Pack a picnic and pull out your bike. There is no better way to welcome spring into your life than riding your bike along the bike trails in your community. Grab your spouse, your children, or a friend, along with your two-wheelers, and prepare yourself for a memorable day enjoying the beauty of nature as she begins to unfold and bloom. Re-awaken your senses by looking at the new colors of spring, the pinks and purples of the budding crocuses, and the yellows of the daffodils. Watch the baby squirrels as they dance around thick trunks of sprouting trees. Relax and stay in the moment.



Biking on a sunny spring day afternoon with your loved ones is much more rewarding than sitting at home watching a pro sport on the television set. It might be difficult to convince your sport aficionado spouse or child that engaging in a sport is much more exciting than watching others participate in a sport, but once they are outside on their bikes, they will be convinced. Promises of a homemade picnic will also encourage them to join you on the biking trails. Be sure to use your vacuum food sealer to keep all the sandwiches and snacks fresh. There is nothing more disappointing than opening a bag of chips to find that they have turned soggy or to discover that your sandwich hardened by escaped moisture from poorly sealed bags.

Look for maps of bike trails at your local library or search on the Internet for paths in your state. Some bike stores might also carry information on the best places to ride in your community. Ask people at work or check with your friends if they know what the best paths are for riding solo or as a family. Start with a shorter trail, so that the aches and pains of overexertion do not kick in and ruin the day. Remember that you are riding to relax and to enjoy being in nature, and not to reach a finish line. Biking, in this case, is not a pro-sport and you are not in a competition.

Pick a path that has several rest areas along the way where you and your family can take a break and stretch. Some rest areas offer picnic tables in addition to toilets and water fountains. While you are distributing the sandwiches, chips and fruit kept fresh in bags sealed by your vacuum food sealer, the others can stretch their legs by walking around the rest area. Before continuing down the bike trail, be sure to check the tires on the bikes and remind everyone to fill their water bottles. The next rest spot might not be for several miles. Also, check that everyone has lathered on a new layer of sunscreen to prevent sunburns. Spring might not be as warm as summer, but the sun's rays are strong and they do seep through the clouds. Unprotected skin will get burnt.

Welcome spring into your life. Spend the day outdoors with your spouse, your children, or a friend and ride your bike to get closer to nature. Let your senses experience the beauty of the world as it begins to awaken from a long winter's rest.