The Fountain of Youth

by John Bullaro

There are two kinds of discovery—the unknown world around us and the mystical interior world.  Regardless of age, bicycling can be a magic carpet into both worlds.  Cycling along our Central Coast will let nature work its magic by reawaking your youthful exuberance.

In 1513 Juan Ponce de Leon sailed the Atlantic coast in search of the fabled fountain of youth. He never found "the place" because he was looking for a location. Feeling young again is an interior journey. Cycling, as Debbie Boone sang in her hit song, can "light up our lives." Cycling for all ages is part of a healthy life style and, for us seniors especially, a "fountain of youth."

From Los Osos to San Simeon State beach, Highway One  is our a magic carpet leading to pure adventure. Later, with practice, conditioning, and courage, a bicycle tour down the west coast can be a memorable vacation. I should mention that the novice rider should stay south of Hearst castle where the highway is relatively flat and the roadway wide enough to accommodate cars and cyclists.  North of the castle the road is narrow, windy, and steep.

If you own a bicycle, you're on your way. If you need to purchase a bike, there are essentially three categories of bikes: road bikes—with drop type handle bars, mountain bikes—with shocks and straight handle bars, and comfort bikes—with handle bars that have you seated upright. There are other types,  i.e. recumbent, but the three mentioned are the major categories. My preference for the new rider who wants to travel away from home, even for short distances, is the mountain bike.

The three most significant qualities to look for when buying a bicycle are type, fit, and gearing.   For some, the key purchase principle consideration is cost. There isn't enough space in this column to go into all the specifics. If you need a bicycle, you are urged to visit a reputable bike shop. There the staff can guide you through all the decisions you should make before you purchase a bicycle.

Department stores carry low end (cost) bikes. Sales staff in these retail department stores generally knows little about fitting a bicycle to the rider.  A good bicycle shop, on the other hand, should have staff that will take your measurements and adjust the bicycle variables (seat, handle bar stems, and gearing) to fit you. 

Expect to pay anywhere from $250 to $2,000 for a bike. ( Some road bikes sell for upwards of $6,000). If this is your first bike, stay close to the less expensive models and let the shop work with the variables to fit your needs.

Fenders, racks, stands, and lights are equipment that can be added later. Loading a bicycle and riding style, along with traffic survival, will be covered in a subsequent article.

Bicycling on the Central Coast will bring great rewards.  Cycling will bring the spring back in your step, make you feel like a kid again, and promote health and well being.  Where can you get such benefits for so little invested?  If you have specific questions feel free to email me.

Wolf Image on Banner by Don Joseph