Birmingham Works May/June 2010 : Page 29
Like Riding a Bike: Cycling 101 There are few things in this world that can provide both the peace of solitude and the joy of camaraderie. For the Malki family of Cahaba Cycles, cycling fits the bill. Since 1983, their family owned business has helped the Birmingham cycling community enjoy one of life’s simple pleasures. “Cycling is for everyone,” says Barbara Malki, who only began cycling seven years after opening the family’s first shop. She now shares the work load with her son, Ferris Malki, who says there are three important benefits to the world of cycling: 1. Personal love . “It’s a sacred time for me” says Ferris. When I’m on the bike it helps me cope with just life.” Photo by Hillary Ryan 2. Fitness. It’s the only exercise other than swimming that can provide a repeat high heart rate without wear and tear on joints, thus reducing the risk of injury. 3. Social. It’s one of the only exercise options where you can work out, enjoy creation outside, and have great conversation with friends simultaneously. How can you get started? First, purchase the necessary tools of the trade. Birmingham is blessed with a number of great bike shops, including Cahaba Cycles, Bob’s Bikes, and Bike Link. These shops carry many types of bikes (mountain, road, hybrid, and children’s) in all price ranges; however, you can get started with an entry level bike at first and trade it in for an upgrade later. Your specialist can fit you and adjust your bike to meet your size and performance needs. Spending a little more for a quality bike will prove to be a worthwhile investment. In the end, your biking experience will depend on this piece of equipment, and the bike should work as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Once you’ve found your bike, there are six necessary tools any cyclist needs: Working it out 1. Protection - A bike helmet is essential equipment. 2. Comfort - Padded shorts, appropriate shoes, and comfortable riding apparel. 3. Inflation - An air pump for your tires. 4. Hydration. – Two water bottles will do the trick. 5. Maintenance. – A small tool kit for repairs. 6. Transportation. – a bike rack for your car. Once you have the necessary equipment, familiarize yourself with your bike, and then get involved with the cycling community. Join a group ride. Many bike shops and clubs offer weekly training rides. Sign up and show up! Sign up for a distance ride or a charity ride. Most rides offer shorter distances, and you can train with others for the same ride. Some great charity rides with shorter distances and route support include Bike MS (www.bikeMS.org) and Tour de Cure (tour.diabetes.org). Make it a family affair. At a time when childhood obesity is at an all time high, why not choose a family hobby that provides instant adventures, builds confidence, and encourages a healthy lifestyle at the same time? So, if you’re looking for a new workout plan that also opens the doors to a new community, get on a bike. You’ll soon discover it provides much more than just exercise. Enjoy the ride. Hillary Ryan is a freelance writer living in the Birmingham area. She can be reached at hillary.b.ryan@gmail.com. By Hillary Ryan Photo by Greg Douglas BHAMWORKS.com 29
Working It Out: Like Riding a Bike: Cycling 101
Hillary Ryan
There are few things in this world that can provide both the peace of solitude and the joy of camaraderie.<br /> For the Malki family of Cahaba Cycles, cycling fits the bill. Since 1983, their family owned business has helped the Birmingham cycling community enjoy one of life’s simple pleasures.<br /> <br /> “Cycling is for everyone,” says Barbara Malki, who only began cycling seven years after opening the family’s first shop. She now shares the work load with her son, Ferris Malki, who says there are three important benefits to the world of cycling:<br /> <br /> 1. Personal love. “It’s a sacred time for me” says Ferris. When I’m on the bike it helps me cope with just life.”<br /> <br /> 2. Fitness. It’s the only exercise other than swimming that can provide a repeat high heart rate without wear and tear on joints, thus reducing the risk of injury.<br /> <br /> 3. Social. It’s one of the only exercise options where you can work out, enjoy creation outside, and have great conversation with friends simultaneously. How can you get started? First, purchase the necessary tools of the trade. Birmingham is blessed with a number of great bike shops, including Cahaba Cycles, Bob’s Bikes, and Bike Link. These shops carry many types of bikes (mountain, road, hybrid, and children’s) in all price ranges; however, you can get started with an entry level bike at first and trade it in for an upgrade later. Your specialist can fit you and adjust your bike to meet your size and performance needs. Spending a little more for a quality bike will prove to be a worthwhile investment. In the end, your biking experience will depend on this piece of equipment, and the bike should work as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Once you’ve found your bike, there are six necessary tools any cyclist needs:<br /> <br /> 1. Protection - A bike helmet is essential equipment.<br /> 2. Comfort - Padded shorts, appropriate shoes, and comfortable riding apparel.<br /> 3. Inflation - An air pump for your tires.<br /> 4. Hydration. – Two water bottles will do the trick.<br /> 5. Maintenance. – A small tool kit for repairs.<br /> 6. Transportation. – a bike rack for your car.<br /> <br /> Once you have the necessary equipment, familiarize yourself with your bike, and then get involved with the cycling community. Join a group ride. Many bike shops and clubs offer weekly training rides. Sign up and show up! Sign up for a distance ride or a charity ride. Most rides offer shorter distances, and you can train with others for the same ride. Some great charity rides with shorter distances and route support include Bike MS (www.bikeMS.org) and Tour de Cure (tour.diabetes.org). Make it a family affair. At a time when childhood obesity is at an all time high, why not choose a family hobby that provides instant adventures, builds confidence, and encourages a healthy lifestyle at the same time?<br /> <br /> So, if you’re looking for a new workout plan that also opens the doors to a new community, get on a bike. You’ll soon discover it provides much more than just exercise. Enjoy the ride.<br /> <br /> Hillary Ryan is a freelance writer living in the Birmingham area. She can be reached at hillary.b.ryan@gmail.com. <br />
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