6 benefits of cycling .

Hello, my followers and readers.

Today, I would like to mention the 6 benefits of cycling in this article. There are lots of benefits to cycling but we are going to look at only 6.

So, bugle up, and let`s ride !.

1. Cycling may help you lose weight.

Cycling habitually, especially at high intensity, can help lower your body fat level, which promotes healthy weight management.   

2. Cycling may lower your cholesterol.

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance made by the liver, and its found in the cells.

Cycling helps improves cholesterol levels, which then boosts your cardiovascular health and lowers your ricks stroke and heart attack.

3. Cycling boosts mental health and brain power

Cycling ease feeling of stress, depression, and anxiety. Cycling makes you focus on the road which then takes away the metal chatters of your day.

Research  shows that biking improves the cognitive function and well-being of  older adults 

Just 10  minutes of cycling will boost your brain performance.

Regular exercising like biking help releases the feel-good harmonies called endorphins which help you feel better and relaxed. 

4. Cycling improves balance, posture, and coordination.

As you balance your body upright while cycling it helps improves your overall balance and coordination and even your gait(the process of walking and balancing).

As one ages the balance decreases. Cycling will help improve it and reduce the risk of injury and fractures. 

5. Cycling may reduce the risks of cardiovascular diseases 

Cycling raises your heart rate,  improves cardiovascular function, and enhanced your overall fitness level.

6. Cycling is environmentally friendly.

We all are talking about climate change but have you done your part in helping to reduce climate change. Well, if you have not yet, then start cycling.

Cycling reduces your carbon footprint. Researchers in Europe found that commuting by bike one day decreases your transport carbon footprint by 67%

Cycling also reduces your chances of getting  stuck in traffic jams 

When it comes to parking spaces. You have no problem at all. There will be always space available.

Reference 

Healthline,2022.Benefits of cycling plus safety tips Healthline Media. https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/cycling-benefits.

Hobara town in autumn

This is Hobara in Autumn.

Hobara is a small town on the out sketch of Fukushima. In the autumn the maple trees that line the main street of this small town usually come alight with magnificent colors of autumn. 

These are some photos of the autumn colors in the beautiful town.

 

Part 6: New Chitose to Sapporo.

New Chitose station.

I reached Chitose station at 10:15 pm. The last train leaves around 10:30 pm. I quickly dissembled my bike and packed it into my bike bag. Then brought it to the New Chitose train station's platform and waited for the rapid service train to arrive from New Chitose Airport. The rapid service train only makes 6 stops before reaching Sapporo. Because it's a rapid service train it takes only 45minuites to travel for 60 km while local trains take almost 2 hours for the same distance because they have to stop at each station along the track.

When the rapid service train arrived from New Chitose  I brought my bike on the train and placed it at the door. There are not many spaces for large objects like bikes on trains in Japan. However, at the entrances of the trains,  there are spaces big enough to keep bikes. In Japan, bicycles are allowed on the train. However, you have to put them inside bike bags. Specialist bike shops sell portable bike bags so you can buy one from these shops.

The rapid train left Chitose station and we made 6 more stops before arriving at Sapporo station around 11:30pm. I came off the train with my bike bag hanging from my shoulder and went out the north ticketing gate before existing  Sapporo station through the north exit.

After exiting through the north exit. I placed my bike down in front of Sapporo station's north exit and quickly assembled my bike. After finishing assembling my bike I  cycled to my partner's home which is 5 blocks from  Sapporo station

At this point, my excitement to see my partner was so overwhelming for I moment I forgot that I actually just completed more than 600km of cycling and 100km of Ferrying to reach Sapporo. When I reached her home she was waiting for me in front of her apartment. She was so excited to see me. We hugged, and greet each other. Then we went together parked my bike and went home.

Waiting for the rapid service train to Sapporo at New Chitose Station.