benefits, expanding social circles for example, Blue and Strobel agree. “I was introduced to a whole new com- munity,” Strobel recalls of her time in Portland with new cycling friends that she joined for group rides and camp- ing trips.


Blue suggests finding fellow


cyclists by seeking riding groups online or participating in charity rides. She ob- serves that cycling can instill a greater sense of community, because it’s easier to stop and interact with others.


Across the country, women are shattering previous


stereotypes and stepping up to design cutting-edge infrastructure, launch innovative advocacy


campaigns and take the lead in the bike industry.


~ Carolyn Szczepanski, League of American Bicyclists, Women Bike 2013 Forum


Cycling also makes people green-


er and leaner. It reduces gas and car maintenance costs, while keeping pol- luting vehicles off the road, observes Strobel, who cleared college and other debt by making her life transformation. “There are just so many benefits


to bicycling, and they are all really big things that contribute to the quality of life,” advises Strobel. “It feels so good to be on my bike and just slow down. In my old life, I was moving at such a fast pace that I didn’t even notice the change of seasons. With cycling, you notice everything.” For biking and other life-simplify-


ing tips, follow both women on their blogs: Blue at TakingTheLane.com/blog and Strobel at RowdyKittens.com/ archives. Find equipment specifically designed for women by industry pioneer Georgena Terry at TerryBicycles.com.


Freelance journalist Debra Melani writes about health care and fitness from Lyons, CO. Connect at Debra Melani.com or DMelani@msn.com.


natural awakenings May 2013 27


UPCOMING EVENTS


Edible Education Experience by EATomology


April 27 & May 25 www.greenmediainfo.com/events


“Awakening Your Crystalline Experience”


A 5-Part Series in June www.shangrilasprings.com/events


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