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Saturday, August 18, 2012

New Bicycle



I really went and did it. In a recent post I mentioned that I was looking for a bike that would stand up to my size and weight. There were some bike choices if I wanted to spend over $2000, but that certainly wasn’t in the budget.

The guys at the local bike shop set me up with a Jamis Expedition. This model has a steel frame so it should hold up to my weight. After buying a helmet and a few other accessories, the price tag came up to around $400.

The shop owner really wanted to make sure I had a bike helmet, not so much for my health but for his. He feared that if something preventable happened to me, daughter #2 would kick his butt. Since my daughter is a second degree black belt, his fears may be well grounded. At any rate, bike helmets have some a long way. It’s light and comfortable enough that I soon forget I even have it on.

After a short ride up and down a few hills, it has become very clear to me that I really need this kind of exercise. It’s going to take a few weeks of steady riding to get in any sort of condition. No matter, I’m having a blast. This is my idea of exercise: doing something fun.

I’m glad I went to an actual bike shop to pick this out. They did a lot of research to find a bike that fit what I wanted to do. They did all the set up and adjusted everything so it would be comfortable. The first tune up will be free. Sure beats the service from a big box store.

When I dropped my health insurance due to the high price, I promised myself I’d use some of the savings to improve my health. The first thing I started doing was eating better. I feel great and took off some weight. Even my lovely wife took off a few pounds, just by having healthier food in the house. Buying this bike should help me take off more pounds and get in better shape.

Don’t forget the bonus of having a really practical and efficient form of transportation. My daughter has a cargo rack for me so I’ll be able to carry a bit of gear. Maybe I’ll strap a fishing pole to the back and really have some fun. It’s like being a kid again.

-Sixbears

10 comments:

  1. Best wishes on your new hobby. I've thought of doing the same.

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  2. Thanks! Go ahead and have some fun.

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  3. I have a bike and seldom ride. What a shame. I should follow your example. Now, where to put my rifle....

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    1. The guys at the bike shop couldn't help me all with that.

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  4. Nice looking bike! Like that seat! I miss biking but my knees can't take it anymore. Am slowly losing most cartilage in my joints so I sound like I need WD40!

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    1. Thanks. The seat is pretty comfy. I'm trying to keep all my parts moving.

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  5. I would like to have a bike again. It would definitely have to have a seat like that!

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    1. Why so many people insist on an uncomfortable seat is beyond me.

      It's not often that I buy something just for me that only I use. This is one of those times. Feels good.

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  6. Glad you posted on your new bike.When you go camping a bike just makes looking around so much nicer.I hope my wife will want to get her one and join me, yours may to .A word of advice dont go but half as far as you can ride calling to be picked up is embaracing, trust me .:}

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    1. Good advice. I'm cycling a few miles each day, about 1/2 of it hilly. Building up for longer distances. It's been a long long time since I biked. It's going to be fun to take it camping.

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