What A Bike Will Do To You

I am happy to report that I've kept about 200 miles off little ol' Lightning (my car) since December 10th.  The scariest part is that I've put close to one third of the money I need for a new bike into a savings account.  I guess that purchase might be happening sooner, rather than later.  There are probably too many variables to know for sure, but I think it's definitely improving my happiness (at least for the moments right before riding, moments while riding, and the moments directly after riding).  And, I'm starting to hate the thought of using my car for anything within five miles.  Thankfully, the grocery store is really my only car trip each week, which I think I can live with.  

I saw this list of side effects of cycling and can definitely attest to all of these.  Copied from a Treehugger post:

If you are thinking about replacing a car trip with a bicycle trip instead, it is important to know the repercussions of that choice. Read further for 8 side effects that your doctor or bicycle salesman may not have told you about.

1) Weight loss

If you are trying to get fat, then cycling might not be right for you. Cycling has been known to deplete calories stored in the body’s fat reserves, thus decreasing the gravitational pull on the affected body.

2) Slowed breathing

Those who cycle regularly have reported more time needed for each breath during both exertion and periods of rest.

3) Dangerously low amounts of stress

Those who commute to work by bicycle have been observed to be void of hostility, which some claim is an important survival tool in today's world.

4) Punctuality

Being able to navigate around traffic, take shortcuts through places where cars can't fit, and choose between both car AND bicycle infrastructure can often leave cyclists bored and twiddling their thumbs, waiting for the rest of their associates to show up at work or when meeting friends for lunch.

5) Caffeine free mental stimulation

Those who cycle often attain natural alertness and thus are unable to justify a delicious morning cup of coffee.

6) Feelings of Invincibility

Those who power their own commute often feel that they can accomplish anything.

7) It can be a gateway activity

Cycling can lead to the curiosity, exploration, and even a dependence on other natural, non-motorized activities.

8) Extreme joy

Regular cyclists often have trouble understanding road rage, and thus often get left out of the popular passtime. Too much smiling can also add laugh lines to the face.