Ride to Cure Diabetes, Death Valley, CA October 2003
Photo by Debbie Joyce

Why Outdoor Cycling?

Fun. Fitness. Friends.

When you ride outdoors you get to feel the wind in your face as you fly down the road. That's the fun part.

Cycling is one of the best aerobic exercises that you can participate in. It is non-load bearing and non-impact (unless you crash) - so it is considered a lifetime sport. Cycling can help your heart stay healthy, help you manage your stress and maintain a healthy weight (or lose a few pounds if you need to). That's the fitness part.

We've got lots of cyclists in North Texas who have been riding for a long time. They have helped build a large community of cycling clubs and bike rallies in the North Texas region. There are also cycling clubs and events all over the country and across the globe. You have an abundance of choices for cycling opportunities. So, get out there and ride. Make some new friends.

Please check out the list and find a ride to enjoy.

Please remember to behave yourself.

According to John Forrester (creator of the Effective Cycling Program), "Bicyclists fare best when they act like and are treated as drivers of vehicles."

Many other cycling educators agree. Statistics tell us that of all the crashes that involve cyclists, only 13% involve a motor vehicle - and half of those are caused by cyclist error. Roughly 50% of all cyclists' crashes are falls. So what does this mean?

It means you should learn how to operate your bicycle safely and efficiently - drive it like a vehicle - so that you can pursue fitness on a bicycle for a lifetime. It is good, clean, healthy fun!

Wear a helmet to protect your head and use your head to protect your body.