THE BICYCLE.

The year was 1817 when a man triggered his mind to come up with a machine. A machine that he only had ever seen. And yes, only in his imagination had he ever seen this wonder. A German by the name Karl Drais, later called father of the bicycle. He was a civil servant to the grand Duke of Baden. He came up with a two-wheeled machine. This was quite the thing at that time.

current Baden

Reception of the invention was mixed. From the books I’ve read some people were impressed, some found something to criticize for its slowness at that time. ” Mr Drais deserves the gratitude of cobblers, for he has found an optimal way to wear out shoes.” Others said. It was an object that raised much curiosity. Different names regarding the same machine came up. Some called it the velocipede. Others referred to it as the running machine( Laufmaschine) . We know it as the bicycle.

I’ll spare you too much detail regarding changes made to it because I love you and I don’t want to bore you to death.

It’s been more than 200 years since the invention. Numerous improvements have been made on the bike. These modifications have made the bicycle more comfortable compared to what was there previously.

My parents bought me my first bicycle when I was 7 years old. At that particular time, I didn’t know how to cycle but I really wanted to show off. I remember one day, together with my three friends, we went to the top of a slope. I asked them to give me a slight push n let me go down the slope alone and my oh my!! Folks, I’m more than grateful to the heavens that am alive to tell this story today .

Over time, I’ve learnt how to ride a bicycle and it has become quite a hobby. It’s a sleek kind of exercise too considering it doesn’t mess with your routine. Cycling has even become a sport in many parts of the world nowadays and honestly, I’m amazed. I’m itching to participate in one competition when I’ll have the time. For now I’ll be content enjoying the view from the sidelines.

Lemme drop a few pictures that I came by as I surfed the internet. I love them.

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BENEFITS OF CYCLING

1. Improves cardiovascular fitness. Chances of developing cardiovascular diseases like stroke, hypertension and heart attack are lower for people who cycle often.
2. It reduces anxiety. My friends and I usually take some time going for hiking and the excitement in this is absolutely stress relieving.
3. Reduces body fat level. Cycling is an aerobic activity and this gets rid of excess Kilo Calories( KCal) in our bodies. Excess fat in the body increases strain on the heart, lungs etc, and this makes people susceptible to diseases like high blood pressure.
4. Increases muscle strength. Cycling strengthens cardiac muscles, leg muscles( the hamstrings, calves, glutes and quads)
5. Assists in management or prevention of disease

Imagine how shocked Karl Drais would be if he woke up today and saw these bikes!! And how proud would he be seeing how his idea was the foundation to all this?

So the next time you feel bored, try cycling.

Thanks for visiting today.❤ Hope you enjoyed.