Alexa Fleckenstein M.D.

May is “National Biking Month”. I celebrated today to pick up my cello from the string shop (it had needed re-hairing) by bike – something I had not done before. I had not used my bike on that route before because most of the 2.8-mile drive there is on a very busy – to me meaning: dangerous – road, with horrendous traffic. I set out anyway, and found out that there is a path along the highway, mostly hidden in the bushes, much safer than riding on the highway itself. Although it was narrow and overgrown – I had twigs whipping my face and lots of distracting dirt and debris underfoot, oh, underwheel. But it was doable. Google Maps thought I should be able to paddle the 2.8 miles in 16 minutes. It took me about 25. But the weather was as gorgeous as one expects of May, and it gave me a wonderful work-out. Here are my rules I stick to: • I never go without helmet. • I don’t bike two days in a row because I want to give my muscles a day for recuperating in between. • I don’t bike when I am in a hurry – because that’s when accidents happen. My bike needed a few adjustments before I could use it for errands like shopping. I had a rack installed in the back, with a basket. And I needed an old-fashioned handlebar. The original one seemed to be made for a racer – which I am not. The new one is comfortable and does not strain my neck. The other day, when we were in Rome, we took bikes along the Via Appia antica – the old road build by the Romans more than two thousand years ago. My Italian bike had one of those comfortable handlebars. And, by the way, those bikes were rented – free of charge. Wish we would have that system here! The Via Appia ride will be unforgettable! And for the very occasional use during dusk (I don’t anticipate driving at night), I plastered the bike with a set of reflectors. And I bought a fun bike bell – just like I had as a child! These are some of the health benefits of bicycling: 1. Gets you outdoors. 2. Improves your mood. 3. Gives you light and sunshine for vitamin D repletion. 4. Fights overweight. 5. Moves your bowels better. 6. Strengthens your heart. 7. Builds up your muscles – strength as well as muscle tone. 8. Tones your pelvic area (and is more fun than Kegel exercises!). 9. Improves coordination and balance. 10. Promotes longevity. 11. Increases endurance and stamina. 12. Boosts your immune system. Riding a bike is one of the healthiest choices you can make for yourself and for our Earth – as long as you avoid being run over by a car! Read More