Make this year about health, fun and family by choosing to ride your bike as one of your outdoor activities.
To some, cyclists are just a bunch of Lycra-clad bodies riding down the street. After a closer look, it is evident that the benefits of this activity go far beyond reliving your childhood memories. There are many positive aspects to cycling; it is a great way to get around, enjoy the outdoors, unwind after a stressful day, meet new friends, and most importantly, stay in shape.
Fact: Cycling has the same cardiovascular benefits as any other aerobic exercise, such as walking, jogging or dancing. These activities can reduce your risk of coronary heart disease or a stroke. Cycling in particular is a great way to strengthen your thighs, hips, and glutes; it is gentle on joints, which helps preserve cartilage. For all of these reasons, riding a bike is the perfect exercise for those who are overweight, or suffer from pain in their back, knees, or feet. If you are looking to lose weight and maximize your caloric burn, it is best to leave your stationary bike in the dust. Outdoor cycling adds the challenge of changing terrain and wind resistance; it also offers pleasant scenery and a way to get to know the community. Going beyond the physical aspects of cycling, studies show that riding your bike is mentally beneficial as well, by helping reduce anxiety, depression, and stress.
Tallahassee offers many trails and opportunities for those interested in taking up the activity. Tom Brown Park, Munson Hills, and Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park each have their own intricate system of trails that are best for off-road riders. If you prefer to ride on heavily trafficked streets, you will find that there are an abundance of lanes designated to cyclists. A great way to navigate the many cycling options in Tallahassee is to join one of the local cycling organizations.
Capital City Cyclists, or the CCC, began in the 1980s and caters mostly to individuals who are road cyclists. CCC hosts a bike ride called the Spaghetti 100, where more than five hundred cyclists meet on Miccosukee Road to ride routes ranging from 35 to 100 miles. This event exists to support CCC’s mission, Kids on Bikes, a program that provides educational opportunities to children as they learn cycling skills, bike safety concepts, and awareness of the positive impact cycling has on their health, environment, and lifestyle.
Another great organization is the Tallahassee Mountain Bike Association, also known as TMBA. This club handles everything pertaining to off-road biking. TMBA is a great way to get involved in the community, and offers many weekly rides for all ability levels. If you are new to riding a mountain bike, their beginner mountain bike ride is a great opportunity which operates at a slower pace, allowing every rider to feel comfortable while learning to navigate trails safely.
Joy Ride Bicycle Collective is a Facebook group that is open to the public and offers something for every kind of rider. Its goal is to build a community around biking education, advocacy, wellness and fun, while also offering many opportunities to engage in activities with other members. They often take rides to get a bite to eat, and participate in bicycle parades and rascal rides. This group is “the new kid in town” – but is growing fast!
Each of these organizations offers great ways to bring more enjoyment to your next ride; however, you do not have to join a group to have fun on your biking excursions. Cycling is something you can appreciate on your own. When you can, go out and explore your neighborhood, local trails, or the roads of Tallahassee.
If you want to learn more about these organizations, opportunities, and health benefits, go to www.cccyclists.org 
By Brady Irwin
President of Capital City Cyclists
