Happy On A Morning Ride

Summer Six Word Story Challenge: “Shine!”

Because my husband read a book.

My husband, Gerad Carrier, read a book, yes, another health book. This one was Just Ride by Grant Petersen. Of course, he said I should read it too, and we should buy bikes, and we should start riding regularly because bike riding is good for mental and physical health. “Oh,”, I said, “Good idea, but where would we ride?” We live in a Florida neighborhood. I certainly didn’t want to ride on the streets. It didn’t sound safe.

We bought bikes soon after. We discovered that if we waited to ride until 9:00 AM, we could easily get in a 7-mile ride each day in the neighborhood. Why wait until 9:00 AM? Our 7-mile circle is mainly on sidewalks but also crosses 2 major intersections. Riding after 9 misses the heaviest traffic moving in and out of the neighborhood, and waiting until 9 or later means we miss the walkers on the sidewalks too. It is hot in Florida, so most of the regular walkers are early morning or late evening walkers.

Now, at least 5 days a week, we ride together through the neighborhood. He leads and I follow. We ride carefully, but we ride, and yes, it is good for us both mentally and physically. I’ve lost some weight and feel healthier. I know that being outside and moving each day is good for my mental health. I’m happier and more relaxed on days when we ride, and it is fun to have a regular routine that we do together. I’m happy that he read that book.