Hello Everyone,
My name is Daryl Ingram and I am the owner of FreeLander Bicycles, a small bicycle restoration and accessories business and a bicycle ecologist.
A bicycle ecologist is someone who has an interest in how bicycles and their human owners interact with one another and their communities. What got me started down this path was the number of bicycles I was witnessing being thrown into the landfill. In many cases good, old (vintage) bicycles that had many, many more miles left in them. These bicycles were built well and deserve to be restored. People need to recognize the environmental, social and financial value in having an existing bicycle made rideable again and actually riding it.
I have been riding for many years now and am pleased to see a renewed focus on using the bicycle for transportation and healthy living. Our municipalities have taken up the challenge of making bicycling safer and more accessible. Both Active Pictou County and the Town of Westville are currently at work creating way to increase safety and opportunity for bicycle riders in the town and county.
Getting back in the saddle
So why, you might ask, is there such an increased interest in bicycle riding? It’s because it is a well-known fact that if you want to live a happier, healthier and less stressful life, get a bicycle. In case you’re not sure where to start, here is the “light” version of how to go about it!
First of all, find a bike. This doesn’t mean rush out and buy a new one. In fact, you shouldn’t do that. If you already have one, get it out and get a basic tune-up to ensure it is safe, adjusted for comfort and is working well. If you don’t have a bike, see if you can borrow one from someone you know and have it tuned.
Find an easy gear and don’t ride fast. Start using the bicycle for short trips around town; to the post office, Foodland, Tim’s, Lawton’s, the library or to visit a friend. If you can do that ten times without getting hooked, I’d be surprised!
Dress like you would on any normal day; there is no need for spandex anything or even sweatpants. Shorts, a t-shirt, comfortable shoes and a HELMET are all you need. Don’t forget your helmet!
“Cycling” is for fitness and competition and bicycling is for pleasure and transportation (with a side order of fitness). See, smell and listen to your surroundings. Before long you’ll be looking for longer routes, rather than short cuts to run your errands.
The best challenge and opportunity for riding your bicycle however, is to take it to work. This requires some planning but the rewards are tremendous. Go for a relaxed ride on a non-work day to scout out a route. Choose the safest way first and shortest or quickest way second. If you can, construct a route along side streets or trails avoiding major car routes as much possible and your ride will be awesome. See how long it takes to get there without rushing.
BTW, the folks at Westville Recreation and Active Pictou County are doing their best to help create safe, designated bicycle routes. My experience has been that the drivers in Pictou County are more than courteous when sharing the road with bicyclists.
When you are ready to make that journey to work on your bicycle, dress as you would for work in a manner that is agreeable with bicycling. There is no need to dress for bicycling and then change for work. If you dress appropriately for the weather and don’t rush, you will arrive energized and ready to take on the day. There are several magazines now in publication that focus on bicycle fashion and riding to work dressed for work. Check out http://momentummag.com.
The more you ride, the more you’ll begin thinking about the bicycle that is ideal for you. Talk to other people who ride and your local bike shops and bicycleologists to find the best bicycle for you. Then save your nickels and buy the best bicycle you can afford, stay away from department store bicycles. Your best bet is the local bicycle shop (Pictou County Cycle) or having a quality vintage bicycle restored and/or upgraded; that’s what we do.
Take Notice
If you are successful in doing the above then you probably have noticed a few things, such as:
- it is costing you less to fill up your car
- you feel better/healthier
- you’re happier
- you’re clothes are fitting better
- you’re calmer
- you’re beginning to make other changes in your life (e.g. eating better, buying less)
- , etc.
However, it will probably be people taking notice of you that will be most noticeable. But remember that bicycling is something to be done for its own benefits and not for any accolades it might bring.
So there you have it. Doesn’t sound that difficult now does it? The hardest part is getting started. So my challenge to you is that within the next 24 hours after reading this blog, you start looking for a bicycle you can experiment with. Let the journey begin!
Take care,
Daryl
45.560601
-62.711180
Westville Insider 