Jordan Flake - "I ride because it makes me feel like a kid again" What I learned during Bike Month

I spent the month of May intentionally riding my bike instead of using a car. It was exhausting, sometimes uncomfortable, and a ton of fun. Biking / commuting by bike has always been part of my life. I started riding my bike to school in 1st grade and have kept up the habit whenever possible.

I try to take my kids to school via bike each morning. I even sold my commuter car last year with the justification that I could ride most everywhere if I needed to + as an incentive I told myself whatever I saved on not buying gas or insurance, I could spend on bikes 😊.

However, when I sold my car, I was not expecting to have crash that would take me off the bike for nearly two months. At the end of February this year I crashed mountain biking and shattered my collarbone, broke my scapula, and 5 ribs. It was rough not being able to use a bicycle to get around. I knew May was Bike Month and put it in my sights as my return to biking full time.

Fortunately, my recovery lined up perfectly to the start of Bike Month. I was incredibly happy to be back on the bike again and I made a point to ride everywhere I could. With three younger boys at home there were plenty of opportunities to bike with them to activities around town.

What I learned/ was reminded of during bike month:

1. Being able to bike is a privilege. After not being able to for a bit, I gained a huge appreciation for the ability to cycle to get around. It’s so great there are resources for adaptive cycling around town.
2. Commuting can be a chore (by car or by bike). Doing it by bike takes some preparation, but usually opens the door to enjoyment more than commuting by car.
3. Weather can be an obstacle, but with a bit of preparation, the right gear, and the right mindset, it can be overcome. Sometimes, it can’t and that’s okay!
4. It helps to mix up the bikes. I rotated through a couple different bikes to add variety to all the miles. Riding the appropriate bike for the type of riding you are doing is key.
5. Kids are tough! Sometimes it took a bit of persuading to get the kids out on the bikes again, but when they did, they crushed it.
6. Snacks! Always pack snacks.

Jacqueline Stockman - "I ride because it’s a great way to enjoy the beauty and nature of the Natural State!"

OZ Trails & THE Razorback #RediscoverRiding

I recently moved to NWA from IL and let me tell you - riding is so much better here! This super bike friendly community makes it easy to get around by bike. I love riding the Razorback Greenway on my cross bike and the OZ trails on my mountain bike. With over 100 miles of trails, it’s convenient to ride to pick up groceries, grab some dinner or a cup of Joe, or just enjoy a day of cycling. You can’t beat NWA!

Melisa Jennings - "I ride because No matter my mood ... I ALWAYS feel so much better after a bike ride!"

Skip the Car line .. Join the E-Bike Cargo Line instead

It's finally getting to feel more like spring!! And that means, more rides on the e-cargo bike!!

There's nothing like being the center of attention at the school pickup/dropoff car line -- ALL those folks who are stuck there waiting for traffic to clear so they can leave, watching me & my daughter with giant smiles on our faces from our morning conversation, "it's going to be a beautiful day today", easily arriving & leaving with practically no waiting!

A father commented on how "cool" my bike was ... but I'm really the cool one cause I like to cause scenes - bike friendly scenes!!

Mike Fall - "I ride because It gets me out from behind a desk over lunch!"

It's not just fun it's great for your health!

I first helped my office (Henderson Engineers- Bentonville, AR) with last years September bike challenge. I did not own a bike at the time and had to borrow a coworkers bike in order to get some miles in. I had not been on a bike since college, but I fell in love with it. Once the bike challenge was over I got lucky and was able to order a bike before the Covid rush. I had to wait for warmer weather to really enjoy my bike but now I leave it at work and try to ride at lunch as many days as I can as well as on the weekends. My weight and blood work have greatly improved as a side benefit!