By: Aaron Joseph. To enlighten you with some inside tidbits of practical biking information, and as a follow up to my memoir, I would like to convey the following. From speaking with various knowledgeable relatives, it seems that a wonderful form of less controversial public exercise during the warm seasons is walking. I am told many opt for a walking companion, and the assortments seem to be a spouse or relative, to a friend, child, or perhaps just a baby carriage.
 
The aforementioned information is not from personal first hand experience and is not yet my forte. It also has very little to do with biking. But is a possible alternative. While it does not seem masculine only, the attributed enthusiasm leaves little doubt to its veracity. Of course, the only eyebrows it might raise would be in appreciation of the parent dedication of pushing a baby carriage. So what if it only has laundry inside!!  I am told that many men opt for a stroll with a carriage as well. I guess it beats folding the laundry!
 
Aside for its health benefits, walking, and surely while pushing a carriage tends to mold or strengthen a rapport with the companion and/or that lucky carriage passenger. If rural roads away from home are selected as a destination for these glorious moments in summer’s gardens, and I highly recommend it, a walking partner and cell phone would provide practical and prudent company.
 
For those whom have Halachik questions regarding biking and the “gender bias,” I suggest sorting it out with your Halachik expert. That however would be your own private affair. You may be surprised as to the opinion you receive. My big question for the upcoming hot season is concerning short pants. However, that would be between my Rav and myself.      
                                                             
My biking time is placed into my “free” or “leisure” time category. Originally, the 20 minutes daily I began my riding career with was a challenge, perhaps even my biggest one. As weeks past however and the many apparent benefits came into focus, the timing issue was no longer on the forefront. Naturally, to this day it still is a lingering factor, but not a detractor. On occasion, and may I add reluctantly, I must forego this “big boy” treat. However, in summation, biking is something I always sacrifice personal time to do.
 
All times of the day are conducive to biking. On the hotter days, a late afternoon ride may prove easier. Early mornings have a certain magic quality that can best be portrayed as an essence of tranquility. There is less traffic early mornings as well.
 
I’d like to point out that I have thus far found the longer bike rides to be feasible only during the lengthier days of May-September The shorter day bike rides of between 25-40 minutes are highly beneficial as well. The short rides a couple of times each week during the coldest months allowed for continuous weight loss throughout the winter. These rides as well maintained the momentum of my biking and contributed to an overall satisfaction and well-being. 
 
Routes: Below are some of the more practical and safer in town roads, and the more scenic rural roads. The best way to find a route is to be adventures and try it.
 
In Town:
 
E. County line has a small shoulder and for most of its length, a sidewalk. Like on any sidewalk, be cautious of the walking population.
 
Kennedy Boulevard has a huge shoulder.
 
Main Street/Rt. 88 has a Sidewalk.
 
North Lake Drive has a sidewalk, and a path down near the water.
 
Hope Chapel has a sidewalk, and varying degrees of a small shoulder.
 
South Lake Drive has a path.
 
Central Avenue has a sidewalk and shoulder.
 
14th street has sidewalks and a shoulder.
 
Sunset Ave. has sidewalks and a shoulder.
 
James Street has a shoulder.
 
Pine Street has a shoulder, and for the most part a sidewalk.
 
Martin Luther Blvd. has sidewalks and a shoulder.
 
Cedar Bridge has a shoulder (Use caution, as this is a 50 MH road)
 
Lanes Mills Rd. has a shoulder.
 
NOTE: Most side streets are regulated by stop signs. In town, this would cause much stopping. Always look before corssing, follow the rules of the road, stay off towards the shoulder, and ride in the direction of traffic. Always be careful of opening car doors, and cars pulling out of parking spots. Pedestrians have the right of way. Use caution.
 
Scenic Areas and Roads:
Ocean County Park and Lake Shanadoa both have paths bedecked with Nature’s beauty. Pine Park as well has varying beautiful areas that are conducive to biking. Then there is always….
 
Miller Rd.,        South Lake Drive,        North Lake Drive,        Clearstream Rd. off Hope (is beautiful and has a 0.7 mile downhill slope at one point),      Green Valley Rd. off of Clearsteam Rd. is beautiful as well.       White Rd.,        Cross Street, Brewers Bridge,           S. Cooks Bridge,          Lakewood New Egypt,            E. Veterans Hwy.,        Whitsville Rd off of E. Veterans Hwy.,      S. Hope Chapel,           Faraday,           W. Cross Street,          Vine Street.      Brook Rd North of E. County Line,                      Lakewood Allenwood Rd.,      Oak Glen Rd.               (Squankum Rd. is nice but use caution!)     Drake Rd. is as rural as it can get- as well as Ridgeway Place.
 
For the adventurous- all streets branching off these scenic byways are bound to be nice. I do suggest always taking a phone with you- just in case. You may opt for a small GPS unit as well.
 
Suggested Routes.
 
5 Miles: (Aprox:)
1 lap around the Lakewood Lake.
Trip around Lake Shanadoa and through Ocean County Park together.
Lakewood Ave & NL Drive up to Rt 88 & Park. – Park to 7th – 7th to Lakewood Ave.
 
10 Miles:
Rt. 9 W. Kennedy – Laurelwood – W. County Line (Sidewalks) – Hope Chapel – Miller – New Central – Central – South Lake Drive at Pond – Main St./Rt 88 Park. – County Line – Kennedy – Rt 9.
 
15 Miles:
Rt. 9 & North Lake Drive. –to Hope- to East Veterans Pkwy – to Cross Street – to Rt 9. – (First Right onto Yale Dr.) Yale Make Right onto Vine – Vine to Spruce – Right onto Spruce – left onto Washington – Washington to Pine through ball park (Avenue of the States!) Left onto Cedar Bridge. Cedar Bridge to Clover. Right onto Clover. Clover make left onto Main St./Rt 88. – and back to Rt. 9 and NL Drive.
 
To expand your bike ride length, simply add above-mentioned roads or try your own. I would advise trying any long distance route or any new route for that matter in a car first, and take mental notes of feasibility as you drive it. Look for what you may consider a blind spot for a driver, or any other dangers. Also, look for usable sidewalk or shoulders. You may want to look for spots that you are able to rest at.
 
Always apply caution to any bike ride. For rides that may extend past dusk, ALWAYS bring reflectors and decorate your bike with lights. Small blinking lights can be found at Wal-Mart for around $2.00.
 
When doubtful regarding temperature note: Your body temperature will always rise as you break into your ride. You will sweat in relation to exertion. However, at times towards evening temperature does tend to drop. If you are sweaty when this happens, you will be chilly. It might do you well to wrap a sweater around your waist as you begin to bike if you plan to be out towards evening when the temperature is expected to drop. (This is necessary usually during the spring and fall.)
 
All in all- go out and try it – be cautious, be prepared – and always enjoy yourself.