Recumbent Bike

November 19, 2004

Thanks for the advice Deanna, but I can't get on an exercise bike

without a step stool! I lost some flexibility of my legs when I

ruptured that pesky ole disc. I do just fine using my legs except

when I try to pick them up high...like getting on an exercise bike.

The strange thing is that if I have a " retro " bike (like the ones we

rode in the 40's and 50's) then I can lean on the handlebars and

swing my leg up over the seat. I don't know why I can do it, but I

can. Something about physics and the law of gravity, I suppose.

I've looked at the recumbent bikes made for actual riding rather than

exercising. I just can't get the nerve to even try one. Several people

have said most people take several spills before getting the hang of

them. Also I don't like the position you have to be in to ride. It just

doesn't look so comfortable to me. The chain is so long in most of

them I'd think you'd get your pants leg caught in it easily.

I've been to our one and only bicycle store 3 times to try to find the

" perfect " retro bike for me. I haven't found one yet. I've just about

made up my mind to buy an inexpensive one from Wal-Mart today.

I'll be riding mostly with my 4 yr old (soon to be 5 she keeps telling

me) granddaughter. We won't go long distances, but she'll want to

go riding several times a day and that's better for me. I think I'll do

fine with a Wal-Mart bike for short spins. Maybe hubby will go with

me for longer rides in the evening. We used to do that when the kids

were little and we'd let them ride their bikes. Great fun!

I used to ride for miles and miles on dusty dirt roads as a kid and

loved it. I was a normal weight then, maybe this will help with my

weight now. After all, what can be better than exercising while

sitting? Haha! I'm looking forward to biking again. At least it will help

me get more physically fit whether I lose weight or not. It will give

me more stamina.

My granddaughter is napping now and I promised her we'd go to

Wal-Mart to buy Granny a bike after she wakes. She told me she

wants me to get a pink one. Yes, sweetie, the color is the *most*

important thing! I don't spoil her at all, you understand! You believe

that I'm sure.

Kathleen

> Kathleen, if you are considering getting an exercise bike and also

> have back trouble, I recommend you look for a recumbant bike. Your

> legs are extended in front of you, not up and down. And, there is a

> " chair-type " seat instead of the regular bicycle seat. They are

> specially designed to take pressure off your back. I've had mine for

> several years and have over 5600 miles on it. It is much more

> comfortable than the normal exercise bike.

>

> Hugs,

> Deanna

November 20, 2004

I went to Wal-Mart, K-Mart and Target, but didn't find anything plus

our one and only bicycle store. It seems their inventory is down right

now. Maybe they'll have lots of new bikes for " Black Friday " since

that is the start of the Christmas season. Maybe I'll even find a

bargain.

I did find a bike helmet on sale and bought it. Now I gotta buy that

bike!

I live in the very flat Valley. Nice riding here.

Kathleen

> Hope the WalMart bike will be just what you need. We live in a very

> hilly area of Central Tx. and I have tried to bike here, but I end up

> braking all the way down the hill, then getting off and pushing it up

> the next hill. Sort of defeats the whole purpose of having a bike.

> Now, I just walk and save the exercise bike for inside. My recumbant

> bike sits about 8 " off the ground and the " chain " is enclosed, so

> there's no way to get caught in it. Sounds like your granddaughter

> will be a good incentive to getting into exercise. Have fun and let me

> know what you get.

>

> Hugs,

> Deanna

>

November 20, 2004