A girl and a bike...

Monday, November 4, 2013

     No matter how long it has been since you last rode, it is great to jump on a bike.  For the past six months, I have been riding a bike for exercise on the beach.  In all the workouts that  I've ever done, this is the most mood altering one.

 I think it is the combination of the amazing beach views, the smooth riding path free of cars, the youthful feeling that you get when riding a bike along with the usual endorphins that come with some cardio that makes this a great workout.    

 I have yet to regret any of my biking workouts. Even when I'm tired, I am always in a much better mood once I breathe in the sea air. An unlike going to an indoor gym, there are all types exercising at "my outdoor gym". Young, old, fat, thin, athletes and tourists all walk, run, skate and bike in harmony.   No one tries to pick me up. There are no lululemon fashion shows.  It is just me and the beach and my bike. 


 The best part about this workout is that I don't have to haul a bike to the beach.  I have been doing "bike sharing".  All over South Florida, there are bike sharing stations popping up. In Broward County, where the amazing Hollywood Beach Broadwalk is located, there are B-cycles. 





You can either rent by the day ($10 an hour) or pay $45 for a year-long membership. With a membership, the first 1/2 rental every day is free and it is $1 for every half hour after that. You just swipe your credit card if you are not  a member. With membership, you walk up to a bike, place your membership card on a sensor next to it and off you go.



     I love not having to lift a heavy bike on and off of a bike rack. I love not having to worry about maintaining a bike.  I just walk up, ride and then put it back.  The bikes are in great condition and feature huge baskets with funny signs on them.





   
     Even when it gusting 30 m.p.h. and it feels like you are riding against a brick wall (like today!) it is always a good, fun workout.  If you are near Hollywood Beach, I'd highly recommend it. Just save a bike for me!
   
   



 

   

8 comments:

Susie said...

Japolina, Ten dollars a day could get expensive...but 45 a year would work for me. I think you are so right, riding and breathing fresh air is way healthier than some of that gym stuff. I bet you are toning up those thighs...not that you need to. xoxo, Susie

NanaDiana said...

What a great idea and that is very affordable with the year membership. I miss the beach so much- my goal is to get back there part of the year. xo Diana

Empress Bee (of the high sea) said...

wow neat! i love to ride!

smiles, bee
xoxoxoxoxo

Nicola said...

I think I would take up bike riding again if I had somewhere like that to ride. What a beautiful place!

Kate on Thin Ice said...

Sounds amazing and love the idea of bike-sharing

Ojo said...

What an amazing and practical way to go biking! Whoever thought of it is a genius.

I would love to try but, unlike the old saying, I have clean forgotten how to ride! x

Jeannette Cripps said...

Fantastic photos and great idea re bike sharing :)
Jeannette @autismmumma

Lakes Single Mum said...

looks a fabulous way to get yourself feeling good! thanks for joining in :-)

 
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