Try riding a bike.

I am very excited about the mice weather we have had over the last week or so. I am ready to start riding my bicycle to work and back again. If you don't ever do this I recommend you try it. Riding my bike offers several benefits for me.

1st- It is great exercise. Riding a bike helps to increase strength, endurance, stamina, and cardiovascular fitness. It is also less stressful on your joints than running or jogging.

2nd- Saving money. I save about $25 a week by riding my bike and not burning gas in my car.

3rd- I always feel great after riding my bike. It seems to relieve stress for me. I think it is mostly due to the fact that I know I am getting in some good exercise while only spending about and extra 10 to 15 minutes a day on my commute to and from work(about 5 miles one way.)

4th- Time. I only have to leave my house about 5 minutes earlier to get to work. Some people might not count this as a benefit. I mean it is quicker to hop in your car and take of, but 5 minutes difference to commute to work isn't that much.

For me there is only one real down side, the weather. Although a bike can be ridden in any weather it is not always practical like when it is pouring down rain or there is a lot of ice on the ground. Bad weather can be harmful to you if you aren't careful.

I have been riding my bike to work in the spring and summer months for the last 2 years. I really enjoy it and would like for more people to try it. I will admit that I was a bit sore after the first couple of days even being in good shape physically. The worst part was where my butt and the seat met. So, I also recommend that you find yourself a comfortable seat.

So now all you have to do is find out if the pros outweigh the cons for yourself. If you do decide to start commuting to work on a bike, I recommend that you try the trip on a weekend or day off before trying it on a work day just to make sure you gauge your time correctly. Have fun.