I used to pedal 5 miles every day. I did this for many reasons. One was excercise. The other was it helped my mood tremendously to be able to go out and think and feel and just be me. Unfortunately, in Arlington, Texas, there were a lot of very rude and crude people. Daily, except Sunday when I wouldn't ride, I would have hot cigarette butts, beer cans and bottles, and tobacco juice thrown and spit at me. After three weeks of this happening every day and being run off the road that day (the person did it on purpose and I nearly ended up in a 3 or 4 foot ditch), I gave up. I biked a little here and there, but for around 3 years, my bike sat idle.

Along comes April, 2000. My parents purchased a tandem bicycle. They allow my then wife and I to take it for a ride. We road down toward Goose Rocks Beach, in Maine, and back. It was a wonderful ride. We had a long talk and had a lot of fun. It was only 3 miles or so round trip, but man it felt great. My love of riding awoke.

I haven't really been back out yet. I am waiting for a nice day to either bike or blade. I can promise you this, we will enjoy it. Obviously, I ride more for fun than for sport, so I cannot give you all these crazy rules or plans, but here are a few hints.

Hint #1: Don't buy too much bike. Get a bike that does what you want and works for you. It is easier to enjoy biking, if you are not always guilt tripping yourself over the money!

Hint #2: Always wear a helmet.

Hint #3: Ride alone occasionally.

Hint #4: Ride in a group most of the time.

Hint #5: God gave you this world! Take a moment to smell the roses while you ride.

Hint #6: Build up your endurance.

Hint #7: Go for bike treks/trips. Camp out on the way.

Hint #9: As with any exercise, drink enough water. Drink it over time; not all at once!

Hint #10: Be safe! Have Fun.

Honestly, tricks and all that are fun, but some times just the basic, simple movements are wonderful. Don't get drawn into the idea that you must be some super start X-Games kind of biker. Bike to have fun. Leave it at that.

Since I don't mountain bike, I simply wanted to give some basic hints that can enhance your biking experience. I hope I have done well. Please, realize that if biking alone is boring, music or chatting with a friend can often help alleviate this. I prefer taking a friend with me for this very reason.