One of the best ways to feel young again is riding a bicycle! Mark and I moved to Acworth 2 years ago and knew that it would be a good place to ride our bikes, but we had no idea just how much we were going to love this new exercise program which gets us out and about in our little town. It’s been the most fun thing we’ve done together since moving in our house.
Our new little community is the perfect place for bike riding, as we are surrounded by 2 lakes on either side of us. Lake Acworth is on one side and Lake Alatoona is on the other side of our house, so it’s a win-win no matter which direction we go. And downtown Acworth is booming right now! We’ve seen so much growth since we moved here and things are still growing and building. We are so happy with our house decision and couldn’t not be more content with where we are.
So, come along with us as we bike around our town of Acworth and see the sights that we see every time we go out. We love biking for the exercise part of it, but just being on a bike and seeing everything up close and personal is the best part about it too!
We have wanted to find something that we can do together for exercise. Mark hates the gym, I go to the gym and have for many many years, but it’s not something he loves. We have walked together and enjoy that, but honestly in the summer walking in the heat and humidity is tough for me. I find that I can ride much easier in the heat than walk. So bike riding is something that we both love to do together, for exercise and the other benefits are great too. It will be something that we can do for many years to come and we happen to live in a great place for bike riding, so that’s a huge plus. We can go right out of our neighborhood to downtown Acworth and to the lakes without ever getting on a major road. All the roads right around us are 25 mph.
So,first I’ll show you our bikes and what we are riding. That’s the first part to getting into bike riding. You need bikes that you really love! Mark has this Schwinn cruiser bike that he’s had for I think 15 years or more. He loved riding when he was in his old house in Marietta, but it’s been a few years since he has ridden bikes consistently.
I had an old mountain bike that I bought at a yardsale years ago, but mountain bike aren’t nearly as comfortable as cruiser bikes which I found out after riding his around the culdesac at our house. After that, I had to have a cruiser too! So I went online at Amazon and started looking at bikes. I found a brand called SixThreeZero that got good reviews and the bike was just what I wanted so I bought it and had it shipped to our house.
I talked Mark into trying to put it together knowing that I might have to take it to a bike shop to finish up, but it didn’t go well so I went back online and contacted the company listed on the Amazon listing as someone who could come out to our house and put it together. One of the screws that was in the bike that had to come out to continue with the installation of the bike wouldn’t budge, so Mark couldn’t finish it up.
It needed a pro to do that part, so we called in a Pro who came out and put my bike together in about an hour! It was well worth the $63 spent and the Amazon seller refunded that to me since we had a problem getting the bike together ourselves with the screw issue and I had called them. So that was a plus! He did a fantastic job and it was great to have someone come to the house.
And there’s my cute blue bike all ready to go! I just love this bike! It fits me perfectly, the seat adjusts up and down easily, it sits upright so I’m not all hunched over and it has 7 speeds which works well for us with our hills around here. Luckily, we don’t have any major hills and 1st speed works great for the 3 or 4 that we have on our jaunt around town.
Riding a bike comes right back to you and it feels so freeing to be out there flitting around town on our bikes. And riding a 7 speed is very easy once you get the hang of the gears and hand brakes. I had used hand brakes before so it wasn’t a problem for me.
Of course after I got the bike, I had to have a basket. Once I saw this basket, I couldn’t love another one, so the Nantucket Bike basket was ordered on Amazon as well as that cute green pouch for the back of the bike. I can put my phone in there to keep it dry if needed. And I bought a blue bike bell which you can just see on the handlebars.
Someone told me about an app called Map My Ride, so I down loaded that and we use it every time we go out to map our route and see how far and how fast we are riding. It’s fun to see our route around town and we can increase our time out as we get more conditioned to riding.We have just started riding in the last few weeks and have been out at least 10 times. We’ve worked up from 5 miles to 10 miles and I’m sure will keep adding distance on as we keep riding. It’s a great workout and we are drenched with sweat when we get home.
I bought the helmet (to match my bike, of course!) from Target and the green pouch from Amazon. I’ll link it all below if you’re interested. Here’s the helmet link from Target in case the pic isn’t showing below. Affiliate links used!
I bought my bike from another seller on Amazon, but right after placing my order I saw this listing for less. So Amazon refunded me $60 of my purchase price which got me close to this price. They say they don’t price match, but they will refund if you call and complain, so it worked for me. If you want to get the bike put together, you can add that as an extra cost too, which I did after the order.
My cute Nantucket Bike basket. We are going to have a picnic before summer is over and I’ll pack it in my basket.
So here we go, let’s go to town! Not a flattering pic, but I really don’t care what I look like when I’m on the bike.
A note about bike helmets. When I first started posting on Instagram that we were bike riding, we didn’t have helmets on and I got a lot of scolding from many of you who bike ride. So I went out and bought a helmet and finally talked Mark into one too. He was resistant at first, but I kept reading him comments from people who had witnessed bad bike accidents, so we just can’t take a chance on that, so wearing helmets is a must! I mean, we all survived childhood without helmets and seat belts, so how bad could it be, right? But we are smarter now, so I’m glad we got helmets!
Waiting for the train to pass, we get a lot of train action in downtown Acworth.
Mark and his new helmet. He got his off Amazon.
I hope you enjoy the scenery that we get to enjoy every time we go out. Acworth has a historic district of houses behind the downtown area with the cutest homes. This is just one of a bunch of them that are so cute.
It’s so nice to see these restored and renovated historic homes near Lake Acworth. It just has such a nice feel, the little town and lake behind.
And here’s a view of the lake and tranquility of the water.
It’s so peaceful riding around the lake and enjoying the scenery.
There’s a bridge that crosses the lake and goes back in the woods and then comes out in a residential area, so we have figured out a nice loop around town that takes us almost 8 miles in a circle.
We have plenty of sidewalks and paved paths to ride on which is so nice.
A picnic spot by the lake. We are going to ride here one day and enjoy a picnic by the lake. You can do nothing but relax with this view!
You can’t tell from this picture, but there’s a golf course on the other side of the lake.
A view of the lake from the main road which we don’t ride on. See that little sandy strip of beach to the left? That’s a park in Lake Acworth for lake use during the day and it’s really cute. There are several sandy beach areas around the lakes here which is really nice and we take advantage of that too by taking our floats out and floating in the lake when it’s really hot.
Another historic home on our way back to town.
Our route also takes us in the woods to another winding path and we end up at Logan Farm park, which is a really nice park that the city built for residents to take advantage of. The Farmer’s market is now held here every Friday during summer months and the walking trails are beautiful. Such a plus to have this right in our backyard!
Here’s a look at just part of the park, with large trees and winding concrete paths, The new Acworth Community Center is just beyond those trees.
There’s also a nice playground for kinds and that shady trail in the woods that connects to the park. We do a few loops around the park while we’re out riding too.
On Fridays, the Acworth farmer’s market is in full swing from early summer to Fall. I stop by there periodically.
One of my favorite things there is the fresh peaches from Pearson Farms. I get their “scratch and dent” peaches, which are a little bruised, ripe and ready to eat. That’s my idea of summer fun!
This cute new house we watched being built right across the railroad tracks from downtown Acworth. I don’t know who lives here but I sure would like to see inside! It’s a beautiful little house built in a historic manner.
The new pedestrian bridge that has recently opened in downtown Acworth is a visual addition to the area. It will connect the left side of the railroad tracks with downtown so that when there are crowds of people at an event, they can walk over the bridge and park to the left in parking lots. This area is all being built out with more restaurants and a brewery coming soon, so the landscape of downtown is going to keep changing. We are happy to see the improvements and changes, it only adds to the value of our house which we got at a great time.
An AME church near the park.
And another historic church which I love to see in town, we ride by here every time we are out on our bikes on the way back home.
There’s a beautiful wedding venue near downtown too which we rode by on our bikes, Cedar Plantation. It was fun seeing the grounds and I heard from many of you that you’ve been to weddings here.
And that’s a look around our cute little town of Acworth. It truly is the perfect bike town and we are taking full advantage of that this summer. We’re trying to ride at least 3 to 4 times a week and even though it’s hot, it’s a great workout and the breezes are wonderful on a bike. My stamina is much better on a bike than walking in the heat.
I thought you all would enjoy hearing about our latest adventures and how much fun we are having with our bikes! Who knew that being a Baby Boomer would take us back to childhood so easily with biking? We’re have a blast!
So how many other bikers are out there riding with us?
Audra Taliaferro says
Other than swimming, biking is probably my favorite outdoor activity! Love your little town! You are a great ambassador for Acworth; they should pay you! 😉
Cindy in Oklahoma says
Oh dear…. now I need a basket for my inexpensive but little beauty of a pink bike I bought at WalMart a few weeks ago! Even though I’m not planning on a picnic any time soon, as I’ve just been puttering around my neighborhood, that basket is calling my name. It’s so much fun to be a kid again, isn’t it?
Rhoda says
HI, Cindy, I just had to have that basket once I saw it! We’re having so much fun!
Trish says
I love riding so much! I am glad you and Mark are enjoying it as well. If you ever want to take a little trip, the Silver Comet is a wonderful place to ride. It is free from motor vehicles. Start at mile 15 in Hiram and ride west. The parking lot is about 1/2 mile from the Home Depot if you know where that is. There will be less trail traffic than if you start in Smyrna. The Noon Day Creek trail in the Town Center CID in Marietta is also really nice on the weekend. The Arabia Mountain trail is also really nice, but it has some hills. Don’t ask how many bikes I have…..
Rhoda says
HI, Trish, I’ve been on the Silver Comet many years ago. We will have to get a bike rack if we want to take our bikes with us elsewhere. Right now, we sure are enjoying just getting out of our neighborhood and around town. But I’m sure we will take them with us and explore some other places when Mark retires next year.
Mady says
I love riding my bike! I am 70 and returned to bike riding about 5 years ago when my knees just couldn’t take jogging anymore. I ride every day and I feel like a kid again. Because I live in a very hilly community, I purchased a Townie Electra with 7 gears and the way the frame is made, balance is easier. Recently, while visiting the Cotswolds, I met a large bike tour group of retirees on a weekend tour of gardens. Most were older than me and they were having a blast!
Stacey Keeling says
That does look like a very special little town, Rhoda. I can see why y’all love it so much.
Biking together is a fantastic idea! We walk a lot in our neighborhood. We live in a large neighborhood out of the city limits. We can cover many miles here …. at 6:30 in the morning before it gets too hot. 🙂
Keep up the good work girl!
Rhoda says
Thanks, Stacey, we are loving our little town way more than we expected.
Teresa says
Being baby boomers ourselves, my husband and I bought bikes (Raleigh’s) about 10 years ago. We love taking them on trips where there are bike trails and when we are home we ride on trails near us. One of our favorite bike trails is the Great Alleghany Passage or GAP for short. This trail goes from Cumberland, MD to Pittsburgh, PA and was built on old railroad tracks. We have done sections of this trail and love it!
Biking is great exercise and know it is something you and Mark will enjoy. BTW, you have such a charming town and I love all the great homes you featured. I would love to see inside that newly built home too!
Rhoda says
That sounds great, Teresa, we do have a great place to ride, so that’s a big plus.
Edie says
I love bike riding and so does my husband! It is such a wonderful way to spend time together. I hurt my foot, and have not been able to ride for the past 2 months, and it is a major bummer. My endorphins go sky high when I’m riding, when I feel the breeze on my face. And when I get too old to ride my bike, I’m going to get me an adult tricycle. I loved bike riding as a child, and continue to love it as an older woman. Thank you for sharing your wonderful riding path and story.
Rhoda says
Good for you, Edie! It does take me back to childhood, I’ve always loved bike riding.
Renee says
My friend, who is an RN, was riding her bike when someone opened their car door into her and she went flying. The ER told her based on the damage to her helmet she would have had a severe head injury if she hadn’t been wearing it! So….wear your helmet!
Rhoda says
We will definitely wear our helmets!
Lynne says
I love your little town and your new bike! This has encouraged me to start riding again. Where did you get your helmet? I’m never sure how a helmet should fit.
Rhoda says
HI, Lynne, it’s from Target and I linked it with a picture and text link, so take a look. The pic might not have been showing up so I added a text link. They are adjustable so you should be fine. I had mine a little too tight and it was giving me headaches, so I loosened it up, inside the helmet part.
Diane says
Thank you for this post! Thx u! Thx u! My husband and I are going thru a rough time physically. He has an health prob that is not DX’ed yet! I’ve had 2 surgeries and have 2 more to go. We were talking in the early AM last Friday night. Wondering how the heck do we dig ourselves out of our current health conditions.??? What could we do together to work on our health??? Then I read ur post about bike riding. Perfect! I’m asking Santa for a bikes!!! All the best!
Rhoda says
Hi, Diane, I’m so happy to hear that! I think bike riding is perfect for us as older adults. Great exercise and not hard on the body. Good luck with your bikes, I hope you get them and enjoy as much as we have.
Judy Clark says
Rho,
Love reading about Acworth. It is such a pretty little town with cute shops and some good restaurants.
Your blue bike is so classy, and that basket. So cute. Going on a picnic at the lake sounds like so much fun.
Happy Fourth of July to you and Hubby!
Judy
Rhoda says
Hey, Judy! You know how cute it is and we do love living here way more than we expected. Such a perk to be able to ride bikes all over the place.
Sharon Hines says
I sure do love hearing about the fun you’re having together I your bikes.
We use to spend so much time on our bikes as kids. I really want to get back into it. The trick for me is finding a bike that fits my height and my short legs.
I have a cute cruiser bike now, but I tire out very quickly when riding a bike that doesn’t fit me well. But seeing y’all get out there and enjoy it so much is inspiring.
Your town is so scenic and beautiful. I love that you have lakes and paths all around. And of course, taking in all the architecture is a treat. It would be a treat for me, too. I just love houses.
Thank you for sharing and inspiring! xo
Rhoda says
Hey, Sharon, so glad you stopped by! We are so happy to be able to do this in our little town and glad that the hills aren’t so bad that we can’t manage them. It’s a wonderful area for biking which we knew when we moved here but it’s taken us 2 years to actually get out there and do it! So maybe you can try it too!
Patti says
My husband is a huge fan of bike riding. I’m not so much but your post makes me want to try again.
Rhoda says
Hi, Patti, I hope you’ll try again and enjoy it too. It’s such a great thing to do together.
Patricia says
What a lovely town ! You are so fortunate to live there – can you enjoy bike riding all year round in Acworth ? You have inspired me with this great post – I think this is something my husband and I could do together. We don’t really have a shared hobby/recreation together and this would work !
Rhoda says
Hi, Patricia, it’s definitely something we can do about 9 months out of the year. Fall and spring are both mild so I’m sure we’ll get out there as weather permits. I’m so glad you got inspired too!
Maria says
So excited that you and the hubby are biking. My hubby and I bike each week. We have road bikes that you clip in and we go for about 15 miles. The road bikes are fun and you can go longer. Our next trip is Italy. Tuscany is great for biking.
Rhoda says
Hi, Maria, that’s great! I’m not sure we’ll get to that level, but we are sure enjoying getting out in our town and enjoying the scenery and exercise from it. That sounds incredible to bike through Tuscany!
Roxanne says
Your bike and basket are so cute! I love that color. We live outside town on a country road where people drive way too fast, so there is no safe place to ride…hate it because it’s so much fun to ride. I’ve been a daily gym rat for years, and my husband just started going with me two weeks ago. He has lost 150 pounds (the Old fashion way…one pound at a time), so this is a really big milestone for him!
Rhoda says
HI, Roxanne, good for your hubby! That’s great news, I know you are proud of him. Mark is trying to lose 20 so hopefully it will come off with our new bike riding love.
Mary says
So glad you are both enjoying bicycling! We do also! And super happy you are using the app Map My Ride. I was one, of probably many, whom suggested it after using it for 2yrs. Illinois has now went from an extremely rainy state to extremely humid and hot so, our bike riding has been limited:(. Your town sounds perfect. We are limited to 3 bike trails near us:(. My dad’s cousin(Jim Mammoser) made his home in Marietta, Ga. Good job on the helmets! Love that basket 😍
Kathy says
When I visited Italy a few years ago, I stayed in Lucca. All the locals biked and they had a cute oval metal basket on their bikes. I bought one for my bike and now whenever I ride, I am reminded of that charming village. I love the white walled tires on your bike.
Rhoda says
Thank you, Kathy, I’m loving my bike too, it’s so cute and exactly what I wanted!
Meegan says
What a fun activity! Perfect exercise and a lovely way to see the sites of your town.
My husband has been a cyclist for years. We just moved to a new town and he is having so much fun discovering new places for us to visit, hike and picnic.
Thanks for sharing your tips and tricks.
I love visiting your blog.
Barbara Chapman says
Hi Rhoda! Getting my road bike cleaned up and tuned up at a local bike shop is on my bucket list for this summer. We’ve been so busy moving in, working on the backyard and inside, that I’ve put my bike on the back burner. However, that will change soon!
And, yes. Please tell Mark from a first-hander, my first fiancé died in 1983 riding his bike to work (no helmet), going down a long and steep downhill. He was hit by a car. The following year I was out for a short 20 mile ride on the American River bike trail coming back from Folsom, CA, and flipped my bike. The three messed up disks in my neck, broken tooth, 16 stitches in my mouth all say… Please ALWAYS wear a helmet. <3 It CAN save your life! Charlie may have died anyway from his injuries but he may have made it if he had been wearing a good helmet. Bell makes some of the best and they are wonderfully light weight.
Have a great 4th of July and give your mom and dad a hug for me,
Barb 🙂
p.s. Love your Nantucket basket and the scenery around your town is beautiful!!!
Barbara Chapman says
Oh, and I was wearing a helmet. It had a visor on it which was great for the sun but increased some of the neck reverse bending issues when my bicycle kept going over my neck (bent backwards). I am pretty lucky not to have broken my neck or have become a quadriplegic. God was watching out for me that day, especially. My neck has issues turning and always hurts but I count my blessings. 🙂
Rhoda says
Wow, Barbara, that’s terrible that you lost a fiance and you had an accident too on your bike. WE definitely will be wearing our helmets, can’t be too careful.