The Ultimate Guide for Going Cycling This Summer
In this article, you are promised much valuable knowledge about cycling and how to take your cycling game up a notch this summer.
Get Some Use Out of Your Old Bike
If you think that it’s time to let go of your oldest best friend, then wait a second. Maybe it will come in handy this summer, and what is better than memories of your good old days with it, and exploring the nuances of your town? However, test it well before hopping on it for a ride.
These are a few issues to check to make sure your bicycle works fine.
- The moving parts of the bike are not rusty.
- The handlebars and saddle are not loose.
- The wheels roll smoothly.
- Lastly, make sure your brakes work to their full potential. This is the most important factor.
Chances are your bicycle will be up and running with just a little oiling on the chains and some freshly pumped-up tires, but safety always comes first. If you are hesitant about being a good judge for your bike, take it to the nearest bicycle store and get it fixed and renewed with some money.
New Bicycle for Newcomers
If you are new to this bicycle game, you probably don’t have a bike lying around in the garage unless someone in your family has it. Therefore, if you want to spend money on a new one, here’s your checklist.
- Look for lightweight bikes with thin tires, and excellent bike geometry. These bikes help you maneuver around effortlessly.
- To search for the perfect bicycle for your body, hop on the bicycle and stand over the top tube and check if there is an inch of space between your body and the frame. If this is your first time, all of this might sound overwhelming but trust me, it’s not that hard. Your nearest bicycle shop can help you with this and if you need more assistance, here’s a beginner’s guide to picking the perfect bicycle. The main goal is to check whether you have a good hold of the bicycle or not.
Don’t Take The Gears Lightly
If you think bike gears are only for professionals, you are wrong. You might not ride your bicycle as your life depends on it, but you still have the chance of getting in an accident if you don’t follow the basic rules. Cycling has many benefits including weight loss, having a perfect physique, a reduced resting heart rate, and impeccable strength and energy throughout the day. Not to mention, the views you are going to explore during sunsets, or the bond you are going to have with your fellow cyclists or your dog if he runs to keep up with you. Research has shown that a daily sweat is good for your overall mental and physical health. With that being said, taking optimal precautions is necessary if you want to get the above experience. The basic gears to have are,
- A helmet that meets the U.S. safety standards.
- A white headlight in the front and a red rear reflector in case you are cycling at night.
- A water bottle carrier.
- Essential tools in case your tire punctures.
- Protective eyewear must be shatter-resistant.
Be Slow and Steady
Starting a new physical activity is not a walk in the park. At the beginning of your journey, you will encounter intolerable muscle ache along with fatigue throughout the day. Being persistent and pushing through it is the cornerstone of making real progress. That ache will be enough to convince you to give up, but you will never get over that pain if you stop and resume every time you start your cycling journey.
The idea is to take it one day at a time. Fix your cycling routine according to your current schedule and slowly tweak it to turn it into your desired schedule. For instance, if you want to cycle through the fresh air in the morning because it’s too hot during the day, but you are not a morning person, incorporate it into your current schedule and once your body is accustomed to your new physical activity, only then fix your overall schedule to go cycling in the morning.
Don’t cycle a hundred miles on the first day. Maybe start by going around the block of your house. The most important point is to make sure that your body doesn’t find it a boring errand. Keep the experience light and fun, mainly as a stress relief so that you want to go cycling every day, not just because you need it.
Find Your Fellow Mates
Competition always makes things interesting, whether it’s a test or a cycling contest. Once you have learned to have a stronger grasp of your bike, it’s time to go sight hunting! Cycling on a narrow road with trees on both sides and no cars to worry about brings a different feeling of joy. Countries like the U.S. or Canada have a cycling route drawn out on maps. Take full advantage of those maps, and you are bound to make some good cycling friends in no time. Having friends while cycling makes you want to be regular because your friends check up on you every day. Thus, it helps you reach your goals faster while making your journey exuberant and full of memories.
Takeaway
Being an active cyclist does not happen in a day. Hard work, persistence, and perseverance are the secret to that joyful and fulfilling ride.
