Breezy Biking

It was quite muggy and hot outside today, so I decided to take a bike ride to take in some breeze. During this week my town has the local Heritage Days festival and I thought a little bike ride would be a good idea to scope out what was happening downtown and to get a little exercise in. There are so many pluses to biking... it's a good way to get out and let out the stress (going along with the theme...), a way to cool off in otherwise hot weather, exploring the city, and maybe one of the most important benefits... saving on GAS MONEY!! In a world where gas has never been so high, I am only thankful that Missouri's gas is the lowest in the country. That's not saying much, however.

Back to biking... found an article about some neat benefits:
1. A positive bike ride can up the self-esteem.
2. Nature supposedly improves your mental health!
3. Just like running, it gives us those happy endorphins. =)
4. Since it is repetitive, it distracts us from other things (stress release).
5. "It puts us in control." (no author, Bicycling, 2008, p. 1) Compare this to drivers in traffic that have no control and are stressed and ready to get home!

If you happen to be from the mid-Missouri area, here are some free places that I love to go biking:
1. The Katy Trail! Excellent flat trail surface to ride on with awesome views of the Missouri River and the country. It runs for 225 miles!
http://www.bikekatytrail.com/
2. MKT trail in Columbia, MO... a branch off of the Katy Trail that winds through the city (although you wouldn't know it) through woods and streams. Very nicely shaded in most parts.
http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/ParksandRec/Parks/MKT_Trail/

Lastly, if you are looking just to rent a bike, they go for about $25 a day around the area. However, if you are going to bike often, to work, for fun, etc. it's a great idea to go ahead and spend a few hundred dollars on your own!

Olympic Spirit courtesy of xinhuanet.com!