Do you remember when almost every father you knew rode a bike to work; and every business had a bike stand prominently placed in front of it? (One didn't have to search for it - it was just there). Do you remember the unbridled joy on the face of your children when you pulled out the new two-wheeler and said "It's yours - take good care of it"? Do you remember a time when almost everyone rode their bikes, few people had cars and the term 'obesity' hadn't yet been coined. Everyone was 'skinny'…. and certainly fit if not strong - even the older folks. That was a time when the schoolyard was full of bicycles not buses (mostly CCM with the odd JC Higgins or Schwinn).

That was a time when the few small gymnasiums were used sparingly to teach competitive skills, gamesmanship and sportsmanship. Fitness happened as a matter of course because getting to and from work required muscle use, expended energy and burned up fat reserves. That was when living resulted in being fit and we were our own 'personal trainer". Silly me, I thought our taxes maintained the sports fields and fitness facilities to encourage not only fitness but to facilitate a collegial community. The fitness businesses didn't exist (unnecessary taxes willingly paid) with people arriving in their cars jockeying for the parking space nearest to the front door to work up a temporary sweat; just to jump back into the car, go to the 'Juice Bar' and pay exorbitant prices (unnecessary tax) for the newest fad drink and 'low fat' Twinkie.

There is a simple solution for everyone and especially we older folk. Let's provide some leadership to the young bunch. Let's get out that old two-wheeler that has been rusting in the garage and start cycling! We have been told one never forgets how to ride a bike! It's just that you may have to redevelop that old cycling habit, bone up on the balance skills, watch the muscles re-grow and the cellulite melt away. If the old coaster-brake style is a little too cranky (sic); and if the old three speed just doesn't provide the necessary gear advantage to get you up that hill you might have to invest in a modern twenty-one speed. If that doesn't do it get one of those new electric motor attachments for assistance? Either way you are going to be peddling!

Ensure you wear some highly visible clothing. I would suggest an airy, light-weight, high-visibility safety vest. Get one! You save so much gas (and gas tax money) cycling; you won't have to pay the fees (and tax) at the 'exercise place' - and you will be making a significant contribution to enhancing the capacity of your air and blood tubes as well as the environment. So C'mon folks - get CYCLING!

July 07-Jerry Flaman     This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it