If you’ve been paying attention, you’ve noticed that I usually try to connect this note with the subject of the magazine edition – in this case, cycling. It would be easy to share with you the story of a recent ride, or describe the hottest bike on the road or even exhort you to wear your helmet, but what’s the point? Cyclists all have their own memories and opinions already. You guys don’t need me for that. Instead, I think this month I’ll reach out to those of you who may not already own a bike or even think riding a bike is a good idea. So in honor of June, the sixth month, here are six great reasons to start riding a bike.

Low impact

For the runners in the crowd, what else can I say? Cycling is a perfect low-impact addition to your program. I think they might call it cross-training. It may not create the same aerobic feeling as running, but I can guarantee it will allow you to keep running for many more years. For those of you who don’t bike or run, and need an easy way to get back on some type of exercise routine, a bike would be perfect. Select your pace and your distance and you’re on your way.

Sightseeing

You can cover a lot more territory on a bike than you can walking, running or paddling. More territory covered = more sights seen. A friend told me about a German fellow she met a few years ago at the Ironman in Hawaii. He shared that his dream was to ride his bike around the world. He showed up at her door in South Florida a couple of weeks ago. His journey was more than 75 percent completed. How about that for a little sightseeing? He was given a military escort across Afghanistan!

Choices

Road bike, tri bike, mountain bike, beach cruiser, hybrid or unicycle. Take your pick and hit the road.

No off-season

I’ve noted here previously that we forget how good we have it living in Florida. We can do almost anything, every day of the year. Up north, they hook their bikes up to a wind trainer or maybe forget about it altogether until the snow melts. Here, you can decide whether you want to bear the inconvenience of a 50-degree day or not. Live somewhere north for a year or so and you’ll really appreciate this!

Solo

Although it may not be as fun for some, you can ride all by yourself. Like with running, this fact removes that final barrier that may be keeping you from heading out the door. You don’t need anybody but you – and your ride – to get started. You don’t have to keep up with, or slow down for anybody. One less excuse.

Great new habit

Like tools in a toolbox, you can never have too many sports to choose from. Today, you run; tomorrow, you paddle; the day after, you ride. Variety is the spice of life.

So how’d I do? Did I motivate you to dust off that old Huffy or maybe take a trip down to the local bike shop? I’ll see you on the roads.