I RIDE MY BIKE

We need to be physical, but that's way easier to do with activities that bring us joy. For me, that's riding my bike.

The Trek CrossRip1in its most basic format

I love to ride my bike.

I've been cycling since I was six years old. I remember my dad pushing me as I found my balance on a hefty one-speed-fits-all blue bike. No wonder most memories of my young years include bruised and battered knees. But the love of gliding through space never left me.

In my twenties I cycled across Europe at a leisurely pace, stopping whenever I could to sample from the amazing array of patisseries that appeared at regular intervals along the route.

I've tried running with no success. I swam laps, I did aerobics, I lifted weights (I still do that), and I've done yoga (I still do that as well). But my heart belongs to my bicycle.

In the Swinging 6ixties, do what brings you pleasure

Recently I bought myself a brand-new bicycle. I also got the matching fashion accoutrements, of course, in my favourite colours — neon green fenders & bottle holder, pink cycling shoes that clip onto the pedals, neon orange helmet, green cycling gloves.

The thrill of bike riding has never left me. Most days you'll find me geared up to ride. Gliding through the neighbourhood the sounds and the scents of daily life surround me in a way that no walk or run can really match.

The Trek CrossRip, detail

We need to be physical, but that's much easier to do with activities that bring us joy. For me it's my bicycle, for others it might be walking or running or gardening.

When I jump on my bicycle I feel ageless. I feel like a young punk riding her bike to a baseball game, or to school, or to meet friends downtown and staying out too long after dark.

I've tried running, I swam laps, I did aerobics. But my heart belongs to my bicycle.

When I ride I ride with purpose. I push my hardest up the hills of my gorgeous circuit that takes me towards the ocean, through the golf course, past beaches, and along the shoreline.

I love to ride my bike.

My Bontrager Adorn clipless cycling shoes.

MY BIKING GEAR

• Trek CrossRip1with neon-green fenders and matching water bottle holder

• Smith neon-orange helmet

• Bontrager Adorn clipless cycling shoes... in neon pink, of course!