Weigh Less. Wait Less.

1 World 2 Wheels. Given that the average person who commits to commuting by bicycle loses 13 pounds in their first year, the health benefits of cycling are obvious. When combined with the fact that the average rush hour commuter spends 50 hours per year stuck in traffic, you may also have more time to enjoy a lighter you.

Learn how you can participate here

It means i get to avoid traffic

to and from work. Not to mention the money I save on gas.

Bicycle Sport Shop - Central Store

"More Munchies!"

posted at the Bicycle Sport Shop 517 South Lamar

Bicycle Sport Shop - Central Store

"ANOTHER CHEESEBURGER!"

Artistic depiction of cheeseburger not represented here.

posted at the Bicycle Sport Shop 517 South Lamar

Bicycle Sport Shop - Central Store

"I AM FREE"

posted at the Bicycle Sport Shop 517 South Lamar

Bicycle Sport Shop - Central Store

"Every Mile Means that I am making the most of my time here on earth. I am keeping my body strong and healthy. My brother died of cancer at the age of ten. He taught me how to ride a bike. I know he would want me to be strong and keep riding. He taught me what true bravery is. If he can battle cancer, I can keep pushing myself to go that extra mile. I'm living strong for my hero John Patrick O'Neill. {9-1-83 - 8-26-94}"

posted at the Bicycle Sport Shop 517 South Lamar Blvd.

Cancer survivor; riding off the pounds

This is my personal story about how cancer reached into my life and ripped out many loved family members. It then decided to touch me in a much more personal way. It is also my story of recovery, hope and better health.

In May 2004, I lost my father to cancer, a week later, his little brother, my dear Uncle, died from cancer. In August 2004, cancer took my cousin after she had battled it over the last decade. That was a very hard year for my family.

In May 2005, after a routine physical, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Cancer's way of trying to be ironic. In the months that followed, during treatment after the surgery, I had complications most likely due to my being so very over weight. I found out that my excess weight may have been a significant factor in my getting breast cancer as well.

In the past, I had fits and starts with weight loss and exercise, but never quite got very far and always ended up back at, or over, the number I started with. I have always loved to ride but due to my poor knees (weight and age, grandmother of 4 boys aged 5 - 15) I had difficulty sticking to this as well.

My husband, who took such great care of me during my cancer treatment, knew that I loved to ride and had hoped at some point, someone would steal my bike so I could get a new one. He saved some individual from a life of crime and instead, got me a Christmas gift certificate for a bike in 2006.

I was excited but also very embarrased about shopping for a bike at my size and age that it took me months to muster the courage to walk into the Sport Shop. Then I rushed picking out a bike, not really thinking about my future riding plan and what bike would be the best, I just wanted to get out of there. After I picked a lovely little number, it sat in my spare bedroom for another couple of months. Occationally I would have to go in that room, when I did, it would taunt me and I would glare at it. Eventually, it won.

My first ride was discouraging as I weighed so much, the seat post kept falling, so I gave up for a few months, actually dropped a little weight and with the encouragement of a friend, tried again.

A couple months later, my routine was to get up on Saturday and Sunday at 6:30 am, roll my bike out the back door with my MP3 and just get as far as I could then back home. I got farther each time I rode but the streets are a frightening place for a large grandmother to ride. I now try to find trails that are off the road, but not rugged. I have been to McKinny Falls and am able to ride the 3 mile trail 3 times before my knees scream at me to stop. Last weekend, I road the trail at Lady Bird Lake (aka Town Lake). I don't know how far I rode but ended up in another part of town and had to get back to Zilker park, it was a blast and I actually hooted a couple of times, when I could coast to catch my breath enough to hoot. (apologies to the parents and children I may have frightened by my hooting)

Cancer has not been kind to my family, it is a thief. I feel that by riding and improving my health, I am doing my part to (flip off cancer, can I say that) prevent cancer from hurting me, my husband, children and grandchildren again. Riding has boosted my self esteem and reminded me that there are fun things about life that MUST be done on a regular basis. Riding has been my time to meditate and think about how much living I still have to do.

If you see a large grandmother with a shinny purple helmet hooting on some trail around Austin, Tx, give me a wave. I love seeing others having fun and always take the time to give a nod, even as I rock on down the road or trails.