Bicycle to Work Economically and Safely

12 months ago when gas prices were nearing their peak, I made the decision to purchase a bike to get to and from work. The idea was to save money with the added benefit of getting exercise. I purchased a bicycle from Wal-Mart for $105. The brand was a NEXT Avalon model and it has proven to be very reliable after one year of use. I have had no maintenance problems and I ride the bike an average of 7 miles a day six days a week.

The alternatives were bikes that were $400 to $700 and this bike does the job for much less. The helmet was also purchased from Wal-Mart for about $26.

After falling one time in the first month on a rainy day, I decided I needed kneepads and elbow pads. Again, I did my research and found that Academy had elbow pads and kneepads used in basketball that worked very well and were far less expensive than bicycle equipment. The gloves to ride were the same one people use to lift weights and they were again far less expensive than bicycle equipment. I have a little pouch that attaches to the handlebars found at Wal-Mart also and they have a very inexpensive backpack made of mesh that sells for about $4 and has lasted a year.

The health benefits are wonderful and keep me in shape. The bike ride to and from work is relaxing and very enjoyable even in the summers in Gulfport, which can be scorchers. I wear a lightweight reflective vest that makes me very visible to cars and I avoid high traffic streets and always ride toward oncoming traffic whenever possible. I don't need someone hitting me from behind and I can see if someone is coming to close and move over.

You can ride very safely and economically with good equipment for less than $150.

http://www.eyedoctornewsletter.com/funniesquoterecipe.html