For Two Wheels Column

Thank you for your wonderful column Erika!

I want to relate my biking story. In December of 2009 two events changed the course of my life. The first was a visit to my doctor. I had just turned 40, was out of shape, overweight and feeling lousy. He told me to change my diet and get some exercise (in particular he said 30 minutes of elevated heart rate). I said that's great but I don't have the time to exercise due to a busy work and home life. A few days later my old pickup truck broke down and it wasn't worth the repairs it needed. I gave it to Click n' Clack, the Tappet brothers.

So, starting the first of the year 2010 I began making my commute on my wife's little mountain bike. It's just over 6 miles from our house on Arthur to where I work in Westlake and it takes about a half an hour... with an elevated heart rate to boot! What started as a stop-gap until I got some funds for a new old truck slowly turned into a change of perspective and lifestyle. In conjunction with a modest change in diet, I saw the extra pounds melt right off and within 6 months I was back to my high school weight of 185 down from 210. My BMI went down from 29 to 18. In April of 2010 I bought my own bike from Spin Bike Shop (great guys), a Kona Smoke, which is a solid, if modest, commuter bike. I love it.

We're still a one-car family and we'll stay that way. We probably save a couple grand each year without the car payment, insurance, gas, repairs, etc. I stay fit for free. I've run a few 5ks and 10ks and a Warrior Dash. My nagging back aches and sore feet and balky knees are largely trouble-free now. Additionally, my mood improved (some friends might debate that, but I think it has).

On top of all that, I really enjoy the ride. The sights and sounds and experiences of riding a bike just can't be had inside a shiny metal box. Even though I feel like a lone gazelle surrounded by lions out there riding my commute, I wouldn't trade places with any of them.

This is my case for riding a bike, especially if you were like me-- out of shape and short on funds.

Thanks again for great column! Keep up the good work!

Sincerely,

Rob Holland