BETTER HEALTH and WELL BEING IN 2015

Is it just me or does time appear to build up momentum the older you get. January is now history and we are out of the barrier racing towards Easter which will be here before we know it.

January started well with a week of pure relaxation in beautiful Burleigh Heads, my favorite beach on the Gold Coast. After that, it was pretty much all downhill. Not only did we have to contend with the hot and humid weather necessitating in the postponement of a couple of good cycling trips but my father in law and good friend became extremely ill and passed away in the wee hours of Sunday the 25th January.

The above four photographs are a sample of what can be seen on a ride or walk through the Redlands

Apart from losing a good friend, it has brought home to me the necessity of grabbing life with both hands, no matter how old you may be and embracing it to the fullest. Although the cost of living in Australia is not cheap, it is possible to lead a full and satisfying life without costing an arm and a leg. This country is opening up more with the governments building a network of cycling and walking paths for all to use and it doesn't cost a cent. Even our parks have exercising equipment. It is not an excuse to say 'I can't afford it' and the benefit to your health is immeasurable. Personally, completing a morning's ride through a forest, park or a pathway by the sea gives me a high, my whole body feels enriched and I believe the same feeling can be achieved by walking. If you are feeling down, hop on a bike or slip on a pair of walking shoes and head for the great outdoors. One thing I have noticed though is riding or walking with a friend and that may be a hairy friend, of the four legged variety, makes the journey so much better.

A pair of Tawny Frogmouths--- australianmuseum.net.au/tawny-frogmouth

Taking up recreational cycling since retiring from the work force has meant so much to me, I have more friends, partake in amazing conversations, feel fitter and healthier and it has given me the opportunity of getting up close and personal with, not only nature but actually finding places within this fair city which I was completely unaware actually existed and guess what, the only cost has been the cost of a coffee shared with friends, the occasional rail fare to a start point somewhere else in the suburbs and regular servicing of my bike.

Cleveland Harbour

Last Friday was a typical local ride with eleven of us Pedaling Pathfinders riding a loop starting in Cleveland, following a route through several forested areas to Capalaba and then via Birkdale to Wellington Point where we stopped for coffee at Refueled and then headed back home to Cleveland for a debrief over a beer at Hog's Breath by the harbour.

Without a doubt we are the daggiest group of cyclists in Brisbane and proud of it......a complete contrast from the lycra brigade you see on Saturday mornings sitting astride fine thoroughbred shiny machines, heads down and riding in perfect formation. None the less, we are dedicated to achieving good health, well being and relaxation and as we are in the 3rd stage of life what more could we ask for.

For a map of the ride, open the following link, http://ridewithgps.com/routes/6951180

Walk or cycle to a better way of life in 2015

Cheers and safe riding,

Jimmy Bee