It’s been quite the year for me so far with reaching my weight loss goals. Can you believe I’ve Went from 232 pounds all the way down to 210?  Part of my success has been a changing what I eat, but a BIG factor really has been becoming more active in my day-to-day routine!

So I have about one more month on the lease of my car and we go down to 1 car in the house. Since I only live about 5 miles from work, I thought it’d be a great idea to not only to help cut down on the spending, but help lose some extra weight by getting into riding a bike to work.

Columbia Bikes were awesome enough to send me one of their newest (and oldest) bike models to help  get me ready for the transition from driving a car to riding bike to work. Not does it looks pretty freaking awesome, but it’s foldable making it easy to store. Best of both worlds when it comes to apartment living!

Riding a bike isn’t something I’m used to doing, but living in Orange County, where there’s about 20 bike trails within a 10 mile radius, it’s almost sacrilege not to! So it was only a matter of time before I would  be hopping back on a bike.

Not only will this help me save some money on a car, but It helps burn the calories on my way to work and the gym, so I can focus on what really matters: BULKING SEASON! (comment if you get the reference).

Here’s a little something that I found out about this model made by Columbia Bikes. Back in 1877, Columbia started selling bicycles before any other company in the USA, but this exact model,was made specifically for paratroopers during WWII so that they could jump out of the planes with the bike folded up – then unfold and ride off quickly! I think if the brave heroes of our nation could manage jumping out of a plane into war, I think i can manage riding 5 miles to work!

The Columbia assortment is huge with eye-popping styles that excite everyone’s fancy. When given the chance to choose from their list of bikes It was hard for me to choose from a cruisers, street bikes, and mountain bikes.  Each bike comes in super stylish colors and options making it hard for cars to miss you one the road. The next chapter for Columbia is being written right now.

Speaking of which, I think my biggest challenge will be getting the courage to ride on the street with cars on the road. It’s definitely something I’m going to have to work towards in this next month or two, but the extra money in the bank account and being saving time in the gym from the calories burned from bike riding will be a huge plus!

Overall, Columbia Men’s Compax Folding Mountain Bike, which can be found at any Wal-Mart, is fairly easy to use and ride. I’d say if you have an intermediate understanding of bikes, you should have no problem getting the jist of how to operate this bike. The biggest learning curve for me was getting the front quick-mount wheel to mount correctly. It took several times adjusting the wheel making sure it was moving freely without any hesitation, but once that was corrected the issue went away.

As much as I’ll miss having a car to drive to work, being able to clear my mind and get fresh air during my bike rides to and from work will be a new experience I’m ready for. Having a little more financial freedom, and staying fit and “dad bod” free is a something I definitely wont be sad about!

Be sure to check Toys R Us, Target, Amazon, Walmart and Dicks retailers where Columbia Bicycles can be found!

“This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Columbia Bicycles, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #RideColumbia http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV”