Finding Joy in Motion-November Writing Prompt
Mountain Biking Brings Me Joy in Motion
As we get older, it not only gets harder to keep moving, but it is challenging to find ways to do so. Ways that are body-friendly, especially for seniors. I’ve had to make adjustments to my activities as I get older. Having been through a torn meniscus in each knee and a lower back affected by degenerative disc disease and stenosis, I have more success with some activities as compared to others. Mountain biking is one activity that I can do that has positive effects on my body.
When I say mountain biking, I don’t mean the crazy through-the-woods jumping rocks and logs and dodging trees kind of mountain biking. I didn't even do that when I was young. However, I love to pedal along gravel roads in the woods to explore and enjoy nature. I also ride on some paved roads if they are back roads with little traffic. Riding on pavement seems like a luxury after navigating on dirt/gravel toads.
Mountain Biking is Body-Friendly
For me, biking helps my body. It seems to make my knees and my back feel better. Hiking is another activity I enjoy; however, it is much harder on me for some reason. Maybe the fact that I am sitting while biking makes all the difference. This serves to take the weight/strain off my joints, and the motion improves strength and flexibility.
With hiking, there is much more strain on my knees and back, especially if on a trail with obstacles such as roots and rocks. I still go hiking on occasion, but I avoid trails with rough terrain nowadays and try to limit my distance to 2 or 3 miles.
After tearing the meniscus in each of my knees, I had to go to physical therapy, which helped to keep them flexible and to allow them to settle down and get back to “normal”. I didn’t have surgery for either knee, as the doctor explained that it probably wouldn’t make much of a difference. They also told me that biking is one of the best activities for the knees, including after a meniscus tear.
As far as my back, biking doesn’t seem to bother it, it seems to help it. It helps my back stay flexible.
Give Mountain Biking a Try
I highly recommend mountain biking and/or road biking to anyone. It is an activity for all ages, and you can do as much or as little as you prefer. If you haven’t been on a bike in a while, I would start slow. See how you feel. Take your time. You will be a little sore at first, but as time goes on you should feel better!
Biking definitely brings me JOY IN MOTION. The feeling of riding down the road, feeling the breeze, and enjoying the scenery is a lot of fun. It sets your mind free and takes away your worries. It is great exercise, and I guarantee you will feel better after riding.
If you read my articles, you know that I am also an avid gardener and birdwatcher. Both of these activities are also excellent for seniors. I recently wrote an article for the Crow’s Feet publication regarding how gardening is a great activity for seniors:
As far as birdwatching, I often combine this activity with my bike rides. It's fun to try to identify birds in the woods and wetlands that I encounter during my rides. If you enjoy birdwatching or are considering trying it as a hobby, the following is a recent article I wrote about preparing for this wonderful hobby and a way you can contribute to a worthwhile citizen science project:
I look forward to your comments on this article. I hope you found the article interesting and also that you give biking a try if you haven’t already.
