Bamboo on Wheels

After a long winter spent in hibernation it’s often hard to motivate yourself to get back on board the exercise train. But as the weather warms and the dark ominous cloud that is bathing suit season moves farther away, the motivation to get back in shape gets a whole lot stronger. Now if you’re like me and you hate the gym, warmer weather is key to your workout regime. Fresh air is my power-aid, and cycling is my total gym. The way I see it, why ride a bike that goes nowhere when you can ride a bike that can go anywhere? Even to the fish and chips place at the end of the pier (not the best place to cycle to when trying to get back in a teenie weenie bikini but rewarding none the less).For years I have rode my trusty 12 speed to and from a number of A’s and B’s. However sadly my faithful steed is on its last leg which means its time to shop around for a new one. It was in one of these shopping expedition that I discovered the Bamboo bicycle, and no that is not a typo, I meant to say bamboo.

The bamboo bicycle (say that 10 times fast) is exactly what it sounds like it is, a bike made of bamboo. However having said that, this two-wheeled wonder isn’t just a craft project, but rather a legitimate bicycle that could rival many other bikes on the market. This is sustainability on wheels and an even more eco-friendly way to shed a couple pounds. Made from the renewable resource of bamboo, these bicycles trump regular bikes when it comes to their eco-friendliness. With these babies you can self-propel yourself onto not only a healthier life but a “greener” one too (not to mention looking good while doing it).

Now bamboo bicycles are by no means a new invention. These bad boys have actually been around for over 100 years. However the bamboo bikes of today are different from those of the past. Back in the day bamboo bikes were seen only in developing nations where they were used as a simple, yet effective means of transportation. When the first bamboo bikes made their way to the western world they were expensive. Since they were “new” and sold as designer bikes sadly no regular Joe or Jane could afford (a category I myself fit snugly into). This thankfully, is not the case anymore. Today bamboo bikes look better, perform better, cost less and in some cases can be made to order, making them one heck of a hot commodity.

Thanks to bamboo bicycles I think it is safe to say that my quest for a new cycle has come to an end… Hallelujah! For me nothing beats a good morning ride (well almost nothing, the fish and chip reward is pretty swell too). With these new eco-friendly (more cost effective) bikes I can now get my daily km’s and look smart while doing it. And come on, who doesn’t like to look smart?