7 Steps To Sensible Cycling

So you too have been inspired by the Tour De France? Suddenly you find yourself pulling that cycle out of the garage and experiencing some fresh air! Whether you're an expert or just a beginner, take note of these seven keys to better cycling and enjoy yourself even more!

1. Don't leave home without a safety check of your bike and don't put your kids on a bike unless you've given the bike a once-over. Check the gear changes, brakes, seat heights and bell and make sure it will be a comfortable ride for all. Sometimes cogs, chains and gears collect sand and grit and do not move as well as they should, especially if they've been sprayed with certain products in the past. Take a puncture kit with you or you may live to regret your outing!

2. If possible ride with others. If fitness is your motivation, this helps to keep you accountable and you are less likely to opt out if you just don't feel up to it today. If you're a serious cyclist and competing is your driving force, then a buddy of comparitive standard will help push you to the next level. If fun is a high priority, then having others there to enjoy the ride, the scenery and the experience will heighten the event significantly. Obviously the safety factor also comes in here. A companion may even save your life one day. If riding alone is the only option, then always let others know your route.

3. Plan your ride before heading out. Know approximately the length of the ride and the terrain and whether the route is cyclist friendly with road provision made for riders in mind. Treacherous stretches of road may look inviting but is it worth the risk? When travelling by car take note of the roads and routes that would make for an ideal path of pleasurable pedalling. When riding, decide ahead of time that patience will be your guide. Many motorists may consider you a nuisance and feel you have no right to be there. Some will never even see you! Don't take them on, they are bigger than you, and again, it is not worth the risk.

4. You need to attach and take a water bottle and sip from it regularly to keep you hydrated. An amino based drink is ideal for serious riders. Try a drink designed to give advanced energy and endurance with carbs which also replaces electrolytes and prevents dehydration. This will enhance your performance on the bike. Other excellent essentials include bananas, other fruit and energy boosters.

5. Give some thought to your clothing so that you're both safe and comfortable. You need to stay cool in hot conditions and retain heat in cooler environments. Wear bright colours so you can be clearly seen. Don't forget that helmets save lives: this is a proven fact. Never ride without a suitable helmet and if you are outfitting kids, make sure the helmet fits correctly and that the chin strap is tight enough. (Kids can sometimes loosen these and do not benefit from the necessary cushioning effect if and when they fall off). I would also strongly recommend that your bike be fitted with a number of reflectors and a light.

6. Don't forget the whole family. Okay, you've got the bug, now it's time to enthuse everyone in the family. There's no greater sight than a whole family out cycling on a beautiful day. The tiniest tot can be strapped in to a bike seat behind mum or dad and grandad and grandma can ride too. These days there is growing awareness of the need to provide cycle tracks away from dangerous traffic and these can be wonderfully scenic. Take pro-active steps to build family time and model fitness. Your family will thank you for it one day.

7. A mistake many make is to give little thought to what happens to your body once your bike ride is complete. This is known as recovery. It is especially but not exclusively relevant to the serious elite cycling athlete, and proper attention to recovery and repair of muscle can prevent injury as well as enhance future performance. In a nutshell what you need here is protein which is the key ingredient in the building blocks of muscle cells, cartilage, bone and blood as well as a crucial factor in muscle growth, repair and recovery. Be like the professionals and head straight for a whey protein drink after exercise. Shake and take: your body will thank you for it.

Is fitness, fun and physical wellbeing on your life's priority list? Do you wish to model the same to your family? Then don the helmet and start pedalling. Peace of mind and the irreplacable feeling of the wind on your face will be your reward.

Article Source: http://www.articlemonk.com

Colin Johnson has been a fitness educator, drug educator, serious sports coach and father of five all in one lifetime! Colin highly recommends Amino Acid supplements drinks for the serious cyclist as well as whey protein for muscle repair.
Get your own completely unique content version of this article.

Please Rate this Article

5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5 

Not yet Rated