Biking in DFW

Biking along the canals in Valley Ranch, Texas

I came across this stoic bird standing by the edge of the canal early this Saturday morning in Valley Ranch; a beautiful area just north of Irving, Texas. I've seen these beautiful birds on rides before but this time, I had to stop and admire it.

Something about the way she stood there, so tall, graceful and strong. I got the feeling she was partly keeping an eye on me as I stopped my bike to take a good look at her.

There was just something about how calm and serene this bird was standing there as the sun was majestically moving up over us and glittering the water below her feet just got to me today.

Today, I rode alone. 

I haven't ridden my bike alone since I was a teen. It was just one of those Saturday mornings after a long work week where you feel to restless to sleep in and too stressed to get right into your fifty-mile long to-do list you've accumulated over the week.

So you run away from your bed (because it will just make you groggy) and from your to-do list (because you just can't make yourself do anything right now), grab your sneakers, hop on that bike and ride out.

I watched the sky change colors from my balcony after fajr prayer, then I headed out.

I didn't intend to go far because I knew I had to get back in time to take my sons to Quran class. But I couldn't stop riding. I rode just over 7 miles today. My advice to other teachers, mothers and fathers; this is an excellent way to clear your mind, de-stress, and enjoy yourself!

We need to take time to pause, think and reflect.


Sometimes, we really need to get a bit closer to nature.  Getting out on one of the many trails in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Arlington area is a great way to get out of the city without leaving the city.

For a link to the great bike/walking trails in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington area, check out this link Bike DFW.

DFW Bike Club

There are tons of beautiful trails and bike paths all over the metroplex that you are driving by, or over and not even realizing it! The path I've been following is along a system of canals that go under the streets and across them.

It takes you over the river by a bridge, cuts under the highway, and then twists and turns into natural habitats that I had no idea existed. All of this is right here in the neighborhood to explore.

 I encourage you to check your area out and get a whole new perspective on the place you live! If you feel really adventurous, there are bicycle clubs to join. That is a personal goal of mine. I hope to get into shape and join one in my area. Here's the link Bicycle Clubs in DFW.

BIKE RENTALS IN TEXAS!

Among my favorite cities to visit in the country is Denver because you have access to pretty much what ever you need from city and suburbia while having a majestic view of the snow-capped Rockies, piercing blue skies, and evergreens.

Denver has won the title of the healthiest and fittest city in the country and that is because Denver makes being healthy easy. It is a biking enthusiast's playground.

They have bike rentals conveniently positioned around the city. Contrast that to Texas who every year has some of the fattest cities in the country.                                                   

But wait a minute before you start with the, "Yo mama so fat jokes!" Texas has been changing

      

            Fattest Cities in America Rankings

2005 Fattest Cities in America 2005           

#1 Houston, TX                                               
#6 Dallas, TX                                                 
#10 San Antonio, TX                                       
#11 El Paso, TX                                             
#14 Fort Worth, TX                                         

2017  Fattest Cities in America 2017
#14 San Antonio, TX
#17 Houston,TX
 #22 El Paso, TX
 #25 Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX

You can see Dallas used to be the #6 fattest city in the country and is now the #25th. Knowing that, you can imagine how excited I was today to  come across these BIKE RENTALS! I was so excited, I had to stop and take some pics to share.

These bikes are equipped with baskets and nicely sized bright light on the front for night riding. A few nights ago, I saw a large group of people riding identical bikes with these bright lights on the front, riding up the hill on MacArthur Blvd. I was a little confused seeing that. So now I know what was going on, they had all rented these V Bikes!

So, I took a closer look...

It looks like you start by downloading the V Bike App, then sign up. After that, you unlock the bike and ride it. When you're done, you return and lock it. Amazing! I am so proud of this city. The influx of people coming to DFW and the state of Texas at large has changed the face or should I say, ,waistline of Texas. I found them on Facebook for you: V Bikes Facebook Page

Bike Riding in Dallas

Dallas- Fort Worth-Arlington is BIKE FRIENDLY!

You will notice that the entire area is becoming what is called Bike Friendly. This is one of the things I really admire about places I frequently visit like Denver, Colorado and Albuquerque, New Mexico. You'll see cyclists all over the city because the city is bike friendly. They have paths weaved into the city and trails made just for cyclists. Well, the DFW Metroplex has also officially become Bike Friendly!  

Check out Biking in Arlington! Bike Arlington

A bike trial in Arlington, a little more challenging ride but fun! You really feel like you are in the woods.

I found this natural hideout for these beautiful birds discreetly tucked just 1/4 mile from the busy streets. I've driven by so many times and no idea this was just a little bit off the path. This was one of my "reflection" points this morning.

Today, I just had to STEAL some time away for myself. While I was out there exploring, I wondered how many people live out here, as busy as me, shut up inside their apartments our homes, missing out on all of this because they just don't know about it.

So from my heart, I'm encouraging everyone to grab your sneakers and take a ride. If you don't have a bike, check out V Bikes and rent one or buy one on craigslist. The bike I'm riding is $150 at Walmart. You really don't need to put much thought into it, and if you do, you're bound to talk your self out of it and back onto your couch.

Get out there and explore! There's a whole new world out there right under your nose! 

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