Friday, April 27, 2012

Complete list of Memphis Cyclist Blog Articles

By:  Michael Lander
My name is Michael Lander and I am a long-time resident of Memphis, Tennessee.  I had
a long active duty military career and now I am writer.  I especially love to write about my
city and about cycling.  If you want to read some of what I've written, you can check out
my Memphis Cyclist website and blog.

- Long distance bike ride brings cyclists, two churches together for a common, faith-filled cause
- Bike ride from Memphis to Jackson, Miss. to help the poor, commemorate death of MLK, slated for April 4, 2018
- Everyone should see Ireland and one of the better ways to do that is on a bicycle
- North Mississippi welcomes everyone to explore and enjoy one of its not-so-hidden treasures
- One Memphis area cyclist shot in May, another killed by a drunk driver in June
- One year can forever change your life
- A bicycle can change how you see the world and more
- The month of May is really a time for cyclists in Memphis
- Memphis area cyclists can celebrate over survey results for 10 repaving projects and a whole lot more
- The Bicyclist's Creed

- City of Memphis hosts public meeting, presents design plans for 10 bike lanes, including one for Riverside Drive
- Ten things that Memphis area cyclists should put on their wish lists
- There's so much to love, with many reasons to go out and explore, and to enjoy in the great outdoors
- Memphis' Bikeway and Pedestrian Program Manager is working to make our streets better and safer for everyone
- Midtown Memphis man combines a life dedicated to helping others with his love of cycling
- If you love to ride a bicycle, Italy is your kind of place
- 2016 St. Jude Bike Ride is a unique and fun way to help the kids at St. Jude
- Bicycle rides can help you to live your faith and help change the world
- There are plenty of things for Memphians to be proud of and to love about the newly improved Shelby Farms Park
- National Park Service's 100th birthday should be the time to reflect on and appreciate our national parks and to properly invest in them
- There are 2.3 million reasons why you should do the 2016 FedEx Rock-n-Roll MS-150 bike ride
- Mountain bike riding and racing is what fuels Memphis area cyclist - Laureen Coffelt
- Nedra Deadwyler's Civil Bikes business is retelling Atlanta's Civil Rights history and a whole lot more
- The latest death of a cyclist killed near the airport is the fourth one since 2015 in Memphis
- The 2016 Meritan Midnight Classic Bike Tour should be the biggest and best one yet
- Revolutions Bicycle Co-op is a revolutionary bicycle ministry in Memphis
- Tennessee Air National Guard Cycling Team is riding again in 2016
- Is it the end of the road for bicycle lanes on Riverside Drive?
- Mid-South Transplant Foundation hosts its 5th Annual Ride for Life bike ride on June 26, 2016
- The Bicycle Ride Across Tennessee is one of the best ways to see the Volunteer State
- Riding the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail should be on every cyclist's 'must do' list
- The Bicycle Museum of America is a 'must see' for anyone who truly loves bicycles
- Any visit to New Hampshire should include a bike ride on the Northern Rail Trail
- MEMFix is helping make Memphis better for cyclists, pedestrians and everyone
- The "Memphis Cyclist" name gets trademarked
- Bicycling can provide valuable insights and important life lessons for all of us
- Tunica hosts its Rivergate Festival from 14-16 April with its third annual bike ride on the 16th
- It's time that we embrace the idea that the streets belong to all people
- New park in West Memphis, Ark. will be a 'must see' destination for cyclists from Memphis and beyond
- Tulsa's after-school bicycle program is a big hit and a perfect model for other cities to emulate
- OAM Network in Memphis launches a podcast program for cyclists
- For cyclists, learning how to ride like the wind means knowing more about the wind, air and aerodynamics
- Memphis' newest attraction in 2016 will be a big draw for cyclists and others for many years to come
- Commuting by bicycle may be an idea whose time has come
- Bicycles offer a unique way to tour Memphis' civil rights landmarks and important sites in black history
- Jim Morgan & his friends in the Mid South Trail Association have a passion for mountain biking
- Australian artist takes images of cyclists and turns them into art
- Wolf River Conservancy's Greenway trail will be a dream come true for Memphis and Shelby County

- If you live in or around Memphis, your New Year's resolutions should include bicycling

- Southaven and other DeSoto County residents should begin to see bike lanes and trails in their future
- Memphis' 2015 St. Jude Bike Ride met or exceeded all expectations

- 10 reasons why you should start riding a bicycle in Memphis
- Yoga offers cyclists with a way to become even better in how they live and ride
- Memphis experiences its third death of a cyclist in 2015
- Reasons why the National Guard can and should support cycling among its members
- Shelby Farms Park will have a completely new look and feel for visitors within a year
- Reflections of my life of cycling after eight years of riding
- Phikamphon is a man who loves cycling and who lives, works and travels by bicycle in Copenhagen
- Weight loss and improved health rely on making the right choices daily
- Sprock n' Roll brings parties and bike riding together in Midtown Memphis
- Bicycling may be one of the best and most unforgettable ways to see and experience Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket
- Love of music inspires a cross-country bicycle trip of the U.S. and visit to Memphis
- Wolf River Conservancy is working to expand the Wolf River Greenway from downtown Memphis to Collierville
- Bill McGann is a man who has lived and loved his life surrounded by bicycles
- How to get started in bicycling, find motivation, and feel safe while doing it
- Memphis aims to be number one in a family fun, 'Bikes on Broad' national bicycle competition
- Memphis architect seeks to make Memphis even better and to help cycling in every way he can
- Shelby Farms Park improvements and expansion of its greenline will make it one of the best urban parks in the U.S.
- Triathlons can be very rewarding and can bring out the best in those who do them
- Retired Air Force, Air Guard and FedEx pilot loves cycling and shows no signs of slowing down
- "Ride for Life" cycling event supports Mid-South Transplant Foundation's organ and tissue donation efforts
- Hernando Bicycle Club's Ride of Silence honors and raises awareness for all cyclists injured and killed
- Dinner and Bikes Traveling Roadshow delivers on food, fun, films, and more
- Outreach ministry on bicycles in Memphis feeds and cares for those in need
- The 2015 Meritan Midnight Classic Bike Tour is one of the events in Memphis you don't want to miss
- The one reason why I support St. Jude and participate in the St. Jude Bike Ride
- The Bikesmith offers mobile bicycle repair service and more throughout Memphis
- Cyclists find support from Memphis Mayor and many on the city council
- Memphis Police Department sees many benefits of the bike patrol program for its officers and the community
- 2015 St. Jude Ride is expected to be bigger and better than ever
- Cyclists can find reasons when and why to listen to music while riding
- What cyclists can and should do when they encounter bad drivers
- Physical activities like cycling can improve health and may even help with depression
- Possible loss of bike lanes on Riverside Drive should be a rallying cry for Memphis area cyclists
- Cyclists should always know what to do and how to react to encounters with dogs
- Bicycling is good for business, for Memphis, and a whole lot more
- Battle may be looming over future of bike lanes on Riverside Drive
- Tunica hosts its Rivergate Festival and second annual bike ride in April 2015

- Cyclists visiting Memphis should find plenty of options and reasons to ride with few, if any, worries

- Memphis area is being transformed by a vision in transportation and enhancement to bike lanes and more
- Memphis Grizzlies host their Seventh Annual Tour de Grizz on April 4th
- A ride in the rain is something that cyclists should always be prepared for
- Two cyclists die in accidents in less than a two week period in Memphis

- Many Europeans make cycling a part of their lives while providing an example for the rest of the world to follow
- Two friends from China pedal across the U.S.
- Cycling is all about numbers and they can tell what we need to know about the future
- All of Memphis can expect a brighter future ahead with cycling
- Cycling can be addictive, but can have a positive effect on your life
- Transportation plans in Memphis will continue to expand to include cyclists and others
- Fall is a great time of the year for riding bikes in Memphis

- A 24-hour bike ride in Memphis helps raise money and hope for children in need
- For cyclists like Benjie Kabakoff, bicycling is very much an integral part of their lives
- Meritan Midnight Classic Bike Tour offers the chance of fun for everyone
- Cyclists can visit a place that they can call island of dreams
- Tragic death of a cyclist, south of Memphis, should serve as a reminder of the constant need for caution and safety
- Cycling's greatest event offers more than just entertainment
- Science and technology have forever changed cycling
- Cyclists should think of safety and of others when riding on Memphis area trails
- Memphis area cyclists can find ways to beat the summer heat
- Memphis cyclists stand to benefit from 'Big River Crossing' and a possible multi-state trail
- In downtown Memphis, cyclists will find much of what makes Memphis great
- Memphis creates bike and pedestrian lanes on Riverside Drive
- Shiloh National Military Park offers a great alternative place to ride for Memphis area cyclists
- What parents need to know when teaching a child how to ride a bike
- Suggestions and advice on how to get started in cycling
- For the love of the ride
- Cycling may lead some down the road toward faith and a life of service to others
- Cycling has few boundaries and it breaks down barriers and helps unify communities
- The month of May is a time in Memphis for music, barbecue, and cycling
- Memphis cyclists can improve their abilities and performance in cycling, both on and off their bikes
- Cycling offers way for older Memphians to get into shape and to possibly feel younger
- Options and advice for cyclists to consider on bicycle maintenance and repair
- Bike rides offer opportunity for quality time with family
- Spring is the best time for bike riding in Memphis
- View of Memphis drivers may not be all bad from perspective of Memphis area cyclists
- My first long-distance bike ride at the FedEx Rock-n-Roll MS-150 had a lifelong and life-changing impact
- Training, preparation among keys to doing long-distance cycling events
- Competitiveness and perseverance makes for better cyclists
- Best reasons for Memphians to consider either running and/or cycling
- Bike trails and city roads offer Memphis area cyclists with choices to meet the needs of all
- Best parts of cycling greatly outweigh any downside; getting better takes effort, but comes with big pay-off
- Questions & Answers on Bicycle Safety
- Cycling has parallels to life and offers a chance for teaching important life lessons
- Finding ability, a positive attitude, and a greater motivation for cycling
- Winter months should not necessarily be the end to outdoor cycling in Memphis
- Memphians, and Others, Find Another Thing to Love About Memphis
- My cycling accident - My experience and perspective after suffering an injury
- Memphis has a lot to offer anyone who might be interested in cycling
- Southaven Mississippi resident and alderman-at-large candidate is passionate about cycling
- Tennessee Air National Guard forms a new cycling team
- Tennessee Air National Guard Cycling Team rides for American Cancer Society's 'Relay for Life'
- The Cruzbike Silvio - A bicycle for those looking for something a little different
- Memphis area residents could see improved health and fitness benefits through cycling
- Memphis area cyclists benefiting from biker-friendly changes
- Revolutions Community Bike Shop reaches out to the Memphis community with bikes


Anyone interested in checking out a website that I created for cycling in Memphis can go to: https://memphiscyclist.com/

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Memphis area residents could see improved health and fitness benefits through cycling

Memphis area residents could see improved health and fitness benefits through cycling
By:  Michael Lander

Cycling offers Memphians a chance to peddle their way to improved heath, fitness, and a better quality of life.

Many cyclists ride along the Shelby Farms Greenline,especially when it is sunny with mild temperatures. 
The Greenline offers a scenic trails that is one of the more recent amenities in Memphis that could help area residents peddle their way to health and fitness.


With the recent addition of bike lanes and places to ride in and around the city of Memphis, many area residents may also discover some of the many benefits associated with cycling.

There are many reasons why people decide to take up cycling.  It could be for exercise, health, recreation, or as a means of inexpensive and environmentally-friendly  transportation.  While cyclists have their own reasons why they ride, a 2003 Omnibus Survey conducted by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics found that, of the 20.9 million people who ride bikes, 41 percent reported doing so for exercise and health.

Jerry Travers, in an Adultbicycling.com article, identified some of the health benefits associated with cycling.  These benefits he said include building strength and muscle tone, improving cardio-vascular fitness, burning calories, improving heart health, and reducing stress.

"Cycling is also a good way to begin an exercise regimen," said Tyler Farney, a University of Memphis Research Associate and certified strength and conditioning specialist.  "Most people can get a good work-out on a bike without necessarily starting off in great shape."

Those who do cycle, he said, "need to do it at a sufficient intensity level to get the full benefit out of it though." Unlike running, cycling also offers minimal impact on a person's joints, Farney said.

For many Memphis area residents, cycling might really be something worth considering.  For a city that has earned a reputation for its tasty, fried southern cuisine and its world-renowned barbecue, Memphis has also distinguished itself in a far less savory way.

In 2007, Forbes Magazine ranked Memphis as the most sedentary and obese city in the country.  This ranking by Forbes was based on information that it had received from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.  The Centers for Disease Control determined, from data collected in 2006, that 32 percent of the nation was obese and that Memphis came in at the highest with 34 percent.  A 2009 risk behavior study by the CDC also indicated that 17 percent of Memphis high school students were clinically obese as well.

Recognizing the epidemic of childhood obesity throughout the country, first lady Michelle Obama initiated her "Let's Move" campaign.  There are several blogs on the campaign's website that endorse and promote cycling with special emphasis on encouraging children to become more active.  To address this issue locally, the Healthy Memphis Common Table and the Memphis Church Health Center have both developed their own initiatives and programs to help local area residents combat obesity. 

Cycling, along with other similar cardiovascular activities, can help with weight loss and in the prevention of diseases associated with a sedentary lifestyle, inactivity, and excess weight.  Being overweight may be a leading contributing factors "to the increased chances for developing Type 2 diabetes, strokes, coronary disease, and cancer," Farney said. 

Some additional benefits from cycling might extend beyond the body to the mind as well.  Dr. Dennis Stokes, Chief of Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital and a Children's Lung Disease Specialist at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, said that "there is good evidence of dementia prevention benefits of regular exercise." 

Stokes, who is an avid cyclist himself, also cited a May 2003 Annual Review of Public Health that said that physical activity may contribute to the prevention of cognitive decline, delaying the onset of dementia, and may slow down the course of Alzheimer's disease.   Research conducted by Washington University in St. Louis also found a possible correlation between physical inactivity and the development of dementia and Alzheimer's disease in individuals who carry a specific variant gene.

Along with the potential health benefits of a physical activity such as cycling, there are also some inherent risks associated with it as well.  Even though there is always a possibility of someone experiencing a heart attack or a stroke while cycling, Farney said, there are usually underlying factors that often only surface when someone physically exerts themselves.

To help minimize or prevent this from occurring, Stokes recommends that anyone interested in cycling should get a physical exam, get their blood pressure checked, and start off slowly when they first take up cycling. 

There is a saying that knowledge is power and this is also true when it comes to cycling.  Beginning cyclists can avoid many health-related troubles and other problems by learning as much as they can about cycling before they even hit the road. 

There are numerous websites, like the League of American Bicyclists, where beginning cyclists can go to find useful information on cycling.  There are also books that beginning cyclists might find very useful, such as the Bicycling Magazine's Complete Book on Road Cycling Skills:  Your Guide to Riding Faster, Stronger, Longer, and Safer.

In addition to the many books, magazines, and websites geared toward cyclists, there are also several local area bicycle clubs, like the Memphis Hightailers Bicycle Club, that beginning cyclists can turn to in order to learn more about cycling.  Memphis Hightailers Club President, Stephen Watson, said that the club "often provides training on how to ride, along with proper riding techniques, for beginning cyclists."  The club also organizes rides where riders can meet, ride, and learn from one another. 

"There are also some added health and mental benefits of cycling," Watson said, and it has helped him feel better and it can really be an incentive for others to do the same.