Health & Wellness
Joy Ride
Cycling for exercise AND fun
Cycling is an activity that can unite families, knows no age barriers, and is accessible to people with a wide range of ability and interest. Whether casual exercise or a full-on fitness regimen outside or indoors—we’ve got you covered. Capital Region experts and cycle enthusiasts with decades of riding experience shared their knowledge on technique, safety, must-have gear, and places to roam with 55 Plus Living.
BY BARBARA REINA
Cycling Health and Wealth Benefits This low-impact recreational activity can improve cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength and joint flexibility. Whether you’re riding solo or in a group, cycling can decrease your stress, strengthen your bones, contribute to weight loss and improve your mental well-being. “As far as my retirement is concerned, bike riding is going to be a big part of it,” says 61-year-old Ed Brennan, president of the Albany Bicycle Coalition. As empty nesters, he and his wife have managed to be a one-car family for the past nine years. On most days, Brennan bikes to work. “I will be retiring soon with more money and healthier,” he says of their choice. “How many years do you want to spend working for your car?” Brennan says cycling is “a different way of seeing the country. You won’t see everything going 55 miles an hour that you’ll see on a bicycle.” A fun, safe way to travel during the pandemic, bicycle sales continue to soar. Unfortunately, manufacturers have yet to catch up. Although the demand for bicycles is high and the surplus is low, you still have options.
Repair Your Old Bike or Upgrade It “I’ve worked on more bikes from the ‘70s than I did in the ‘70s,” says Jeff Pepper, owner of CK Cycles in Albany. “We’re doing the best we can to repair everything that comes in the door.” Fall 2021 | 55pluslivingguide.com
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