Cycling is still the best form of exercise for the majority of people. As a general guideline, every newcomer should make sure they are physically and mentally prepared for the ride. Road cycling for beginners necessitates careful planning to ensure a safe journey.
Make sure you read the beginner bike riding recommendations before you go out for a ride. Also, make sure your bike is in good working order. Adjust the saddle height and dress correctly after inflating the tires to the proper pressure. To avoid cycling-related injuries, it is critical to carefully prepare.
When you’re ready, look for cycling partners. Plan your bicycle route together and decide on the day’s challenge. Learn the basic rules of cycling and how to maintain your bike. Bike riding is a lot of fun, so let’s get started!
So, if you’re thinking of going on your own road cycling excursion, here are a few pointers.
- Get a proper bike fit when you buy a bike. My bike’s default settings were completely inappropriate for me, so I couldn’t ride it. Having an expert adjust the seat height and stem will drastically improve your riding. It’s a minor extra fee, but it’s well worth it.
- Look for a group ride for beginners. Rapha’s sessions were quite beneficial, and Lee Valley Velopark also has a closed road track. You can either pay to ride the course or learn the basics in a skills session with an instructor.
- Ask as many questions as you can. After all, you’re not the only one who’s curious about the answer. Did you know that cycling shorts aren’t supposed to be worn with underwear? Or to eat modest portions frequently in order to prevent the dreaded ‘bonk’? To get you started, Rapha has some wonderful animated movies and online handbooks.
- Take a bike proficiency test, even if you had one in school. It can truly assist you learn how to ride alongside automobiles on the road – and enhance your confidence.
- Find a riding group to join. Make sure you’re on the same page in terms of speed and ability, whether you’re buddies or fellow learners you’ve met in sessions. You might even be able to find a group of folks who share your interests at your local cycling cafe or on Breeze. When it comes to where to ride, don’t be scared to take a train out of town to begin your journey somewhere more scenic and with less cars. The traffic or the pollutants are never enjoyable.
- Commuting doesn’t have to entail navigating congested highways; instead, plan a regular route that works for you. If you’re in London, TfL has Quietways as well as the quicker Cycle Superhighways. Sustrans works across the UK to help establish safe cycling networks for everyone.
- Understand how to deal with basic mechanical concerns. You’ll feel lot better about going on a ride if you know how to fix a puncture or a broken chain; you won’t be caught in the middle of nowhere. A WAG (Women and Gender-Variant) night is held twice a month at the London Bike Kitchen to teach you how to mend your own two wheels. Furthermore, practice makes perfect! I’ll be sitting in front of the TV all winter, changing my inner tube again and over — ignorance is not bliss!
- When you’re ready, challenge yourself to a closed-road sportive. PrudentialRide London 19 or 46 are excellent starting points. Take advantage of the more relaxed closed-road Freecycle across London the day before if you’re not quite ready for the full sporty experience.
- Train indoors to stay in shape over the winter. People frequently argue that cycling is best done in the summer because the days and nights are light, frost-free, and warm. The gym’s workout cycle, spin classes, and even home solutions like the Wahoo Kickr Snap are all options.
You’ll keep cycling confidence throughout the winter months, as well as maintaining fitness (and accomplishing a few Zwift app challenges along the way) from the comfort of your own home.