I became a yoga teacher when my mother, who at the time was in her upper 80s, made a decision that "life was not worth living." She defied doctor's orders to just get up out of the chair and walk — the length of the room, to the front door, to the sidewalk, and beyond. Her choice was to remain in that chair and, of course, we know the outcome. It was disheartening, scary and incredibly sad. With her stubborn refusal to do any of it, I came to a swift decision that I would not let myself get to that point in life.

Even though we're being encouraged to keep our distance from one another and stay at home longer, we're also being told that going outside for exercise and recreation is a good thing. There are additional encouraging factors at work here — our air is cleaner, our streets are less congested, and people are being much kinder to one another — all great reasons to continue to ride instead of drive.

If you are looking for an active vacation that incorporates history, geography, great food and recreational bicycling, you might consider joining the 2020 FIDF Ride in Israel next fall. (You do not have to be Jewish to join this ride!)  It's a week you will never forget as you travel through the ancient land that has the magical touches of modernity and technology for which the Israelis are legendary. Boomer and Beyond blogger Diane Jenks, our OutSPOKEn Cyclist, describes her ride through Israel.

Local cyclist and yoga enthusiast Diane Jenks is now a Boomer magazine blogger and she's eager to get folks back on their bikes this fall. Read on to learn why a bike may put you on the road to fitness and fun and why Northeast Ohio is a great place to ride.