are safety concerns and you want to know what you are doing. Attend a gym class or get a coach at first if you are a complete novice.

When you learn the basics of the trampoline, and I am not talking about jumping up and down like a kid at a birthday party, you progress from one simple move to the next. It gets harder and more complex, and you really can develop coordination. I watched, learned, and listened and soon had the tuck jump down. I didn’t start with a double front somersault. I wanted to avoid injury and any unforeseen consequences. You don’t protect your knees or neck in this endeavor. There is no special gear. I think it is cumbersome and, to me, interferes with balance.

It is so much fun that I just have to tell you some of the technique right now to get you interested. It feels great to be buoyant and in control. It is so different from riding a bicycle. There is little connection other than the fact that your legs are stronger and you feel more limber. For example, when you do a tuck jump, you use all parts of the body to get the rotation you need. In this move, you bring your knees to your chest and circle your knees with your outreaching arms. I find this a great back stretch.

The straddle and pike jumps improve balance and prepare you for more advanced techniques. Just like it sounds, the straddle involves spreading the legs at 90 degrees. While you are parallel to the trampoline—another great stretch. If you touch your toes, you are a pro! The pike is similar except that the legs stay together. You feel like a real gymnast. Next come half and full twists, which are simple spins in the air. If you want to get fancy, do two.

I also love seat landings in which you end up on the mat with your toes pointed before you. Since you try to keep a straight back, this is a wonderful all-around exercise. You can combine a seat landing with a half twist to get up. Skill is required to get the hips up. Front and back landings are the forte of a more advanced trampoline artist. I don’t do these at home because I would prefer a “spotter” standing by. No matter. I get a lot more done.

Summer is on its last legs so we are all hanging out in each other’s backyards enjoying our various pools and barbecue facilities. Recently, I went to a company picnic to celebrate the beginning of the new calendar year and I was chosen to bring the beer. After all, I did ask what I could contribute. I don’t bake cookies, pies, or cakes, so that was out of the question. I am a novice when it comes to beer. I have more knowledge of wine. I wanted it to be ice cold when I arrived since it was going to be a scorcher. My fridge isn’t the best, so I stashed the beer in my cooler between solid layers of ice. I knew it would be perfect the next day when it thawed out a little.

Upon arrival, I set the beer down next to a huge tub of ice. Bottled soft drinks were already peeking out spritely with their little metal caps. I thought, why not put the beer in there, too. I didn’t know that the beer didn’t need to be any colder. It was, unbeknownst to me, quite frozen. And I mean solid! I found out when a guest grabbed one and popped it open. He let out a huge belly laugh. “Who froze the beer?” I ducked behind the chaise lounge and immediately looked for the nearest exit. Major goof! Major embarrassment.

Who knew (not me) that beer should be frosty cold but not frozen. It doesn’t get its consistency back when it melts like lemonade or punch. Once beer is frozen, if it isn’t left to correctly and slowly thaw out it goes flat. It has no taste appeal. I now know this from my own observation. I ruined a very good case of beer and had to run to the store to get some mighty fast. Guests were expecting it as it was the perfect accompaniment to the burgers and dogs. When I returned, I asked a friend to carry the new beer to the backyard so I wouldn’t be seen.

I started to get hungry so I had to make an appearance if I didn’t want to starve. Everyone was busy eating and didn’t notice me at all. I was in the clear. I swam, chatted with friends, played cards, chased the family cat, and generally had a really good time. I was drinking soda, my preference on a hot day, and didn’t really feel like a beer. After a while, I turned to the peanuts and pretzels strategically placed in large bowls and got mighty thirsty from all the salt. I headed to the beer. There still were a few cans begging to be imbibed. I reached out with a claw-like hand, ready to grab the closest one. Suddenly, I felt a tap on my shoulder. “Don’t you want a frozen one,” the smug guest mocked. It was the same guy I had met earlier when I had just loaded the ice tub. I turned crimson.

Whew! Today I have a tale to tell. I came back from cycling the other day and spotted a trash can knocked over. Someone was so thoughtless as to leave everything strewn wildly about. It was so annoying that I got back on my bike and sped away. I didn’t return for hours. It wasn’t easy in the hot New Mexico sun. Fortunately, I had one bottle of water left in my carrier. To my chagrin, I must report that it happened again. I had already picked up the trash and now there was a ton more. I was livid with rage.

I started thinking about installing a spy camera in the alley but found out that the cheapest one is still too pricey. I may cave in if it happens again. I would be able to review the tape and then turn it over to the police. Was it a neighborhood kid, a vandal, an enemy of some kind? Someone did it for the fun of it. Nothing was taken as far as I could tell, not that I put valuables in the trash can. I would love to get my dirty hands on the culprit and wring his neck (I assumed it was a male. They are good at terrorizing.)

The reason for this blog is to vent. The trash was kicked again and I wasn’t about to clear up the debris myself. I let it sit. Meanwhile, I called the police to see if anyone else had this same problem. They said yes and that they were looking for the mystery person. They would let me know if and when he was caught. Meanwhile they suggested motion light sensors strategically placed to signal when he had arrived. They gave me some ideas and printed out a post from Outdoor Light and Sound that showed the best locations to install a motion sensor light. As for the trash kicker, I will say “take that!”

The technology involved is simple and they are designed first and foremost for security. If anyone walks by a light sensor, an alarm will go on. This alerts the police or the alarm service to arrive promptly in response. They are also handy in the house. Imagine your hands full of heavy laundry and you need the light to go on in the utility area. The sensors can be programmed to turn them on in a flash. I have seen these in use in public bathrooms so the proprietor of a store or restaurant doesn’t have to keep the light on, thus incurring a huge electricity bill. You can use them in the bathroom if you are sleepy and tend to walk into walls in the middle of the night. You can program this sensor to activate the dim switch. Later it reverts to full illumination. The next place to consider is the patio or garage. The switches are not always in convenient places. See how much I have learned!

Hard water is a negative. In a home, it is harsh on the skin and hair, and can be damaging to pipes and appliances. You might have to replace them more often. For those on a budget, this is bad news indeed. If I have leftover funds after meeting my normal monthly expenditures, I want to spend it on my bike. It may need refurbishing, or I might want a new one. If I have two, I can take a friend on my scenic tours of the beautiful New Mexico land. While there is nothing as picturesque as my favorite route, one bad thing about the state is the ubiquitous hard water. While the skies are bluer, the mountains redder, and the pastures greener, the water is different here, and not in a good way.

After months of tangled hair after a shampoo, I decided to spend some of my savings on a Home Water Health reverse osmosis system to render my water soft. The system will save my face and hair and also provide clear, clean drinkable water. My friends tell me that I will save on bottled water and I can buy reusable ones to take on my bike trips. I just need to wash them after every use. There is endless water now coming from my faucets. I pour a gallon into a large container and store it in the fridge. Soft water is a godsend and the online testimonials reveal the facts. Only happy customers.

Reverse osmosis systems are environmentally friendly. Although there are additives, they never spill out in the ground water. Your efficient appliance will save energy and water usage as well. Installing one makes you mindful of conservation and you seem to use less. Getting a tankless water heater is the next step to put you in the perfect position to maximize your green home. I love what I read. Whoever and wherever you are, water quality is essential to good health and well-being for you and your precious family. It is a precious commodity that has been enhanced and improved by science. It is a priority for the human, animal, and plant world. This is an example of modern technology at work; clean drinking water. Don’t we wish it were used worldwide?

Thus, I have solved the one issue I have with New Mexico. My water filtration system is my new pride and joy. I love how my skin feels after a shower or time at the sink. I tell the local officials about whole-house water solutions so they can think about it for the entire community to improve the quality of local lives. I love how helpful the highly-trained technicians are. They will explain everything: the cost, installation, utility savings, and more. Service is inexpensive and infrequent. Plus, these systems don’t break down. There is no wear and tear as with old-fashioned filtering methods. It is all about green, eco-friendly technology in the form of a home water condition that provides clean, clear, and odor-free liquid.

My passion is cycling and I share it with my dad. For years, we have explored the trails and the scenic sites together; and there are many in New Mexico. I hope you will have the opportunity to visit. You can imagine that over the years for my dad’s birthday I have given him every imaginable cycling gift I could find. He has tour tee shirts, gloves, a rain poncho, socks with special emblems, books on bikes and the sport of cycling, and much more. This year I am in a quandary about what to get. He doesn’t need more clothing or a new bike. I have given him framed photos of our local area and some of the two of us. So, I need to move in another direction.

Since my dad is a bit of a woodworking pro, I am going to survey what he has in the garage. He owns all the latest tools of the trade and hasn’t mentioned needing a new one. What he has hinted at is the need for a quality bench grinder. I am not even sure what that is. I am heading to the hardware store to find out. I will look at what is available and decide if they have a good selection for sale. Otherwise, it is back to the Internet where I go to find most things I want to buy. In this case, I want to talk to an expert to be sure of what my dad would like. He can explain the special features and what to expect from each model. It won’t be a matter of price since my dad is worth any kind of expenditure. I envision forking out a couple hundred bucks. I went searching and read more about woodworking tools until I knew enough to buy.

It depends on the wheel diameter for one thing. This is key in the world of bench grinders. You will most likely get more than one. After spending a long afternoon with the salesman at the local home depot, I also learned about how an induction motor provides superior power for industrial or home grinding applications. The best bench grinders for woodworking have a rugged base and motor housing of cast iron which means you get durability and prolonged life. Who doesn’t want that? The motor, by the way, runs at 3,600 rpm for high speed material removal. Wow, I am impressed. A precision-machined aluminum tool rest allows the user to accurately position the work. There are rear exhaust ports in the wheel guards for smooth operation. Finally, I learned that there is a 12 ½” distance between the wheels for larger and longer grinding applications. I think this is the right one. I will add a few accessories such as eye shields, spark deflectors, and an adjustment wrench. It is a complete package that is sure to please.

My dad was ecstatic. He will make something nice for me using his new bench grinder. While I would love something hand crafted, his thanks were enough.

Lucky me. I enjoy bike rides all the time through the beautiful countryside of New Mexico, known for so many scenic views throughout the state. If you have sunshine, a blue sky, mountains as far as the eye can see, and an occasional river or stream, you are in my kind of heaven. No wonder I get in such a good mood on weekends. This is my time to enjoy cycling in nature. I enjoy my lovely surroundings as I get healthy. I originally began to ride when I wanted a quick way to lose weight without the boredom of the gym. I never tire of the sport and my trusty mountain bike.

Cycling can be a solo endeavor and there are times when you want to be with friends and do something else. A picnic in the park is a wonderful way to have an outdoor social encounter of a different kind. It can also get athletic if you bring a good soccer ball along. Just one look at it and your friends will be up and ready for a quick game. I always bring one to rev up the spirits. It is a good way to work up a good appetite. The smell of cooking burgers on a grill is a surefire lure as well.

It used to be soft ball at picnics and now soccer has taken over the American national pastime. It is so popular that you now see it everywhere. All the kids play it at school and are on special teams. It builds confidence, good sportsmanship, athletic skills, and more. At my stage in life, it means an extraordinary day in the park kicking a ball around for fun. If there is rivalry about who is the best player, it can get tense; but most of the time, it is lighthearted. It is about the game, of course, but also about exercise, the warm breeze on your neck, and the steady march toward skill improvement. This is what athletics are all about. They all have similar goals but the means to the end is quite different. I like a game that uses the legs primarily and involves a lot of running about.

After a few practice sessions, it is time to eat the picnic fare. We always go potluck and thus there are dozens of delicious choices. If you are great at salads, that is what you bring. If you like to cook, you get grill duty. Bakers bring cakes, pies, and cookies galore. It is a veritable feast under the sun. Everything is inviting and the red and white checkered table cloth is a prerequisite. You can’t have a true picnic without it. The cook gets a silly chef’s hat and apron. Someone inevitably blasts some music and you might spot a few energetic souls gyrating gleefully. A picnic brings out the best in us as it is a reminder of our happy youth and the glory days before we had adult responsibilities.

I am so lucky. I ride my bicycle to work through some gorgeous New Mexico scenery. I have my regular route so on weekends I like to explore the unknown paths around River City. Someday I will create a map for visitors who want to share a wonderful outdoor experience. Meanwhile, I am contemplating a small problem – I can’t get up in the morning at my preferred time. I don’t know why I am suffering from a common complaint as nothing much has changed in my life. It could be what I am eating, but I have not altered my diet. It could be a new regimen at the gym, but that hardly seems to be a viable culprit. I do have a lot on my mind, and that could account for trouble rising. It seems to me that you must be rested and relaxed to get up promptly at the sound of your alarm clock.

My alarm clock isn’t that old so it has all the usual bells and whistles and you can program it with ease. I don’t use the radio as blaring music is not my idea of the best way to greet the day. It worked when I was a teenager, but not anymore. I have tried the nature noises and do like a few of them, such as the one with waves gently crashing against the shore. It creates nice imagery in your mind. I still have trouble, however, and am thinking about using the sunrise simulation setting which generates soft, mellow light to encourage you to wake up. I love the idea and it does work well. These new alarm clocks are wonders. It is really a unique experience to see the variety of colored light you can select.

If you are thinking about getting a new clock, by all means, consider those with sunrise and sunset settings. You can choose from five or six sounds of nature and a range of colors sure to please. I read this blog post and now believe I am going to master my little problem. You would think that a nice bike ride would be enough to stimulate me in the morning. Now I have a little help. No more being late to work or having to miss breakfast. No more revving up the car because it is faster than riding my bike. There are multiple ways to start your day, so go for what suits your mood. You can program your clock to wake up with different nature sounds every day in rotation. The colored hues make for a great night light as well.

When I was a kid, all I needed was a “rise and shine” from mom and the smells of bacon cooking. Now I have to be more inventive about controlling my routine. With the help of new technology, I have it all at hand. A few simple buttons on the clock will result in morning bliss.

I was able to do half the Enchanted Circle Century Tour once before, and I cannot wait to do it again—this time, I am a little more confident. My goal now is to complete the whole thing. If you ever have a chance to do it, you really should. It is a great coursewith some really beautiful areas to ride through. It is also very challenging—between the terrain and the temperature changes, it really keeps you on your dressed-in-layered toes!

The course starts in Red River, and everyone heads out together. We got to enjoy the scenery of the gorgeous Carson National Forest, and now that I live here it is my new favorite place to be. As I rode through, I imagined coming back in the winter for some great skiing! I spotted a mine as we were leaving the campgrounds and heading downhill to Questra. They take pictures of everyone at the Lama turn-off, which I thought was fun. I made sure to get a copy of my picture; I think that will be a fun tradition for me to keep up. After that, we headed up a ridge. It was cool to see how the Sangre de Cristo Mountains change the terrain from a forest to the arid landscape you think of when you think of New Mexico. You look around and everything is green, and then you start paying attention to the ride, and then all of a sudden it warms up and you’re feeling that New Mexico sunshine. It was an awesome experience. I hear sometimes the temperature can change as much as 15 degrees!

Once we were out of Questra, there was a rest stop for anyone who needs it. I didn’t think I needed to stop, but I did it anyway and was super glad. I cheered up even more as I hopped back on my bike because the road flattened out a little. I had heard the next part was a little tricky, so I had buddied up with a rider who had done this before and followed him through the town. It turned out to be a smart move because I definitely would have missed the signs to keep me heading the right way. From what I’d heard, that’s not uncommon. So glad it didn’t happen to me!

Not far after this is the half-century point, which is where I stopped my trek last time. Next time, I am determined to finish! I will freely admit that my hesitation was because of the descent on Palo Flechado. Anything labeled “hairpin turns and steep” in the same sentence had me a little freaked out. I’ve talked to many people about it since then, and they’ve all told me the same thing: that as long as I take it very slowly and let cars pass me, I should be fine. I’ve heard that the ride into the (thankfully) flat area of Moreno Valley is amazing and totally worth putting up with Palo Flechado. I can’t wait to find out!

You ever have a doctor’s appointment where they yell at you and tell you that you really need to start taking care of yourself? Well, two years ago, I did. It made me feel pretty darn terrible about myself and I vowed never to have another checkup like that again. I did two things: first, I changed my doctor, because there’s a way to talk to people and then there’s being a complete jerk when you try to make your point. Secondly, I started seriously looking into a fitness and diet routine I could actually live with.

The diet portion wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. I am simply trying to be smarter about food. I’m eating oatmeal for breakfast every day, a meal I used to skip all the time. I dropped soft drinks from my shopping list entirely and stick to water. I portion out my snacks so that I am not tempted to sit down with a huge family sized bag and finish off the whole thing in one sitting. Once I got over my portion control problems, I moved on to diet substitutions. If I’m craving something sweet, I’ll go for an apple now instead of candy. Little things like that go a long way. I still slip sometimes, or treat myself, but I don’t beat myself up over it. I’m doing this for all the best reasons and I’m in it for the long haul; some ice cream once in awhile isn’t going to ruin everything.

I chose cycling because honestly, I hate running. I tended to hurt myself running pretty quickly, too. The extra weight I carried around back then translated to a lot of extra pressure on my knees and ankles, so it was no wonder running hurt. Walking was less painful but I wanted something more. Cycling expends about the same amount of energy as walking but you go faster, which meant I could cover more distance in less time—that translates to a more efficient workout, which I thought was great. It also keeps burning calories even after I stop riding, which is tremendously cool. Plus, runner’s high is actually a bit of a misnomer. You can get it from just about any physical activity, so cycling became something I really started to look forward to.

I like it much better than going to a gym. I love being outside and experiencing the sun shine. There are some great places to ride around here and I’ve seen some really cool wildlife when I’m out on bike paths alone. I don’t mind riding in the heat or the cold, but I won’t go out if there’s too much rain or snow or something like that.If the weather doesn’t cooperate with me for more than two days in a row, I will happily go to the gym and hop on a stationary bike.

I am happy to report that making smart changes like these have brought me down to a healthy weight for my size. Doctor appointments go much better for me now!

Three years, ago if you had told me that I’d be this person who loves not just being outside, but doing physical activity outside, I would have been incredibly surprised. I went to work,I came home, I sat on my couch so I could watch my shows and that was the end of it. I didn’t have much of a social life. I didn’t have much of anything, really. It’s amazing to me how you can be so stuck in a rut and then not even be able to recognize that person you were anymore. To think, it all changed simply because I got on a bike. I joined a Cycling Club, which meant I got regular social interaction.It has actually opened up a lot of doors for me. I’ve made friends and met a guy (or two) this way. I really only started this to get healthier, butI have achieved so much more, both emotionally and physically. I’m having so much fun that it’s hard to believe it’s physical activity.

When I started, I had no idea how much it would improve my life. I really want to take a super cool vacation to acknowledge this big change in my life and reward myself for all of my hard work.I would love to go bicycle riding anywhere that I could take the time to appreciate some beautiful scenery. Once I recover from the financial expenses of moving and getting a new life set up, I can think about riding through the French Countryside, or the Grand Canyon or something. I’ve got a penny jar on my dresser.

For now, though, I do like riding around Red River.I really want to do the whole Enchanted Circle CenturyTour this time around.I found a six-day ride that runs through a lot of Colorado that will likely be my next goal. I think the that would be so much fun, bicycling, camping, and enjoying that gorgeous mountain scenery for a whole week. It seems like the ultimate vacation to me, which I find hilarious now.When I was younger, I hated every single thing about both physical activity and camping. I was definitely more of a girly-girl who didn’t like the sight of dirt or bugs, and now my mind has completely changed. I’m still a bit of a girly-girl,but I’m at peace when I’m out there riding. I don’t mind a little bit of dirt anymore. I also know I’m going to come into contact with bugs, so I just deal with it. I feel like I’m still myself, I’m just a better version of myself. I’m so much more confident in what I think I can handle. I really feel like taking a days-long trip like that would really solidify this change I’m going through. It reallywould feel like winning the gold medal at the Olympics.

What about you, dear readers? Is there anywhere that you’ve been that you think is a must-do as far for a cycling vacation, or is there somewhere on your bucket list that I haven’t even considered? I’d love to know.

When I started this journey, I thought long and hard about what physical activity I wanted to do. I’ve never really enjoyed running, and I’m not big on fancy gym equipment. I wanted something fun and easy soI would stick with it. I remembered that when I was a kid, I loved to ride my bike everywhere. I thought maybe that was something I could do. I thought I would give it a try.

I went to a cycling shop and talked to an employee about what I was hoping to accomplish and what I was comfortable spending. She was able to explain my options to me, and we chose a bike, a helmet, and she gave me some tips. Some of the advice she gave me was very helpful, and I wanted to pass it along.

The first thing is the same thing that they recommend for kids: wear a helmet. Don’t just go with the first one you grab. Make sure it meets the US Consumer Product Safety Commission’s approval. Try it on—just like with clothing, not all helmets are sized the same. You want a helmet that sits level on your head and ends about two fingers’ width above your eyebrow. When you buckle the chin strap, make sure you can’t get more than two fingers between the strap and your chin. The side straps form the letter V around your ears—one in front, one behind. Adjust those straps til you have it right and lock the sliders if you can. Make sure that with all your adjustments, the buckle on the chin buckle is centered under your chin.

Before every ride, inspect your bike–including the tires and the brakes. If you’re going to be riding when it will be harder to see you, be sure to have reflectors on your bike. A red flashing light on the back also helps. Your state may require a headlight, so find that out beforehand. I also purchased a mirror for my handlebar so that I could see cars coming from behind me.

Once you’re on the road, try to be as visible as possible. Yes, cars are supposed to look out for you, but that’s no consolation if they hit you. You are more likely to be hit by a car making a turn than one coming up behind you who can clearly see you. Stay a little more to the middle of the road when going through an intersection if possible, because that’s where drivers are conditioned to look. Wave to drivers perpendicular to you to get their attention or wear bright clothing that will get their attention (even in daylight). Another huge hazard is riding close to parked cars when someone unexpectedly opens a door. So try to stay more than a door’s width away from cars parked on the side of the road. Again, it is uncomfortable riding so far into the road, but people aren’t looking for cyclists when they’re opening their car door. Avoid riding on sidewalks or going through crosswalks. Your bike is considered a vehicle, so treat it like one. Cars are more likely to see you when you’re on the street and turning where they turn. In the same vein, don’t ride against traffic. It may seem like a good idea, but not only is it illegal, no driver is going to be looking for you coming from that direction—because you’re not supposed to be there!Signal your turns. Use your mirror to look behind you if you are moving around an obstacle or moving farther into a lane.If you have to wait at a stop sign or a red light, be careful not to stop in someone’s blind spot. Stop either next to but in front of or behind the car, or move directly behind it. Lastly, don’t pass anyone on the right. You’re not supposed to do it when you’re driving, and while riding a bike it is even more dangerous.

Hope these tips help. Stay safe out there!

When it’s time to purchase a bike for the first time, my best advice to you is to go to a bicycle shop and talk to someone with experience. You may be tempted to go to a big box store and pick up whatever is on sale, but unless you’ve done some research online and have anideaof what you’re actually buying, you’re be doing yourself a great disservice. A good salesperson will know the area and the different types of bikes.  They know about suspensions, tires, seating, brakes, and everything else. They can steer you in the right direction as far as bicycles go. They are typically cyclists themselves, so they may point out some great riding locations or trails you might not have known about before, or what roads to avoid. They can also guide you on any safety equipment that you may need—they are a good resource to ask about the regulations in your state regarding handlebar mirrors and front or back lighting. You want to be sure that you are both safe and street legal to be out there on the road from your very first trip out.

You want a bike that will work well on the terrain that you plan to be riding on. For example, the first bike I purchased was mostly for riding on paved trails and on small side roads near where I used to live. It suited me and my needs just fine. However, now that I’ve moved here where the terrain and the seasons are a little more varied, I needed something that can handle this area of New Mexico. With my new mountain bike, it’s a lot easier to go up and down the steep hills around here, and the brakes make me feel a lot more comfortable. Sometimes an adjustment might be as simple as changing out the tires on your bike or swapping the handlebars. But again, it’s best to talk to someone who knows what they’re doing. Treat it like a car. If you don’t know anything about them, you’re not going to try and replace the transmission yourself, right?

When you get to the bike shop, don’t be shy. Talk about what you need. Sit on any bikes you like. Try it out.Be comfortable with it.Make sure it is comfortable, or if there are accessories you can add that’s going to make it more comfortable for you. The more comfortable it is, the more likely you’re going to get on that bike and use it.The bottom line is that doesn’t matter how much money you put into it or how enthusiastic you are at the beginning, it’s getting on that bike whenever you can that’s going to make a difference in your carbon footprint, your gas bill,your fitness level, or whatever it is you want to get out of bicycle riding. You have to put that effort in, get the bike you enjoy riding and that you’re going to be excited to get on so you can do what you want to do. An investment in a quality bike and quality safety gear is aninvestment in yourself, and you totally deserve it!