WHY WE RIDE For the Love of Riding

By Ann Leach

The couple that rides bikes together stays together, right?

Perry and Debbie Johnson, owners of Bicycle Specialists and avid bike riders for many years, are proving that to be true despite their differences when it comes to why they ride.

“Debbie rides her bike from home to work as often as possible,” Perry said. “There’s nothing better than a leisurely ride to work for her. But I use cycling as a social event and to get outside and take in all the surroundings and live large.” But they both agree the bikes bring physical and mental tune-ups. Debbie said, “We cycle to promote and encourage others to participate in cycling for enjoyment, health and transportation.”

The couple also share their love of the sport by serving as coaches to an interscholastic mountain bike team of sixth to 12th graders who participate in races at five different venues each summer and fall. “We actively still mountain bike race,” Debbie said. “And we also support area non-profit events like triathlons and 5K races.”

Runners appreciate having the Johnsons’ bike shop available and often look to bike riding as an alternative to running. “It changes up the exercise and the mindset and gives them a different view of the outdoors,” said Perry. “Cycling helps with running, and running is a great cross training for cycling. And physicians, physical therapists and orthopedic doctors send their patients to us for help with the rehabilitation of a knee or hip replacement or repair.”

Debbie said, “A body in motion stays in motion, and breathing deep for oxygenation and sweating for cleansing is all a great way to manage stress and good health.”

The Johnsons cite balance, mental clarity, energy and healthy habits as some of the benefits they personally receive from cycling. “I’d add the making friends and memories that will live with us forever to that list,” said Debbie. Their time riding together allows them to focus their thoughts on peace, calmness and the beauty of nature around them.

“Plus, Debbie and I know that it keeps muscles strong, stress levels down and weight in check,” Perry said. “That way we can enjoy some of the sweets.” The couple encourage people to participate in cycling for the enjoyment, pleasure and health of it. And not necessarily to win a race. “Just enjoy the ride,” said Perry. “And just do anything to keep active and healthy. Get a bike regardless of brand or cost, just make sure it fits properly for comfort and safety. We do perform a FIT service at the bike shop to make sure your ride is the best possible and to prevent injury. And Debbie always tells her customers to go out and ride just a few miles at first, even if it’s down the block and back. This way, you will not get discouraged and give up when there are hard days.”

Neosho, MO

February 27: Caregivers Support Group meets the fourth Monday of each month, 5-6 p.m., Medicalodge, 400 Lyon Drive. Help with care, finances, insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, respite care, hospice care, day care and support for the caregivers. Sponsors: Avalon Hospice and Medicalodges Neosho. Call 417.451.2544. Nevada, MO

February 20: Community Blood Drive, 1-6 p.m. Join us for a community-wide blood drive in the Mezzanine Conference Room at the hospital. All blood collected through this drive will remain in our area and will assist Nevada Regional Medical Center in meeting its needs. To register, call 417.448.2101.

February 28: Rich Hill Family Medical Clinic Screenings, 11 a.m.noon, Kern Senior Center. Free screenings every fourth Tuesday of the month: blood pressure, plus this month’s focus screening: bone density. Takes place at the Kern Senior Center in Rich Hill. Integris Baptist Regional Health Center, Grove, OK

February 8 & 22: Depression Support Group meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, 2 p.m., Northeastern Tribal Health System Conference Room, 2301 Eight Tribes Trail. Call 918.675.2093.

INTEGRIS Baptist Regional Health Center, Miami, OK - For more information, visit www.integrisok.com/baptist-regionalhealth-center-Miami-ok.

Every Tuesday: Free blood pressure and glucose screenings provided by INTEGRIS Regency Home Care and Hospice. First Tuesday: Commerce Nutrition Center, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Second Tuesday: Nine Tribes Tower, 10-11 a.m. Third Tuesday: Miami Senior Center, 10-11 a.m. Fourth Tuesday: INTEGRIS Baptist Village, 9-10 a.m.

February 7: Alzheimer’s Support Group meets first Tuesday monthly, 11 a.m., Generations fourth floor visiting room. Call 918.542.3391.

Crisis Text Line Text 741741

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

By Kristi Spencer

Forget boring salads! Take your tastebuds on an adventure with this combination of crispy bacon, nutty pecan pieces, salty feta cheese and juicy apples. Then top it off with a delectable red onion dressing that will have you doing double takes - could there be raspberries in there? Enjoy every mouthwatering bite!

Bacon, Apple, Raspberry Vinaigrette Salad

Salad Ingredients

4 cups lettuce mix

2 apples, chopped

8 bacon pieces, cooked and chopped

1/3 cup pecans, chopped

½ cup feta cheese

1 tsp poppy seeds

Instructions

Dressing Ingredients

½ cup sugar

½ tsp salt

½ tsp dry mustard

¼ cup red wine vinegar

½ small red onion

½ cup olive oil

Combine lettuce mix, apples, bacon, pecans and feta cheese in a large bowl. Add the dressing ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.

Sprinkle with poppy seeds.