Will Europe Turn Me Into a Cycling Psycho?

Trinity's Tour Makes It Plain: I Gotta Do Better!

BRUGES: Bikers follow the paths pedestrians must cross.

The place is rife with bikers. In Paris, they compete with buses and cabs for road dominance. In Bruges, Belgium, crossing a bike path can be more dangerous than crossing Times Square against the light. And in Amsterdam, so many people pedal, bikes stacked in parking lots resemble recycling centers. I could say cycling creates a gnarly environment. But that's not true.

Cycling creates a challenging environment because you have to look out for yet another class of commuters. Moreover, these "psycho cyclers" (my description) aren't crazy at all. Using bikes makes perfect sense in light of space-challenged streets, high fuel prices and overall health perks. I'm seeing every kind of biker possible--from youngsters flying down the street racing buses to seniors pedaling through their errands to parents ferrying children on seats affixed to the back wheel.

Many bikes have baskets and saddle bags to carry purses, books, packages, whatever. And since they're used for everyday transportation, no one seems concerned if they're spanking new or dingy antique. I guess the glitz is saved for hotshot race events.

I saw tangles of bikes everywhere we visited.    

Anyway, I'm blessed to witness this mania (which is really normal behavior for Europe) because I started riding my old Peugeot mountain bike. I decided to get it refurbished rather than buy a new one.  I love the heavy frame and the brand. I'm riding because I need every biking benefit cited by the experts, including better cardiovascular, more strength and flexibility, and stress reduction. Leave it to a loving God to point out my need in a unique way. I came to Europe for the music but I'll be leaving inspired not only by Trinity's musical witness but by cycling.

Fact is, I need to do better about my health and diet. I could blame it on the rich foods and breads, etc., we're consuming on the trip but the truth is the choir tour is only for a week. I've been needing to change my dietary ways for a long time. That means more exercise and more control over what I eat and drink.

Bottom line: I'm hoping that hopping around Paris, taking a side trip to London, and then moving on with the group to Bruges and Amsterdam will instill a new sense of urgency. When I get back to the U.S.,  I'll probably add some type of carry apparatus to my bike so I can use it more naturally in everyday life--shopping, pharmacy, the post office.  Maybe soon,  I'll be a cycling psycho too.

Senior biker rides by Trinity Choir members taking in the town square before a concert.

Talk to your doctor first, then if it's okay glean some inspiration from these articles about the benefits of biking . . . 

• 7 Reasons to Start Bike Riding--Women's Health Magazine
• 10 Reasons to Get on a Bike--Men's Fitness
• Time to Take Up Bike Riding--Prevention.com