A Biking New Year's Resolution

by Melissa Nash
for the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin

The excitement and anticipation of Y2K no longer looms over us as we approach this coming New Year. But, that does not mean that our New Year’s resolutions have to lack in originality. This year, make a different resolution: a resolution to bike.

New Year’s resolutions have always been the same old promises--eat healthier, get more exercise, quit smoking, etc. Although honorable, most of these resolutions are completely forgotten by January 16th.

Granted, except for a few hearty soles, the Wisconsin bicycling season does not start in earnest until about April. But, this gives you three months to prepare and plan for biking success.

Why resolve to bike? The benefits are endless. Biking is an exceptional way to travel, lose weight, build muscle, help the environment and have fun.

To make your resolution official, write it in big letters on January 1st and April 1st of your 2001 calendar. Then, follow these five steps to make your resolution a reality.

Step 1: Set Reasonable Goals

A resolution “to bike” is a bit too general. Set specific, but reasonable daily, weekly and monthly goals for yourself. You could challenge yourself to bike 30 miles a month, 20 miles a week or simply every Sunday. Depending on your lifestyle and abilities, your goals can be almost anything. The important thing is to keep them challenging, but not impossible.

Step 2: Get Out and Ride

Although the key step to completing your resolution, this is the toughest to accomplish. The first obstacle is time. Be sure to develop a routine and stick to it. Set aside special times for biking and try to keep it the same every week. Your riding will soon become a natural part of your schedule instead of something you just “squeeze in.”

The second obstacle is motivation. Sometimes a beautiful day will be all the push you need, other times biking will seem like the last thing you want to do. To keep yourself racking up the miles, try these tips:

Use your bike to run errands. That way you can ride and check off something on your “to do” list at the same time.

During the winter months, ride a stationary bike while you read the newspaper or watch TV to prepare for spring.

Driving somewhere? Hook that bike up and take it for a ride at your destination.

Commute to work, you are going there anyway.

At the end of every ride, circle the block until you have reached the next even mile.

Make a date to bike. You will be more motivated if you go with a friend.

Step 3: Keep Records

An odometer for your bike is a wonderful investment. They can be purchased at bike shops and department stores for around $30. Keep track of your biking success by marking your mileage on your calendar. Total your miles at the end of every week or month and see how you have measured up to your goals. At the end of the year, add up all of your miles and proudly announce your total!

Step 4: Revise Your Goals if Necessary

Life is constantly changing, so change your goals to match if necessary. The important thing is to stick with your biking.

Step 5: Reward Yourself

Every so often, give yourself a reward! It is not always easy to set new goals and accomplish them, but as long as you gave it an honest effort, you deserve special recognition. Make plans for a weekend get-a-way and bring your bikes! (If the rest of your family has not caught the biking bug by now, here is their chance.) Or, bike out to eat with friends or to the beach for a picnic. Use biking to treat yourself for a job well done.

This New Years may not contain the thrill of the year past, but it is just as good an opportunity to change your life for the better. Assure yourself a great 2001 by resolving to bike. Happy New Year and happy biking.

Melissa Nash is a freshman at UW-Whitewater.

Home: www.bfw.org
The Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin
a member-supported, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization

Mailing Addresses and Phones:
Madison: Box 1224, 53701 (608) 251-4456
Milwaukee: 1845 N Farwell Ave Ste 100, 53202 (414) 271-9685