By Stuart Gimber

Time Magazine recently had a cover story on health, with the headline: “How not to end up here” — “here” being a hospital bed. One expert said exercise is the only miracle drug you can take to remain healthy.

Do you live in Uptown and work in Fashion Valley or Mission Valley? If so, why not ride a bike to get there? It is easy and takes less than 20 minutes. Here’s how:

Starting in Mission Hills, head down Fort Stockton Drive toward Presidio Drive (and with the gas you’re saving, you can stop in for a caffeine treat at Espresso Mio).

As you coast downhill (watch for the deer in headlights moment as squirrels and bunnies take advantage of the early morning coolness), notice the three flags of the countries that have ruled our beloved San Diego over the centuries — Spain, Mexico, and U.S. At the bottom, cross over Taylor Street and head north on Morena Boulevard. After going under Interstate 8, take a quick right on the unmarked bike path. The new path is some sort of fused gravel, smaller than cobble. It offers a nice texture and good traction. Go through the small hairpin and go east (right) for Mission Valley.

Or take the day off and head west (left) for Ocean Beach. The new path wanders through cottonwoods, coastal oaks, stray palms and other riparian shrub growth. It is noticeably quiet and much more stress-free than trying to merge onto a freeway. Consider yourself lucky as you enjoy the expansive views toward the University of San Diego. Pedal past the ball fields and remember your childhood experience with baseball. (Mine still brings back nightmares.)

The path ends and abruptly changes to asphalt, as you’re now on Hotel Circle North. Stay to the right and pedal past the hotels. At the stop where the AAA building is located, veer left so you don’t ride onto the freeway. Remember, you’re on a bike. It is amazing that you’re below the grade of the freeway and the freeway is about eye level. Tires are whizzing by you at 60-plus, but you’re safe because of the wall. Instead look left toward the new apartments (who lives there?) where once stood Cinema 21, where blockbusters such as Star Wars, E.T., and Raiders of the Lost Ark once ran continuously for over a year. I remember Mission Valley flooding in the 1970s and the first six rows of the theater had water on the floor, but the movie played on.

At the next intersection, be careful as you veer left onto Camino de la Reina. Stay close to the right next to the Children’s Mural on the wall and follow the road. On your left is the Union-Tribune, quiet outside with employees working away inside for their new absentee owners. I think this was one of the first buildings in Mission Valley. I know others can remember the days of dairy farms and cows, but I can’t.

The left at the next intersection takes you to Fashion Valley. Cross over diagonally onto the sidewalk/path. Keep heading east, under the skanky underpass of 163 (community clean up services needed here) and pedal hard up the steep ramp for your first good glimpse of the San Diego River. There are small islands in the middle. Enjoy the quiet and peace again. The bike path here is a little bumpy so watch the cracks. On the right is the River Front Condo development. Folks will be out walking their little condo dogs and enjoying the morning. Don’t be one of those jerks who yell “on your right” and pass at high speeds. Make just enough noise so they’ll know you’re there and will leave room for you.

At Mission Center Road, go left and double back a block toward Hazard Center. Wait at San Diego’s worst intersection for pedestrians and the longest light, Friars and Frazee roads. After that, it’s an easy ride to your office building, and lock your bike. You’re not even sweaty.

After a long hard day toiling in the cubes, head down to your bike and backtrack the same path. The wind is in your face so you’ll have to pump a little harder. Presidio is mildly steep. If it gets too hard, get off your bike and walk until you catch your breath. There’s no shame in that! Enjoy the fact that you’re getting some exercise, saving money on gas and reducing your carbon footprint. Soon you’ll be bragging to your friends and family that you ride to work and that they should too.