Despite the whole range of electronic devices intended for our pleasure, it is hard to beat a good bike ride in the country.

Many of us remember our first bike, the first time we learned to ride without training wheels, feeling as if we could go anywhere. Freedom.

Bikes are just as much fun today for adults as they were when we were children. Buying bikes for the entire family is a wonderful way this winter to stay in shape while strengthening ties with our children.

You can ride a bicycle almost anywhere, at any time of the year, and without spending a fortune. Many people are put off doing certain sports because of the high level of skill that seems to be required, or perhaps because they can’t commit to a team sport due to time pressures. Most of us know how to cycle and once you have learned you don’t forget. All you need is a bike, a half an hour here or there when it suits, and a bit of confidence.

Cycling is not an activity solely involving the legs. It builds strength throughout the whole body. It also improves general muscle tone with little risk of over exercise or strain. Regular cycling strengthens leg muscles and is great for the mobility of hip and knee joints. Cycling also builds stamina and is quite effective because people enjoy cycling and they don’t really notice that they have gone farther than the last time they went cycling.

Cycling strengthens the heart and helps improve cardio-vascular fitness. Studies have shown it to increase cardiovascular fitness by 3-7%. Cycling raises heart rate to benefit stamina and fitness.

A bike ride also helps clear the mind, relax the soul and lets you find your inner peace. If you do not like to ride with traffic or you live on unfriendly roads, Asheville offers a few bike tracks and even a bike park, Kolo Bike Park (fees) 1 Resort Dr. (828) 707-4876, or Carrier Park, Sports facilities and trails by the river (free) (828) 251-4024.

Bikes also make great gifts! Hearn’s Bike Shop was established in 1896 by the Hearn’s family. Probably the oldest bike shop in the U.S., it is the oldest business is Asheville.

Hearn’s Bike Shop carries a great selection of new and previously owned bikes (road, mountain, and hybrid). The staff is friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. They have all the gear and accessories you need.

Hearn’s Bike Shop
28 Asheland Ave., Asheville
(828) 253-4800
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