Wheels on the ground! Reconnecting with a childhood joy
Today’s the day. You’ve had enough. It’s time to clear the clutter from the garage. Oh, there’s a couple of boxes of holiday decorations. They can stay. That chipped clay pot – gone! How about that cracked garden hose? See ya later! Wait, there it sits. That old bike you haven’t used in years. You’ve almost donated it a few times but can’t bring yourself to let it go.
Why’s that? The bike brings back some great memories: biking to your friend’s house after school; riding to the store for your favourite chocolate bar. It helps you reconnect with those rites of childhood, giving you that sense of joy you had as a kid.
That’s what keeps biking so exciting for Susanna Fuller.
“When I get on my bike, I still feel that freedom I had as a child,” says Susanna, who lives in Halifax and is co-president of Cycle Nova Scotia’s Board of Directors. “Growing up in rural Cape Breton, I was allowed to bike up to the gas station to get a treat. I still feel that exhilaration.”
Biking boom
According to Cycle Nova Scotia, more than 50% of Nova Scotians have an unused bike sitting in their garage right now. So you’re in good company.
Here’s a bonus: you don’t have to travel far to see results.
The plus for us non-kids? It’s a chance to disconnect from work. You can’t take that Zoom meeting or talk on the phone when you’re cycling. It needs your full attention. Sorry not sorry!
WoW – just for women
Did you know there’s a cycling group in Nova Scotia just for women? Women on Wheels (WoW) empowers women and builds their confidence on the road.
“Women on Wheels is perfect for beginner cyclists because it provides peer support and social support for women to add more movement into their day,” says Steve Bedard, director of operations with Cycle Nova Scotia.
Susanna is a WoW member and says there are about 10 active groups in Nova Scotia, including Chester, Lunenburg, Musquodoboit Harbour and the Annapolis Valley. The group was started by Velo Cape Breton, which is also a great resource.
The group has a Facebook page with hundreds of riders across the province. It’s easy to connect with others there. Just post something like: “Hey, I’m in Lower Sackville. I’d like to ride this weekend. Anyone going? I’m new at this, so I’m going to need some help!”
You’ll be surprised at the response. Someone may chime in saying they’re nervous too and you’ll get an offer for a biking buddy. It’s encouraging for newbie bikers.
When you’ve practised and have become more confident, check out the beautiful trails around Nova Scotia here. Make it your bucket list and work towards it.
Tune up and roll out
it’s important to make sure your bike is safe before you climb aboard.
Bike Again refurbishes old bikes and has a repair shop. And Welcoming Wheels provides bicycles for new immigrant families to the province. Both services are through the Ecology Action Centre.
So get back to the garage or basement, dig out that bike, get it ready, find a buddy and get going!
And don’t forget to pack the snacks – the snacks are everything.
One more thing – snap a pic of your bike and share it on our Facebook page.
BIG biking benefits
Cycling is a great way to socialize (build new memories together)
It’s a low-impact activity (choose an easy path or quiet street)
You can stop for lunch or snacks (top tip)
You can ride alone (serenity now!)
Six tips for beginners
The folks at Cycle Nova Scotia have these suggestions for us cycling newbies:
Find a friend at the same level (search here for a cycling group near you)
Get the bike serviced so it’s safe (make this your TOP priority)
Ride weekly to build confidence (start slow)
Start in your neighbourhood or on a beginner trail (away from cars!)
Try a stationary bike at fitness facility if you’re already a member (great for nasty weather)
Learn hand signals and proper communication (be consistent)