Biking is the activity that immediately transports you to your childhood. Anyone else remember those long afternoons trying so desperately to let go of the training wheels? I do!
Being away from home in college, it is very refreshing to have a reminder of simpler times. Not a morning person? Help yourself and grab a few extra minutes of sleep since biking to class cuts your walking time in half at the least! Especially on hot days, the breeze on your face refreshes like none other before walking into class.
A real bonus is that right in WashU’s front yard is the 6.6 mile long loop around Forest Park! I myself have completed it many times and love the beautiful views. One minute you can be gliding through 20th-century architecture from the World’s Fair on Forest Park Parkway, and another you might mistake yourself for being in New York City’s Central Park when viewing the scene atop Emerson Central Fields.
Into working out? Biking is a fantastic form of exercise. Not only is it strength-building for your muscles, but it has also been scientifically proven to decrease stress levels. Need to clear your mind for just a minute? Hop on your bike and take a quick spin.
Now, if you’re anything like me, it’s not just about the activity, it’s also about the essential equipment. Everyone needs a bike they love in order to be motivated to go for a ride. There are multiple types of bikes out there for every personality. My personal favorite happens to be the beach cruiser. This entails sporting a fun, beachy pastel color, wide handlebars, perhaps a pair of fenders, and even a basket on the front.
Another crowd-pleaser is the typical road bike designed for more active riding with narrower handlebars and usually emitting a more athletic look. Not to be forgotten is the dirt/mountain bike. This bike has wide tires, narrow handlebars, and is sometimes motorized.
Whatever your preference in styling, bikes are a wonderful form of transportation and guarantee a little bit of adventure in any day of college life!