Finding Motivation

Riding has been part of my fitness regimen for many years. Now that I am a senior, it is more important than ever. 

Bike riding is low impact and with the advent of E-bikes this activity is available to almost everyone. You can get an inexpensive second hand bike and you will not need any special equipment beyond a good waterproof jacket and sturdy shoes. Unlike many sports, you won’t have to drive somewhere special to participate. Bike riding is also environmentally friendly. You can hop on your bike at your front door and take off!

I often get into conversations with people who tell me that they want to ride but then they tell me that they don’t because of traffic, sweat, being out of shape, not having a bike, etc.  It is almost as if they want me to convince them to ride so they can tell me all the reasons they can’t. I suspect that these people don’t really have a genuine desire to give bike riding a try. If you do feel that you want to ride, there is almost always a way. I have mentioned E-bikes for people who need that extra boost of power. If traffic scares you, there are lots of bike trails you can try. If you feel that you get too sweaty riding to work, you can always bring along another set of clothing.

Much of my riding is solitary. I commute from Winooski to Burlington and go on long bike rides. I love the feeling of getting away from town and out into the countryside. I am 68 years old but I can still take a 30-40 mile ride without too much difficulty. While this may seem like a long way, if you work up to it slowly this kind of distance is available to many riders.

Finding someone to ride with can be a strong motivator. There are many local riding groups in the Burlington area. In the past few years I have helped to lead the Winooski Bike Gang. We offer three rides. The Business Ride is fast paced, the Business Casual Ride is slower and the Party Ride is the slowest of all. I lead the Party Ride. All three rides set out every Wednesday at 5:30 from Winooski Wheels in Winooski. Everyone is invited! Having a regular group motivates me. I know people are depending on me! Especially for seniors, the social element of group riding is very important. Isolation is deadly for anyone, but especially for seniors!

This year I have started doing rides with a friend. Once we set up a ride I feel committed to show up. That commitment to someone else can be just the nudge you need to get out and ride. Some people are motivated by recording their riding mileage. There are many apps for recording mileage including Strava and Ride with GPS. It also helps to prepare for your rides ahead of time. This is especially helpful if you plan to take a morning ride. Setting out all your gear the night before ensures that you will not stay in bed instead of exercising!

Bike riding can be integrated into your daily life. My daily commute is from Winooski to Burlington and back. Even if I am not going to work I ride to Burlington to go to the YMCA and City Market. It takes about 20 minutes each way. That means I get at least 40 minutes of exercise a day without having to set aside a special time to exercise. I ride year-round but even riding just in nice weather would be a good beginning.

Riding is great aerobic exercise and helps with leg strength. To complete your fitness regime you should include some exercise for your upper body, such as swimming or weight training, and also some flexibility exercises.  

Ultimately we will continue to exercise if we find it enjoyable. For riding that means you have to attain a minimum level of fitness. That can take bit of  time, but once you begin to feel stronger, riding can be a pleasure. It takes some disciple to begin, but if you stick with it you will be rewarded!

Peter Burns

About the Author: Peter Burns is a long-time bike enthusiast, and one of the original year-round bike riders in the greater Burlington area. In addition to writing about walking and biking, Peter teaches a variety of bike workshops. He also works at a group home for people with psychiatric disabilities, teaches classes for the Vermont Humanities Council, teaches swimming at the Burlington YMCA, and is a regular host of Storytelling VT.  You can contact Peter at heatofhistory @ gmail.com.