I’ve Always Been an Avid Bicycle Enthusiast

I’ve always been and avid bicycle enthusiast. Years ago I’d ride my “ten speed” to work and play. When mountain bikes became popular I rode a “Stump Jumper” everywhere.  I even made it from my home in Sherman Oaks to La Jolla a few times.  These biking adventures have always been an important part of my physical conditioning and riding for me is just plain fun. 

One day, I stopped at a Pasadena Cycle Shop and it was there I first laid eyes on a recumbent bicycle.  See http://www.bentrideronline.com for more than you’ll ever need to know about recumbent bikes.  I rode a demo around the block a few times and I was hooked!!  Over the last ten years or so I’ve accumulated two recumbent bikes see  http://www.rans.com and a trike. http://www.wizwheelz.com I have a few quite expensive regular bikes hanging on hooks in my garage.  I can’t imagine doing any serious touring on them.  My recumbents are my bicycling loves.  Why? Fun! No strain on butt or wrists, mile after mile. It’s like riding along on a very comfortable lawn chair.  I can ride 60 to 80 miles one day and be ready to do the same the next day. 

As I run into bikers who are part of the colorful “spandex” crowd, I’m often asked about my recumbent.  My answer to them is that you have to experience recumbancy. “Put 50 miles or so on one and I dare you to go back to your regular bike.”

Biking My Weight Off

I pulled into the parking structure of Toluca Lake Health Center, I remembered thinking it must have been almost two years since my last physical. I felt that I was in decent shape, but on the other hand, I did weigh more than I ever had in my life, nearly 195 pounds. But, I took great comfort in knowing that I have always been in good health, fairly active and blessed with good genes.

The nurse took me in and I sat down to get my blood pressure taken. Immediately the nurse’s eyes widened. I received the results of 141/91! At that moment, I did not know exactly what those numbers meant, but I knew it was not good. That surprised and concerned look in the nurses eyes told me enough.

I quickly found myself speaking with my doctor as he reviewed and studied the report carefully. He told me “If you come back next year with numbers like this, I will need to put you on medication.” I thought “What me..on medication?” He said ” You lose 5 or 10 pounds, that would do a lot.” I thought…that’s what I’m going to do……but how?

My thoughts went to a colleague of mine that rode his bike to work everyday. That left an impression on me. I also thought of the 94-year old runner that inspired me and countless other people in a small community in Northern California.

I swiftly made the decision to ride my bike to work three days a week with an impressive 22 mile round trip. Over several months, I ended up losing over 25 pounds, my blood pressure is now 129/82. The same nurse recently told me that the new numbers are about where my blood pressure should be and that I made a remarkable improvement. She asked me how I did it. “Biking to work,” I proudly replied.

What was it that got me on that bike three days a week? Quite simply it was the inspiration of my old colleague from the previous year and that 94-year old runner. They showed me the way to take a pro-active role on my own health. Yes, inspirational role models matter in our lives and my test results are proof of that.

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