Mom's Escape: Go Ride A Bike

Remember the first time you learned to ride a bike?

I remember starting out pretty wobbly and I was nervous on my purple bike with the white banana seat. Yet, once the balancing took hold, it was positively exhilarating. With a fresh breeze blowing on my face, I felt totally free on that open road. It was so much fun.

Do I have your memories going now?

Besides riding a bike along with your kids occasionally, have you ever thought about riding for fun on your own?

Think about this:

1. Bike riding is good for you! It burns calories, builds muscle and increases your stamina. (It also can a peaceful way to clear your mind as well).

2. Bike riding is an economical and environmentally-friendly activity.

3. We live in one of the most beautiful parts of the Puget Sound area. Enjoying the scenery on two wheels is a great way to appreciate your own backyard. Plus, our local area is bike friendly with bike lanes and lots of trail options to make riding a breeze.

Ready to get pedaling?

Here is some helpful information and links to get started on your bike riding adventures.

Need a bike and bike accessories (or those much needed bike shorts to pad your, er, posterior)? Or need a good tune up on an old bike? Here are some local businesses that can help.

• Old Town Bicycle (Tacoma, Gig Harbor)
• Tacoma Bike (Tacoma)
• Bike Tech (Tacoma, Lakewood)
• Performance Bike (Tacoma)
• Rainier Cycle (Tacoma)
• REI (Tacoma)

Looking for places to pedal? First, consider your terrain and what kind of bike you have. Do you have a road bike best designed for the pavement? Or do you have a mountain bike more suited to the trail? Are you looking for a flat, easy going ride or do you want to challenge yourself with some hills? Are you looking for an urban adventure or a peaceful ride with a great view? Once you've decided what kind of ride you are looking for, you'll be on your way in no time!

Check out these links below to give you some great ideas, maps and ride reviews around town.

• Tacoma Wheelman's Bicycle Club
• Pierce County Trails
• Trails.com

Would you interested in riding for a good cause? Multicare is sponsoring the Courage Classic coming up on August 6. This unique and adventurous ride spans over several days and raises funds for programs that stop the cycle of abuse and neglect for local children. Click on the link above to get more information.

Here's to fun (and safe) escape on a bike! Don't forget your helmet and follow the rules of the road. It's for your own safety and it's the law.