Ahh...just finished an 11 mile, 52 minute bicycle ride.  I feel great!  Today I want to talk about riding a recumbent bicycle.  That's me on the right in the photo on my Bacchetta bicycle (somewhere in Michigan!)  People ask me all the typical questions:

1.  Are they harder on hills?  (No, you will do hills as well on this as you do on your upright bike.)

2.  Is it hard to balance?  (Yes, at first because all your weight is above the wheels, but very quickly you get used to it.)

3.  Is it more comfortable? 

I love to answer #3.  It is infinitely more comfortable.  What I know about ergonomics tells me that the recumbent bicycle is much better designed for the comfort of the human body.  Your back is fully supported, you are seated on your whole bottom, your hands and arms are comfortable without any weight on them, your head is in a fairly neutral position.  My experience confirms this.  I rode an upright bike for most of my life only to suffer excruciating ischial tuberosity (butt) pain, neck pain, wrist, hand, shoulder pain, and finger numbness.

Take a look at the super aerodynamic pose of the cyclist in the middle photo.  This is great in heavy wind, but her posterior neck muscles are screaming!  Her psoas muscles (hip flexors) are so short and tight she probably can't stand up fully straight in normal life.  And the third photo was always my adaptive solution, to be more upright on your arms so your back, neck and hip muscles aren't so stressed, but guess what?  This is a killer position for the arms and hands.

Bicyling is some of the best exercise out there.  It's enjoyable as it takes you back to being a kid again, zooming along all on your own power.  It burns great amounts of calories and strenghthens cardiovascular function as well as leg and hip muscles.  I would encourage everyone who can to do it.  But people who work with their hands like massage therapists and anyone who suffers from discomfort from riding an upright bike should consider the great benefits of a recumbent.

No matter what, though, consider a bike ride before the weather makes it impossible again!