“You miss the mornings if you don’t commute to work on a bike,” says Brenda. She suggests that you consider riding a bike if you live 15 miles or less from your destination. Brenda shares this advice from her many years of commuting by bike. “Dress warmly and comfortably in cold weather. Don’t let the motorists upset you. They may be jealous that you are the one on a bike.” She reminds cyclist to always carry an extra tube and tools.

Brenda’s favorite bike route, when not commuting, is the “Cuyahoga Valley loop,” which includes Shade Road, Oak Hill, and the path around Indigo Lake. Brenda has participated in numerous organized bike trips, some with the Akron Bike Club. These trips have taken her to Maine, Colorado, Nova Scotia, Wisconsin, New York, and Quebec. Brenda’s most memorable trip was “Riding the Rockies”. Brenda met some of the most amazing cyclists on this particular trip, some with disabilities, such as lost limbs. Brenda enjoyed cycling with the people she met on this trip. She also enjoyed the beautiful scenery.

When asked what she does in the off-season to maintain her cycling enthusiasm, Brenda’s response was, “What off-season?” If the snow is too deep to ride a bike, Brenda cross country skis. She also enjoys jogging, hiking and walking. It is important to Brenda to share her love of the outdoors with her grandchildren.

Brenda lives in Peninsula with her husband, Robert, her dog Shyloh, a rabbit, and some chickens. She is always ready to step out her back door for outdoor adventure. Have a wonderful summer, Brenda!