We are fortunate to live in a neighborhood where the whole family can get out and safely ride our bikes. Still, I would sure like to see more U.S. cities construct separate bike paths that actually go someplace useful such as the supermarket or other shopping, bike paths such as those found in many European cities and villages. With the skyrocketing price of gas and the climbing obesity rate, it seems like a sensible solution to both problems would be to encourage biking, not just for exercise on a fitness trail, but as part of a healthy, environmentally sound lifestyle.

Although we can't go many useful places on our bikes where we live, we can at least bike over to visit with friends or relatives, or even our local horse farm. To encourage the kids and myself to ride more frequently, it helps to have bikes that are in good repair, properly-sized, and fun to ride--and if they're brand spankin' new, so much the better. For my 1G9's birthday, we ordered her a new mountain bike from our local bike shop. I highly recommend purchasing a bike from a local bike shop staffed with knowledgeable staff that can answer your questions and help you select the correct size and style of bike for you.

When we picked up her bike, I decided that it was time  to look into a new bike for me, too. My mountain bike with the retrofitted cruiser handlebars is not the most comfortable bike for the long rides of 15-20 miles that I typically do a few times a week. I've had my eye on a beach cruiser bike for some time now, and so I decided to try some out. I settled on the Townie Electra cruiser, pictured above, which has a lightweight aluminum frame and 21 gears—most of which I’ll never use. What I love about it, though, is the patented “flat-footed” riding position, with a lower to ground seat and a slightly forward peddling position for more torque. The handlebars are really comfortable. My retrofitted cruiser handlebars on my old mountain bike were not, and they put a real strain on my wrists at an odd angle. As icing on the cake, this bike's got flowers all over it. I love my "girlie" bike! So, if you see us out on the road, be sure and wave--and give us plenty of room!