Otay Mesa Letter Carrier Joe Callera began biking to work some 20 years ago. He recalls, “I was the only one in the station doing it at that time. Now there are four of us. You can say I sort of started a trend. I was cycling competitively for years and am part of a road group, so it was natural for me to start biking to work,” Callera said. “Biking to work is a great way to stay in shape, it helps the environment by reducing carbon emissions and it keeps me healthy.”
Influenced by Callera, Letter Carrier Rene Rubio began biking to work. “Biking to work is a great stress reliever,” he said. “I used to drink coffee every day to get amped up for the morning. Since I’ve been biking, I don’t drink it anymore. I have lost about 15 pounds. Biking to work, combined with my daily walking on the route, has not only improved my health but my overall outlook on life. When you exercise, you just feel better. It makes me feel good when I can say something positive to my customers and make them feel better as well.”
The latest person to join the biking ranks is Letter Carrier Tony Armenta. “I started biking to work because I saw all the other guys,” said Armenta, who has been biking to work since April. “I wanted to do it, so when I saw the other guys, I gave it a try. I can say that I have lost weight and have better health. It’s fun and it definitely takes the stress away. I recommend it.”
Thomas Walls started in February. “I started because of the overall fitness aspect. I’ve never been overweight, but just by biking, I’ve gotten more fit and lost about 25 pounds. I love the sport of biking which is why I like to take long rides on the weekends. I don’t compete in races, but I do it to stay in shape.”
Letter Carrier Wayne Mason doesn’t bike to work but uses a different method of transportation: his feet. Two years ago Mason moved closer to work and has been walking to work ever since. It helps keep my cholesterol down and I save on gas and car maintenance repairs. My health has improved. I love the fresh air and sunshine. This lifestyle affords me that opportunity.”