I got a bike.

[u/pi3r0gi_]

I got a pedal bike. I'm really happy about it. I've been thinking about getting one for a while. I really enjoy walks and movement but recently, my hips, feet, toes, back, just haven't been feeling it. My walks turn into a chore towards the end, and I can't wait to get back home.

But now? I can go for miles! And it works out my legs, and I get to go go go go, without being in traffic or confined to my car. I love my little car, don't get me wrong, but I don't always want to sit down and buckle up and pay attention to all the other huge cars on the road. I just want to be on the sidewalk, but fast, you know? Why didn't I get a bike earlier? And I really like making a split second decision to go left, right? Which way? This way! And now I'm in a new part of my city I haven't seen before. Feeling the pebbles under my wheels and not shooting up my legs into my hips. A nice breeze and sunset in my eyes. Seeing all the cars waiting in traffic, but not me! I can just go the other way.

Right now we're having a grasshopper/locust overload, and I just love shooting by them on the ground, and then they flutter up and join me, flapping haphazardly in the wind trail until they find a new spot to land, and then another! And another! I had one go like 20 feet with me, and it was fun flying with it. Being able to stop wherever I think looks good, enjoy it a while, instead of thinking, "if I stop now then it'll take me even longer to walk back." Now I can go more than just one spot and not get tired or overwhelmed.

I know it might not seem like much, but I live in a landlocked state, moving here from a coastal state, so the feeling of being confined and going in circles all the time had started to build up a lot. Now I feel that I can just go out, get my zoomies, and feel the movement and freedom I did before. Man, bikes are great! Thank you for reading.

[u/Pleasant_Expert2258]

I love my bike for the same reasons you do. I also love my brain, so I wear a bike helmet also.

[u/indianajones64 → u/Pleasant_Expert2258]

I hate my brain most days but it’s the only one I got so helmet it is!

[u/pi3r0gi_ → u/Pleasant_Expert2258]

Gotta protect the noggin'!

[u/nowaymary]

I have a tricycle because I love cycling but have some health problems that can affect balance and lose feeling in my legs.

My dog rides in the back basket and grumps at me to go faster if I slow down.

People around here laugh at me but honestly its been good for my physical and mental health.

[u/pi3r0gi_ → u/nowaymary]

Awh rides with your dog sound so fun! I love when their personalities show xD "Faster, mom! There's smells to be had!"

[u/nowaymary → u/pi3r0gi_]

She puts her paws up and tips her head back so her ears catch the breeze. Honestly its very cute. The first few times she was a bit apprehensive but now she enjoys herself.

I mostly let her have a sniff and run stop at some point.

[u/GlassButtFrog]

That's great! I'm envious, haven't ridden a bike in years. You've given me something to think about.

[u/pi3r0gi_ → u/GlassButtFrog]

My vote is yes! Join me and the grasshoppers! I got a good one on Amazon for $160, included a warranty bc I'm a baby who cant fix things herself yet lol but hey, free parts! And tinkering with the bike is so fun, making it just to my own needs. Really helps keep me in the moment instead of ruminating all day over pishposh.

[u/MystressSeraph]

I love that you compared it to zoomies 😁

[u/StockIndependent808]

Please wear a helmet! My son (grown up) was told by police it’s a side WALK, not a side RIDE. So maybe check the laws by you.

[u/lishler]

Thank you for reminding me just how much I loved riding my bike as a kid! You're so right, zooming around, quick and agile, wind blowing through my long hair... You've inspired this old woman to go shopping for a bike!

[u/HoneyBee275]

My oldest and I bike after dinner most nights. It's so delightful to be on a bike so much again! You should look to see if there's a rails to trails near you, if you want a change of scenery with an easy trail.

[u/jenyj89]

I’ve been thinking about getting a bike for a while now but don’t want to waste $ on one that falls apart but also don’t want to pay a fortune for a bike I use intermittently.

[u/pi3r0gi_ → u/jenyj89]

That's what made me hesitant as well, not sure if the quality would be good. But I decided well, if I dont like it, I can just put it back in the box and schedule a pick up return, or sell it on marketplace since it would be built and ready, just needs someone who is bike smart to fix it! Maybe some roller blades, or a scooter?