Last Thursday evening, I joined my cousin Joey on his longest ride ever – a 17 mile jaunt along city streets in Northwest San Antonio.

This was a very special ride.

You see, just a few months ago, my cousin survived his second heart attack. After completing cardiac rehabilitation, he decided to renew an old bond with his bicycle as a means of literally changing his life. He’s changed the way he eats and he cycles several times every week. I am very, very proud of him.

I often refer to Joey as my “copilot” since his love for aviation matches mine and he has flown with me on many occasions. He and I share many interests. He may be kin…but he’s also a good friend. A friend that I don’t want to lose!

Fortunately, cycling is having the same positive influence on Joey that it has had on me. I do believe he has fallen under its spell. Like me, he’s found that coupling a GPS unit, like his Garmin eTrex Legend, with his bicycle provides a very satisfying means of maintaining a diary of his rides and an efficient means of monitoring his progress.

And progress he is making. His mileage is going up and cycling is becoming a part of his life.

Our ride together was a ton of fun! For much of the ride we enjoyed either wide shoulders or actual bicycle lanes(imagine that!). Traffic was a constant companion, as one might imagine cycling along busy city streets, but most of the drivers on the roads that evening kept their distance.

Day turned to dusk and after an hour and a half of riding, I’d burned 900 calories. Not a bad way to spend an evening!

I am hoping that in the near future I’ll have an opportunity to introduce Joey to the Mission Bicycle Trail(.pdf). The sixteen mile route is traffic free, guarantees some sweating and provides scenic views of several historical missions.

Thanks for the great ride Joey and keep those wheels spinning. I hope your experience will inspire others that have faced their own health challenges. Your story is just one more example of how cycling improves lives – one mile at a time!