Just Get Bike Riding Again!
As we move deeper into 2025, those New Year’s fitness resolutions might be starting to fade. If you’ve set cycling goals for yourself this year but find yourself falling short, don’t worry—it’s not too late to get back on track. The beauty of cycling is that it offers a perfect blend of gentle exercise and powerful health benefits, making it an ideal activity for those of us with a few more miles on our personal odometers.
Why Cycling is a Perfect Exercise at Any Age
Cycling stands out as one of the most joint-friendly forms of exercise available. Unlike high-impact activities like running or tennis, cycling puts minimal stress on your knees, hips, and ankles—areas that tend to become more sensitive as we age. The smooth, circular motion of pedaling lubricates joints and strengthens surrounding muscles without the jarring impact that can lead to pain and inflammation.
But don’t mistake “low-impact” for “low-benefit.” Cycling delivers impressive cardiovascular advantages, helping to:
- Lower resting pulse and blood pressure
- Improve heart health and reduce risk of cardiovascular disease
- Enhance lung capacity and oxygen utilization
- Build endurance for daily activities
Additionally, cycling works numerous muscle groups simultaneously. Your quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves get the most obvious workout, but your core muscles engage to maintain balance, and even your upper body activates for steering and stability. This comprehensive muscle conditioning helps maintain strength and functionality—crucial factors for maintaining independence as we age.
BRAG Can Help You Get Back on Track
If your cycling momentum has stalled, structured programs can provide the motivation and accountability needed to regain your rhythm. The Bicycle Ride Across Georgia (BRAG) offers excellent opportunities specifically designed to help cyclists of all ages meet their fitness goals:
Couch-to-BRAG Training Program
For those seeking more consistent support, the BRAG Training Program provides:
- Weekly structured workouts tailored to getting you off the couch and riding in no time!
- Expert guidance on proper form to maximize benefits while minimizing joint stress
- Nutrition & stretching advice specifically for cyclists returning to activity after a break
The program’s professional approach ensures you’ll be challenging yourself appropriately without risking injury or burnout—a balanced approach that’s essential for sustainable fitness.
Spring TuneUp
BRAG’s Spring TuneUp, April 4-6, is the perfect re-entry point if you’ve been on a cycling hiatus. This April event offers:
- A variety of daily distances from 13 to 100 miles
- A chance to increase your endurance
- Fully-supported riding with SAG patrols, rest stops, and 1000 other enthusiastic cyclists
- Rest stops every 10 or so miles stocked with hydration options and snacks
- Beautiful spring scenery to reignite your passion for cycling
The April timing of Spring TuneUp is strategic—it gives you enough runway to build fitness for more ambitious summer goals while enjoying the mild spring weather in Georgia, just 1 hour east of Atlanta, that makes getting back in the saddle more comfortable.
Big BRAG: Your Summer Goal Event
Nothing motivates like having a specific BIG event on your calendar. Big BRAG, May 31-June 7, serves as an excellent target to work toward, offering:
- The satisfaction of completing a significant cycling journey across the state
- A BIG supportive community of fellow cyclists
- Celebration of your renewed commitment to fitness
- Stunning routes that remind you why you fell in love with cycling in the first place
In 2025, Big BRAG is headed across the North Georgia Foothills. The route takes you about 400 miles, from Rome, Georgia to Lake Hartwell. With a backdrop of the nearby Appalachian mountains, you’ll visit dramatic waterfalls, winding rivers, and the friendliest towns in the state of Georgia.
Small Steps to Restart Your Cycling Journey
Even before joining organized programs, you can take simple steps to reconnect with your cycling goals:
- Start with short, enjoyable rides around your neighborhood
- Focus on consistency rather than distance or speed
- Find a cycling buddy who shares your fitness level and goals
- Set small, achievable weekly targets
- Track your progress to visualize improvements
Remember that cycling’s gentle nature means you can ease back into it gradually, building momentum without the setbacks that often accompany more intensive activities.
A Lifelong Activity for Lifelong Health
The wonderful thing about cycling is that it can remain a part of your life for decades—many enthusiasts continue well into their 80s and beyond. By recommitting to your 2025 cycling goals now, you’re not just checking a resolution box; you’re investing in a sustainable activity that will continue paying health dividends for years to come.
Whether you join BRAG’s Spring TuneUp this April, commit to their structured training program, or set your sights on Big BRAG, the supportive cycling community and age-appropriate challenges will help you find joy in the journey back to fitness.
Your body will thank you for the low-impact movement, your heart will grow stronger with each pedal stroke, and your muscles will regain the strength that supports an active, independent lifestyle. The road to meeting your 2025 fitness goals is still open—and it’s perfect for cycling.
