Bike Riding Not Just for Kids

Remember being a kid and riding your bike down the hill with no hands, your arms spread like an airplane? It seems you could ride all day and not ever get tired.  There was such a freedom you felt when riding your bike, even if it was no further than the street in front of your house. Bike riding is great for kids but it is great for grown ups too. Maybe it's time to recapture the experience!   

Many have taken up the now popular sport of cycling and look impressive in their cool bike shorts and sleek helmets clipping along on high tech bicycles. Others have turned toward the edgy sport of mountain biking with it's robust trails, gut busting inclines and thrilling down hills. In between these cycling adventures is simply riding for good exercise, fresh air and fun.

I prefer the middle road...or trail and ride for exercise and fun. With a decent mountain or hybrid bike you can enjoy some great places to ride for exercise and enjoyment right here in Cumming.

Before covering the "where to ride," just a few tips to make your riding safer and more enjoyable if you plan to dust off that old bike.

• Be sure your bike is the right size for you. If its a man's bike, be sure you can stand over the top bar of the bike with an inch or two of space to spare. If its a woman's bike this doesn't apply. 

• Adjust the seat so your knee is slightly bent when your leg is fully extended on the peddle. The seat should be pretty much level.

• Adjust the handle bars for comfort. Having the handle bars slightly higher than the seat allows for a more upright position.

• On your first ride out, you may want to bring a tool to adjust the height of the seat or bars as needed after you have logged a mile or two.

• It's good to have a water bottle holder on your bike to bring water along.

• Wear comfortable clothes and be sure if wearing long pants, you wear some that won't get caught in the chain.

• Always wear a helmet!

Here are two great places to ride off road here in the Cumming area.

The  is a paved and boardwalk trail for walking and biking.  There is a 10 mile-per-hour speed limit and the trail can be quite busy on the weekends. The boardwalk can be slightly bumpy which you will feel more on a street bike because of the narrow tires. I prefer riding my mountain bike in the highest gears so it's harder to peddle and a great workout. The trail has a few slight hills but is mainly level and the scenery is beautiful. It is 6.8 miles in length one way. This is a great place for a family ride! Click on the link above to learn more about this trail and to find the access points. To view or print a map of the greenway click here: Big Creek Greenway Map

For the more adventurous, has a great bike trail. It is an easy to moderate natural trail that winds through open areas and wooded areas and is a great place for beginner trail riders. There are roots, rocks, creeks and a few tight places between trees. It's a fun, energetic, safe trail ride and I highly recommend a mountain bike and a helmet. Click on the link above to read more about this trail.

Get your go on and roll on! Happy peddling! 

Please feel free to comment about your favorite place to ride!

There is a new group forming to enjoy many outdoor activities. Check it out here:  Fresh Air Fitness Events