There are many reasons to embrace the activity of bicycle riding, especially here in Alameda.

Cycling is one of the easiest ways to exercise. Remember being a kid and riding your bike everywhere, it was just plain fun. You met up with your friends and off you went. The bike was always a way to have adventures and fun. To recapture that fun today, all you need is a bike and a helmet. You do not have to spend a fortune and only need to ride for 30 minutes a few times a week to reap the benefits.

Cycling builds strength in the entire body, not just the legs. Your entire body is involved when cycling. Over time, your leg muscles and tone over your entire body will improve. You will not recognize your legs, arms, rear end and toned body after a few months.

Cycling is also a good way to lose weight. You will burn approximately 300 to 400 calories an hour equating to loosing over 11 to 15 pounds of fat in a year. And that is with only 30 minutes a day of riding!

Using the large muscles of your body in a regular pattern helps improve cardio-vascular fitness. Your heart will pump in a steady manner. Cycling to work is a wonderful way to start and end your day. You will arrive to work with reduced stress and a feeling of wellbeing.

Alameda is nearly devoid of hills. That, along with its designated bike lanes makes this city an excellent place to start riding.

Team Alameda is a club in Alameda that promotes bike riding. We have rides every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Most of the rides start at 9 a.m., and we are usually back by 11:30 a.m. Meet in front of Kaiser Medical Center, 2417 Central Ave., near Park Street. Rain or wet roads cancels the rides. It’s always a good idea to check the calendar on our website: www.teamalameda.com.

Team Alameda is a recreational club and not a road-racing club. We invite people of all abilities to come out and enjoy riding.

Come on our rides, meet some new people and get healthier. I hope to see you on the road.

Alan Levy is a member of Team Alameda’s board of directors, email him at alan7levy@gmail.com.