Seven years ago when my wife and I were looking to move, one of my criteria was to live in an area that was bike friendly so I could ride to work every day.

After visiting Keene a couple of times it met all our requirements including the bike riding.

Moving to Keene in 2001 I began to achieve my dream of riding to work. It took a couple of years to get into the daily habit, but I now ride to work 5 days a week, almost year round.

If the temperature gets below 15 degrees and/or there is an inch or more of snow, or ice on the roads I don't ride. Other than that I do it every morning and every evening.

In the morning it gets the blood flowing and in the evening it is my wind down time. The one way distance is 5 miles which is just the right distance.

The timeframe is 15-30 minutes which is a function of mostly the weather. I have found that I go a lot faster when it is 80 degrees versus 15 degrees. I guess my body is working harder to keep warm in the colder temperatures.

I live on the west side of Keene and working at Markem-Imaje my entire trip is pretty flat. Although this does not help my mountain climbing skills, it is beneficial on those days when I am a tired or a bit under the weather.

I have clothes for all seasons and use the layering method. Fortunate for me Markem-Imaje has a Wellness Center so each morning I pack saddle bags with my work clothes and get ready for work at the Wellness Center after a short workout.

It has had great health benefits. My latest physical shows my heart rate, cholesterol, and bone mass all in good shape. It also has great benefits at the gasoline pump. Actually I don't know the last time I went to the gas pump. What gas crisis?!?

Finally, I find Keene a relatively friendly bike town. Most automobile drivers are very courteous, the trail system is very good, and I know several other folks who ride to work as well so it makes for great conversation at the water cooler.

So if you want to get in shape, save some gas money, and have some quiet time each day, get on a bike and do the daily ride.