Shannon Walsh

I participated in the last Bike to Work Week challenge and rode in all the way from Burnaby. I had just joined our departmental wellness group and thought that I really should participate in any wellness initiatives I can. I didn't have a bike and couldn't afford one at the time so on a whim, I sent an email around the office asking if anyone could lend me their bike. To my surprise, I got an offer right away! My husband drove me to pick up the bike at my (very generous) colleague's home a couple of nights later. I mapped out my route and I was ready to go! It was a real challenge but I was able to accumulate 124 km's biking four days of that week. I really loved the experience of getting outside in the mornings and arrived at work (1 hour later) invigorated and ready for the day!

I generally dreaded the ride home but once on my way, found that it relaxed me and took my mind off the stresses of the office so I was able to have very calm evenings. I felt great! After the Bike to Work Week challenge, sadly, I had to give the bike back and haven't picked a new one up yet BUT I am going bike shopping this weekend and will be participating in the Bike to Work Week challenge for November. I hope to make bike commuting to work a regular occurrence on two days of the week, a realistic goal for me. The other days I ride the skytrain in. I am very grateful that Bike to Work Week has given me the opportunity to discover how great it is to come and go to and from work on your own steam! It is a part of my wellness routine that I hope will stay with me for years to come!

Shannon Walsh