Category: holiday fitness

fitness · holiday fitness

Embrace the December Dance: A FIFI Bloggers Guide to Festive Fitness

Sam B1 Comment

Hey, it’s another Saturday group blog post here at Fit is a Feminist Issue.

I asked the group,

“What’s your fitness focus for the holiday season?

I’m curious about our different approaches to movement as things get busy. What are you going to let go? What are you going to hang on to?”

Holiday dance

Here’s our replies:

CHRISTINE

In keeping with Making Space and Finishing Soft, I’m doing more yoga and a lot of stretching.

I’m actually doing yoga at the beginning and the end of the day and some yoga nidra before bed.

That sounds like I am adding a lot to my day but as usual with things like yoga, it often makes my day feel more spacious instead of less so.

The real trick for me, like for many people, is convincing myself to get on the mat in the first place so I picked times when it would fit into the rhythm of my day.

Here’s my inspirational/aspirational photo of Khalee resting.

ELAN

Every year I get more grumpy about this holiday: it starts too early, it costs too much, and its expectations and traditions set people up for stress and sadness. So to combat my grumpiness I signed up for a HoHoHoliday 5K run, with fundraising proceeds going to the Make a Wish Foundation. I’ve asked everyone to donate any present money they would spend on me. I’ve never in my life run a 5K race (much less in a Santa suit), so for the first time ever I’m getting out every few days to run. It’s been a new experience for me that I’ve enjoyed, and I’ll see if I maybe want to keep up the running after my race. I’m dressing up as the Grinch and sending personalized thank you photos to everyone who donates…so far I am over $1200, which is amazing. 💜

TRACY

I started a ten week weight training program today called EPIC by Caroline Girvan and that’s my focus, with walking, to carry me through the holidays and into 2024. The workouts are all on YouTube and explained in a guide on her website.

EPIC I
EPIC 1

DIANE

Christmas will be small this year as kids are spending time with the families of their partners and I have offered to be the designated person in the office between Christmas and the new year. I have a lifeguarding course starting in early January and I need to improve my sprint speeds if in order to pass. As a result, my fitness focus will be riding my bike to work and the pool, and swimming as often as possible.

Birds over the water

CATE

I’m going to Costa Rica so I hope to move a lot every day! Yoga in the morning! Hiking in the rainforest! Horses! Walking on the beach!

Brightly coloured parrot. Costa Rica. Photo by Zdeněk Macháček on Unsplash.

SAM

I love December challenges but this year I seem just be doing the usual things. I’m going to physio and personal training, riding my bike in Zwift, walking Cheddar, and trying some new things at the gym, Anti-Gravity Yoga, Hot Yin Yoga, and Zumba. But I still keep feeling the lure of December fitness challenges. Some year I want to do the Festive 500, bike 500 between Dec 24th and Dec 31st, but not this year. We have visitors here for those dates and it would be awfully antisocial. Two years ago I was wondering which holiday fitness challenge to choose. For years I did a US Thanksgiving to Christmas Day running streak. Earlier in the blog’s history I was tempted by treating the week after Christmas as a personal fitness bootcamp and I might get back to that. It’s usually a quiet week and I’m off work. I’ll report back on that last week of the year!

NICOLE

I am very boring in the sense that my workout rarely changes. I plan to do the same, same, with momentary, trivial, anxiety, such as, “if I go to my usual class on Saturday, how do I do some prep before so that I can proceed with my annual cookie baking day, afterwards, efficiently.

CATHERINE

I’m driving south for the holidays with family, and I’ve found that no matter how stressed or busy or chaotic my schedule is, I’ve always made time to explore both new and familiar parks and nature preserves on foot, preferably with family and dogs. So that’s my plan. There are some nice riverfront trails to walk and maybe even a beach or two to stroll along.

Rivet
ADHD · Dancing · holiday fitness · mindfulness · self care

Making Space 2023: Day 5

Christine Hennebury1 Comment

Hey Team,

It’s Day 5 and I’m really hoping you are figuring out how to make at least some small spaces for yourself in your day.

I’ve picked out two 5 minute videos for today (it *is* Day 5 after all!) but before we get to those, I have a suggestion for you.

If you are like me, you probably have a few big tasks in the weeks ahead that you want to have finished but you are absolutely dreading. Maybe the task feels way too big, maybe it’s a task you hate, maybe you are afraid that once you get started you’ll get stuck working on it forever…ok, maybe that last one is just me. 😉

When I have one of those tasks ahead of me, I tend to make it into ‘A Thing.’ *

I capitalized ‘A Thing’ and put it in quotes because it’s my personal shorthand for when I have let my dread of a task turn the task itself into a huge monster. It’s no longer just an annoying or difficult task, it’s a whole ‘Thing.’

And I never want to start a whole ‘Thing.’

However, experience has taught me that the only way to turn ‘A Thing’ back into a thing is to get started on it.

And often, the only way to get started is to give myself a really short amount of time to work on it. The amount of time needs to be so short that there is no way for me to actually finish it in that time. And, in fact, the amount of time is so short that I can’t even make visible progress.

My victory is not in how much I get done, it’s in spending a small amount of time on ‘A Thing.’

And usually once I have spent that small amount of time, ‘A Thing’ becomes a thing and I can make plans for how to move forward.

So, today, on Day 5 of Making Space 2023, I am going to make a little brain space for myself by working for 5 minutes – and ONLY 5 minutes – on ‘A Thing.’

Feel free to join me by working for 5 minutes on any task that might be ‘A Thing’ for you.

Remember, the 5 minutes timeframe is the victory.

This is about breaking the spell, not about making progress on the task.

Now, back to our regularly scheduled program:

This is fun 5 Minute Movement Break of Afrobeats Dance from the YouTube channel for UBC’s Rec Program –

Still image is of a man in a tank top touching his fingers to the brim of his hat. He is looking to the lower left of the screen and the background is various shades of green triangles coming to a point behind him.

I really like how this video incorporates mindfulness into an ordinary activity, referring to it as an ‘informal’ meditation. This is a 5 Minute Mindful Coffee Break from Katie McLaughlin’s YouTube channel. Feel free to drink tea instead, I did!

The still image is of a latte in a white cup. Someone’s fingers are visible around the base of the cup and they are pouring cream (milk?) onto the surface to create a flower-like shape. (I don’t drink lattes or any coffee at all so I may have all of the terms wrong here.)

*I’m not sure if the whole ‘A Thing’ thing is an ADHD tendency or if it is an everybody tendency but I hope it comes in handy for you either way.

About Making Space 2023:

In December 2020, Fit is a Feminist Issue blogger Martha created a tradition – a series of reminder posts to take good care of ourselves during this last month of the year when it is far too easy to get swept up in your to do list, no matter what you are celebrating or not celebrating. 

In 2021, I started doing daily December reminders with a post called Give Yourself Some Space,  and that’s how the ‘Making Space‘ December tradition began. Throughout December 2021 and 2022, I wrote a short post that included two videos – one for exercise and one for meditation – and a bit of encouragement for you to make space for yourself at this busy time of year. 

These posts are not about cramming more things into your month, they reminding you that there IS a *YOU* who is doing all of the things and that you are worth taking good care of.

Perhaps the things I suggest aren’t what you need at the moment. That’s totally ok. Perhaps you can use something else to create some space, something that will help you feel more relaxed or more in charge of your day. Just do whatever you can to give yourself a little more breathing room.

Personally, I am trying to Finish 2023 Soft so I am putting conscious effort into resting whenever I can. My overjangled nervous system needs a chance to unjangle and that process may look different every day. 

So, some of these posts may be long and some may be short but please know that every single one of them is written with the hope that you can find a little ease in your day, whatever that looks like for you.

advice · holiday fitness · self care

Making Space 2023: Day 4

Christine HenneburyLeave a comment

I don’t know about you but when I am trying to make space for myself, I often think really big – I want to get away for the day or I want 3 or 4 hours to work on a project. And that’s great when it can happen but, for me at least, that’s very unlikely at this time of year.

I have to keep reminding myself that creating a little bit of space for myself is helpful and helps me feel more relaxed and focused.

So, in keeping with that note-to-self, today’s videos are short and focused on your hands.

(insert your own hand-related joke here. Some suggestions: We have to take a hands-on approach to making space! Hands up if you want a little space! I’m getting a grip on this making space thing! These videos are handy!)

Anyway, Team, please take good care of yourself today. Even if the only space you can create is for an extra deep breath.

In this video from Nutritious Movement, instructor Katy Bowman has a few exercises for stiff wrists and hands. By the way, if you like this video, the Nutritious Movement Facebook page will be featuring a daily exercise throughout December.

Still image: The instructor, a woman with brown hair in a low ponytail that is swept forward over her shoulder, is standing facing the camera with her back to two windows. Her forearms are raised almost to shoulder height and she has her fingers curled slightly as if she is in the middle of wiggling them.

In keeping with today’s focus on hands, in this video from massage therapist Rachel Richards, she demonstrates ‘5 Finger Breathing’ a relaxation technique in which you move your opposite index finger along your hand while breathing in a specific pattern.

Still image: a woman with long brown hair is sitting with hands up next to her face. One hand is open, palm to the camera, and she has the index finger of her other hand extended to touch her opposite hand.

About Making Space 2023:

In December 2020, Fit is a Feminist Issue blogger Martha created a tradition – a series of reminder posts to take good care of ourselves during this last month of the year when it is far too easy to get swept up in your to do list, no matter what you are celebrating or not celebrating. 

In 2021, I started doing daily December reminders with a post called Give Yourself Some Space,  and that’s how the ‘Making Space‘ December tradition began. Throughout December 2021 and 2022, I wrote a short post that included two videos – one for exercise and one for meditation – and a bit of encouragement for you to make space for yourself at this busy time of year. 

These posts are not about cramming more things into your month, they reminding you that there IS a *YOU* who is doing all of the things and that you are worth taking good care of.

Perhaps the things I suggest aren’t what you need at the moment. That’s totally ok. Perhaps you can use something else to create some space, something that will help you feel more relaxed or more in charge of your day. Just do whatever you can to give yourself a little more breathing room.

Personally, I am trying to Finish 2023 Soft so I am putting conscious effort into resting whenever I can. My overjangled nervous system needs a chance to unjangle and that process may look different every day. 

So, some of these posts may be long and some may be short but please know that every single one of them is written with the hope that you can find a little ease in your day, whatever that looks like for you.

advice · holiday fitness · self care

Making Space 2023: Day 3

Christine HenneburyLeave a comment

I felt like Making Space for fun today so I thought I’d bring you along with me.

When things feel busy, we often ditch the fun things from our to do lists so we’ll have more time to do other stuff.

I understand that impulse (and I often unconsciously do the same thing) but it’s not a good idea.

It’s hard on your brain when everything is all drudgery, duty, and obligation -especially when it goes on for too many days in a row.

So, to prevent things from getting even harder on your brain, I dare you to add a bit of fun to your day.

And I hope these videos help you get into a fun frame of mind:

In this video from The Fitness Marshall, the team is dancing to Barbie Girl by Aqua. The still image shows 4 people in brightly coloured clothing making exaggerated dance gestures.

This video is designed for kids but the advice is good and the video is fun so I think adults can use it, too.

This video from GoNoodle is a destressing ‘melting’ exercise to help people cope with that frozen feeling many of us get when we’re tense. The still image is mostly blue and shows a blue cartoon person who is leaning to one side.

For a little bonus fun, here’s a relaxing drawing exercise.

A drawing video from Lilytopia Garden. The still image shows a drawing of a square filled with wavy shapes filled in with lines that repeat the outline shape. The artist is holding a pencil toward the middle of the shape.

About Making Space 2023:

In December 2020, Fit is a Feminist Issue blogger Martha created a tradition – a series of reminder posts to take good care of ourselves during this last month of the year when it is far too easy to get swept up in your to do list, no matter what you are celebrating or not celebrating. 

In 2021, I started doing daily December reminders with a post called Give Yourself Some Space,  and that’s how the ‘Making Space‘ December tradition began. Throughout December 2021 and 2022, I wrote a short post that included two videos – one for exercise and one for meditation – and a bit of encouragement for you to make space for yourself at this busy time of year. 

These posts are not about cramming more things into your month, they reminding you that there IS a *YOU* who is doing all of the things and that you are worth taking good care of.

Perhaps the things I suggest aren’t what you need at the moment. That’s totally ok. Perhaps you can use something else to create some space, something that will help you feel more relaxed or more in charge of your day. Just do whatever you can to give yourself a little more breathing room.

Personally, I am trying to Finish 2023 Soft so I am putting conscious effort into resting whenever I can. My overjangled nervous system needs a chance to unjangle and that process may look different every day. 

So, some of these posts may be long and some may be short but please know that every single one of them is written with the hope that you can find a little ease in your day, whatever that looks like for you.

advice · habits · holiday fitness · holidays · meditation · self care

Making Space 2023: Day 2

Christine HenneburyLeave a comment

Hey Team,

I hope you found a way to make a little space for yourself in your day yesterday but, if not, give it a try today.

Please make sure you aren’t hard on yourself about trying to make space. Some days will be easier than others, just do what you can with the resources you have on any given day.

And remember that giving yourself space can involve something besides exercise and meditation. It might be taking time for a second cup of tea or another chapter of your book. It might look like deciding NOT to do something that is usually on your list this time of year. It might involve choosing a simpler version of a regular task or asking for help with some part of that task.

No matter what ‘Making Space’ looks like for you today, I hope you find some ease.

Now, on to the videos:

Since we are still warming up for the month of December, I thought this easy warm-up video from the mother and daughter team of Aiko and April with the Yes2Next YouTube channel was a good choice for today.

I really like the friendly way they talk to each other.

The still image from this embedded video shows two seniors, a mother and daughter. The mother is seated and reaching her right arm overhead and to the left. She is wearing dark pants and a purple sweatshirt. The daughter is standing with both arms overhead and she is wearing dark pants and vivid pink tshirt.

And here’s a restful meditation called ‘Floating in the Clouds’ from the Great Meditation YouTube channel

The still image on this embedded video is a cartoon drawing of a person in loose clothing looking very peaceful as they sit cross-legged on a cloud. The background is light blue and there is text on the right side that reads ‘Floating in the Clouds.’

About Making Space 2023:

In December 2020, Fit is a Feminist Issue blogger Martha created a tradition – a series of reminder posts to take good care of ourselves during this last month of the year when it is far too easy to get swept up in your to do list, no matter what you are celebrating or not celebrating. 

In 2021, I started doing daily December reminders with a post called Give Yourself Some Space,  and that’s how the ‘Making Space‘ December tradition began. Throughout December 2021 and 2022, I wrote a short post that included two videos – one for exercise and one for meditation – and a bit of encouragement for you to make space for yourself at this busy time of year. 

These posts are not about cramming more things into your month, they reminding you that there IS a *YOU* who is doing all of the things and that you are worth taking good care of.

Perhaps the things I suggest aren’t what you need at the moment. That’s totally ok. Perhaps you can use something else to create some space, something that will help you feel more relaxed or more in charge of your day. Just do whatever you can to give yourself a little more breathing room.

Personally, I am trying to Finish 2023 Soft so I am putting conscious effort into resting whenever I can. My overjangled nervous system needs a chance to unjangle and that process may look different every day. 

So, some of these posts may be long and some may be short but please know that every single one of them is written with the hope that you can find a little ease in your day, whatever that looks like for you.

cycling · Guest Post · holiday fitness · holidays

Seventeen years of friends with bikes, now with added barges!

Sam BLeave a comment

A guest post by Susan F and her friends!

Susan F

This post is a reflection on a recent bike and barge trip I took with 4 women friends from Bruges to Amsterdam.  

In thinking about this post, I re-visited a post I wrote for FIFI in Oct 2014 about my feelings of inadequacy, particularly around my lack of fitness, on a bike trip to Utah. To provide context for those of you who didn’t read, or don’t remember, my earlier post 😊, I am a member of a biking group that started 17 years ago when a small group of women who worked together began taking bike trips together! In 2010, I was asked to join them on a trip to the Loire Valley, and since then we have had the privilege to bike through places near and far, such as Quebec, Italy, Portugal, and Denmark.  

Most of these trips were self–guided, meaning we were responsible for getting ourselves around – there was no team leader navigating and no sag wagon available to provide a break from riding. This year though we opted to try something new – biking 300 km over 6 days while travelling on a canal barge.  

I suspect the motivation was partly our aging bodies but primarily due to concern about my limitations. Although I am the youngest at 58, I have Parkinson’s disease, degenerative disc disease and other assorted ailments.  Furthermore, I broke my tibia in a 2020 bike accident. These factors contributed to limit my outdoor bike riding. Although I did some training on the gym bike, the sad truth is that at the time of the trip, I had only ridden my bike 5 times outside in the past 2 years.  

I could comment on several aspects of the trip such as how it made me grind my teeth listening to  the “sweep” (another passenger) voluntarily mansplain how to purchase an e-bike to one of my friends.  However, I am going to limit myself to observations about two disparate subjects – the power and importance of true friendship and the way the trip helped me begin to accept my new body shape. 

One of my favorite sayings is “Surround yourself with champions”.  I am very lucky as each one of my fellow biker chicks is a true champion.  The following are just some of the ways: 

One was insistent from day 1 that I was going, even if I ended up sitting on the boat the entire time. She even offered to sit and people-watch, if need be, when we were off the boat, despite the fact that she had not been to Amsterdam or Bruges before. 

When we met as a virtual group to discuss our pre/post time in Amsterdam and Bruges, the group could not have been more accepting of my need to eat and take medicine at specified times, or accommodating, planning around my down time when my meds start to wear off.    

For several weeks prior to departure, we checked in regularly regarding our exercise regime to encourage one another in preparation for our travels.  

While on the trip, my big heavy bike fell over on me three times – my friends took my bruising in stride and on one occasion one of my friends prevented a well-meaning stranger from physically grabbing me in his efforts to help.  

I chose not to bike on two days and felt that the team completely supported my decision.  

Perhaps most importantly, my friends navigated the difficult road of looking out for me with exemplary care and compassion, recognizing my need for autonomy but readily providing assistance when requested.   

I  have always struggled with body image issues but never more than in the past 18 months or so. This is because I am shrinking while essentially maintaining the same weight.  I have lost 7 cm and feel like I am all boobs and big belly these days.  I truly hated my body before I left on this trip, but I’m happy to say I’m back on the road to acceptance. 

Why? The first step was a vow I made on the eve of departure; I promised not to complain about how I looked or be grumpy about having my picture taken. I did this because I didn’t want to ruin my friends’ trip by whining. I even made one of my friends promise to give me the stink-eye if I broke this vow. 

The next step was being physically able to participate in the trip. I was able to walk in Amsterdam/Bruges without much difficulty, but the true triumph was biking 200 km over 4 days. I had forgotten how much I enjoy biking as a way of sightseeing. It made me realize that I cannot hate a body that is healthy enough to allow me to experience this. 

Lastly it seemed full circle to re-read my 2014 post. I said then that life has a way of throwing us curveballs. The curveballs, although different, keep coming. I need to remember to embrace every opportunity while I can. Life is too short to live any other way.  

Susan F

Susan M

Fortunate. I feel so, very, very fortunate. To have friends who share my love of cycling, and of learning through travel; to be able, at the age of 60+, to physically do all the things I want to do; and to have the financial wherewithal to get up and go when the opportunity presents itself. Our group may move differently now than we did 15 years ago but we are still moving, and moving makes life better, in the short term and the long term. Not only do I feel fortunate, I am grateful to my friends for moving with me!

Friends on bikes, without the bikes

Vicky R

“What to do, What to see, What to remember…’ This was the inscription on the notepad at our hotel in Amsterdam.

What to say about a group of 55+ women who have been cycling together for over 15 years in Europe and North America?

We have had some awesome adventures, eaten some amazing food and we continue to laugh out loud together! And yes…we also cycle in between the food, drinks and shopping. None of us can be considered an ‘athlete’ in any way, shape or form – but we make it work.  Our most recent cycling trip was a Bike/Barge adventure from Bruges to Amsterdam. It was easily the least stressful of the many trips we have taken – long flat pathways along canals and quiet rivers, courteous car drivers who, at times, would stop to let all 19 of us cross the road, quirky mini ferry rides – some just passenger and bikes, lots of cheese, chocolate and beer. The luxury of staying on a barge without unpacking, having all your meals provided and a well informed guide to take us through the lovely villages and towns was an unexpected pleasure. In fact, it was relaxing and a wonderful way to reconnect with our little group of friends in a post Covid world. These trips have been an excellent break from our busy careers and lives and truly are therapy for all of us!

The bike and boat barge
A young woman in a huge open pumpkin, paddling in a pond in Belgium. It’s October: time to make spooky exercise plans
fitness · holiday fitness · holidays

It’s October: time to make spooky exercise plans

catherine wLeave a comment

Today is October 1. Yes, the stores have long since been promoting Halloween; we’re all practically stepping over piles of candy corn and pumpkin-spice products that are spilling into the aisles. Here are two products I’ll definitely not be buying:

Pumpkin spice gum; not clear how it chews better.
Pumpkin spice gum; not clear how it chews better.
Pumpkin spice oreos. Just no.
Pumpkin spice oreos. Just no.

But of course, there’s room in this world for all kinds of tastes, so you do you.

Speaking of doing you, there are also all kinds Halloween-themed runs, bike races and rides, and even paddles in pumpkins. I’ve personally enjoyed several costume bike rides— at night around Halloween, and also at a cyclocross race. This year I’m considering my options and consulting friends about spooky celebratory riding options and will be reporting on it. In the meantime, here’s a post I wrote in 2017 to offer some Halloween fitness inspiration. Enjoy, and let me know if you have any plans to ride or run in a pumpkin this year!

Halloween fitness inspiration: spookspo?
Waves crashing along the steep rocky beach in Santa Cruz, CA. Photo by Catherine. This just in: walking a lot, especially on/by beaches, is good for what ails you
fitness · holiday fitness

This just in: walking a lot, especially on/by beaches, is good for what ails you

catherine wLeave a comment

After spending a week in Northern California, my first thought is: why don’t I live at the beach? Line up to fight me, mountain lovers: beaches are the most blissful, primal, awe-inspiring places on earth. Yes, mountains are beautiful, too. But they are missing something, namely waves. Unless you’re here, in which case you might consider exiting quickly.

Still photo from cheesy movie about the end of the world. Don’t worry— it’s just pretend.

My sister Elizabeth and I met up last weekend in San Francisco to explore both north and south of the city. We went to some Point Reyes national seashore beaches and also had snacks while strolling along the shore at Sausalito. We meandered above ocean at Santa Cruz, ventured down to Sand City near Monterey, and scooted alongside the bay there.

Shoreline spaces, Northern California.

And then we went to Pfeiffer beach, at the top of Big Sur. As a friend’s daughter used to say when she was little, omg god!

Okay, I’m almost done with my vacation pictures. Just two more, I promise.

Big Sur beach on left, Santa Cruz beach on right. Take your pic. Or take both— we did.

Let me note a couple of things. First, even though we didn’t plan to do super strenuous or long walks, we ended up walking a lot-a-lot. And second, my sciatica is definitely better than it was this time last week. Funny how that works. Just moving a lot, with some resistance (e.g. over sand), elevation change, and steady pace made a difference in my alignment and strength. Yay!

The next trick is to find time and ways to enjoy that experience of movement in a beachy setting back home. Luckily for me, I also live near the ocean (a different one, but it’s nice, too). However, maybe salinity isn’t even necessary; any beach might do in a pinch.

So, let’s see what I can and will do. Sticking to plans, however desirable, once I’m back in the swirl of regular life is always difficult.

Readers, any thoughts about how to replicate or re-engineer sublime vacation moment into a regular life schedule? I’d welcome any suggestions.

A line of rainbow-colored beach bikes, parked outside a shop. A tale of two bike rentals, or what to request for cycling on vacation
cycling · family · fitness · holiday fitness

A tale of two bike rentals, or what to request for cycling on vacation

catherine w4 Comments

Renting bicycles for vacation two-wheeled adventures with friends and family (and solo ones) is one of my favorite things. I’ve rented bikes all over the world for me, and all over the US with my sister and her kids. In fact, my sister and I have an upcoming e-bike tour in San Francisco that includes riding across the Golden Gate Bridge and taking the ferry back (with bikes) from Sausalito. Don’t worry– I’ll be documenting and reporting on it as soon as it happens.

But renting bikes doesn’t always go well.

Case in point: my sister recently reserved rental bikes online from the beach condo resort where she and the kids were staying for a long weekend. They were part of the accommodations package. When she went to the main desk at the resort to begin the pick-up process, here’s a bit of what happened:

Sister: We’re here to pick up three bikes I reserved. What sizes do you have?

Desk person: They’re all the same size (this is totally false), but the seats are different heights.

Sister: Oh, okay. Are the seats adjustable?

Desk person: We don’t have any tools for adjusting them. You would have to go buy one (while not false, this shows ignorance of the fact that the seats are all quick-release and therefore all adjustable without tools).

Sister picks up bikes, but there are no locks or helmets anywhere in sight. She doesn’t think about this until later, and is very unhappy. They can’t use the bikes to ride to the beach because of no locks (and no helmets). By the time they get back to the rental desk, it’s raining, so they give up and return them, unhappy.

My sister had much more to say about her unsatisfactory experience, but the upshot is this:

person holding a big round yellow unhappy face.
Unhappy!

Let’s contrast her experience with mine when I rent beach bikes from an actual bike shop near that same resort. Here are some things they know and deal with that the resort bike people either don’t know or don’t care about:

  • Their bikes come in different sizes and styles (step-through and not);
  • Their beach bike saddles are quick-release height adjustable;
  • Bike tires need pumping often, which is tended to;
  • Each bike comes with a lock and helmet;
  • Their bikes also have bottle cages and removable handlebar bags.

Every time I’ve ordered from Cyclopedia, they delivered and picked up the bikes themselves. We didn’t have to be there even, because they were locked them outside our condo. And the lock combo is pre-set by these folks to be the last four digits of my phone number.

When our bike rental period is over, we leave them locked outside, and the bike shop van comes to get them, knowing the combo because my phone number is on their form.

A big round yellow lemon graphic sayingEasy peasy lemon squeezy
Easy peasy lemon squeezy!

I’m writing this tale of two bike rentals because if you aren’t a regular cyclist but enjoy riding bikes on vacation, you might consider renting from an actual bike shop rather than whatever place you’re staying. I’ve had great experiences and great conversations and gotten great tips from bike shops all over by renting directly from them.

Readers, what kind of experiences have you had while renting bikes on vacation? I’d love to hear about them: the good, the bad, and the atrocious.

Tourism and e-bikes
advice · cycling · fitness · fun · holiday fitness

Tourism and e-bikes

elan.paulson1 Comment

I’m in Charlottetown, PEI, for a week! With a day to myself I could do a self-guided tour with a rental car, walking, public transit, or e-bike. By my title, I think you know which I chose.

Probably inspired by other FIFI e-bike posts, I rented an e-bike for the first time in hilly, windy Wellington, New Zealand a few years ago. Here in PEI, where it is flat and the weather has been warm, the electronic motor was more of a luxury!

Elan with an e-bike
Elan is on her way. Rental from Rising Tide eBikes in Charlottetown, PEI, which I recommend!

It’s been long enough between rental e-bike day tours that it was good for me to plan ahead and review some self-reminders, which I’ll share:

  • Read some research/reviews on the e-bike rental store first, and read the waivers before you rent.
  • Pack hydration, some money, and a layer, as you would when you’re out on your own bike.
  • Take the time to ask questions about the e-bike. I reminded myself that although I ride this bike wasn’t mine. The store staff want renter safety and they love to answer questions about e-bikes.
  • Find the bell in the store. I yelled “on your left” at people for hours. The staff showed me where the little bell was hiding when I got back.
  • Pay for add-ons that will make your trip comfortable, if affordable. In my vanity, I didn’t want a basket at first, but it turned out to be incredibly convenient.
  • Resist the urge to leave right away for familiarization and to ensure the e-bike works properly. I used the gears and brake in front of the store first before I would need them on my journey.
  • Always helmet. Always lock.
  • Have an idea of where you want to go as well as where you shouldn’t go. There was a fun downtown boardwalk on the map, but e-bikes aren’t allowed on it. There were also some busier streets I was warned about by staff. I stuffed a print map in my sports bra for quick review en route.
  • People can be surprised by the speed of approaching e-bikes. I tried to be extra sure folks knew I was coming.
  • Keep safe. Ride during the day and on recognizable roads. Bring a charged phone. But skip the trip if you are solo and worried about your personal safety.
Bolt trail cordoned off for tree removal
A small detour riding the Island Trail!

It’s always good to follow traffic rules and ride defensively. But compared to my hometown, I noticed here drivers were much more courteous to cyclists. Nearly every driver gave me the right of way, even when it wasn’t my turn. So, be aware of the vibe of your touring area when you e-bike.

Overall, if you have the time the weather is decent, I highly recommend renting an e-bike while traveling and touring! You can go further than on two legs, get some outside time, and make some unexpected discoveries along the way.

Island Walk sign and map
The entire PEI Island Walk trail. Great signage here!

FIFI readers, what would you add to my list? Where in the world do you recommend e-biking?