9 Cycling Tips to Completely Transform Your Bike Life
Getting into cycling can be life-changing.
Cycling is a common form of sport, recreation, and transport. Cycling has been gaining steady popularity, not just in Australia but across the globe.
Cycling can be a community or individual activity. Some regard it as a healthy and productive way to spend time with friends, families, and even colleagues who share the same interest.
For some, it is a form of forging a healthy habit. It can help protect cyclists from diseases such as stroke, cancer, obesity, heart attack, and arthritis. It is considered a low-impact activity, which means that it causes less strain on the muscles and injuries. That is, unless the cyclist chooses a mountainous or challenging route, which will spell out a different story. It also helps improve one’s stamina, aerobic fitness, and strength.
However, if not done correctly, cycling can be stressful and not as enjoyable and beneficial as it should be. Here are some tips to help make your cycling experience wonderful and something you will look forward to.
Tips to Make Cycling More Fun and Enjoyable
Cycling should be a fun activity. Here are some tips to make it an activity you will surely relish.
1. Ride with dearest family and friends.
Some hesitate to ride with other cyclists because they fear that they are too slow and will drag others down. There is no shame in stopping when you are tired or riding a little slower. Riding with friends means that you are cycling for fun and recreation, not training for a triathlon.
Communicate with your friends if you are tired and wish to have a shortstop. Then, you can take the time to breathe, grab some refreshments, and even take selfies for posterity. Riding with other people makes it more fun, enjoyable, and memorable.
2. Join a group ride.
Joining a group ride can let you blow off some steam and be competitive. Group rides save you the stress of thinking about where to go. You just follow where the rest of the group goes and focus on pedalling. It’s akin to swimming with a school of fish. Just ride and go with the flow.
It’s also an excellent opportunity to meet new people with similar interests. Get to meet new friends who you can invite to some recreational rides in the future.
3. Go somewhere new.
Going around following the same routes can be boring. So, try to ride somewhere where you have not been before. You do not have to go to another state. Simply make a different turn than what you always used to do. You can load your bike in your car and visit the next town or city. Go bike where there are more scenic beach views or more verdant and lush bike trails.
Riding in a new place makes the experience more exciting and novel. Not only do you get your usual exercise, but you also get to see and experience a new place.
4. Stop to eat – and maybe try some new dish.
Some think that stopping makes them weak. It does not. Stopping when you need to will make the ride more pleasant. You also reduce your risks for injuries. So, stop and grab some quick bites in between.
It is also okay to ride to eat. Some have a destination in mind whenever they ride; for some, that destination is a popular restaurant or café. It’s also fun to try a new dish or place along your route. Of course, make sure you do not ride with a full stomach.
5. Set your eyes on a goal.
Without a goal, you are just cycling aimlessly. Why not set a cycling goal to motivate you more to hop onto your bike? You can train to join a cycling tour event in your area. Alternatively, you can prepare for a cycling vacation or join a charity ride.
You can also train for more challenging rides, such as going up mountainous terrains. It can even be riding for longer distances than you usually do.
Tips to Make Your Cycling Experience More Comfortable
Your comfort is of importance, too. Here are some suggestions and tips to make your ride more comfortable and pleasant.
6. Get the right seat for you.
Some might need to go through various seats installed at different angles until they find their perfect match. Saddle discomfort is a matter not to be ignored. Not only does it affect your comfort, but it can also lead to health issues. The numbness brought about by an incorrect seat means you are damaging the nerves in your pelvic bone area.
Shop for the right seat. You may have to try different ones before you finally find the right saddle for you.
7. Check your handlebars.
You can experience soreness in your shoulders, numbness in your hands, and difficulty reaching the brakes if your bars are the incorrect width or curve. In addition, you want to feel secure and in charge while being able to support your upper body without putting undue strain on your neck and shoulders.
Talk to your supplier, and they will be happy to assist you in finding the right handlebars for you.
8. Put on gloves.
You might want to try a new pair of gloves if your hands are tingling and going numb. The cushioning inside will not only increase your comfort but will also safeguard your palms in the event of a collision.
9. Get the right shoes.
Shoes play an essential role in making your ride a wonderful experience. It might be difficult to distinguish between a shoe that feels like it is squashing your feet and one that is stiff and snug enough to transfer power. After a lengthy ride, your feet may swell, so your shoes should fit snugly while allowing for that possibility.
If you struggle with the right shoe size, you can use socks with high-tech fibre or use a shoe insert.
For Your Cycling Needs, Check Out Stead Cycles
Located in Beresfield, Stead Cycles has been serving the needs of cyclists since 1923. Drop by our store or give us a call on 02 4966 2141 and let us help you find the gear and equipment that you need to make your every ride more memorable and pleasurable.