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How to Get Into CyclingPresumably if you’re reading this article you’re interested in getting into cycling, but maybe you need a little inspiration, or encouragement, and a push in the right direction. Hopefully you’ll find all that if you read on! I love cycling, and have done from a young age. While the other kids in my street were buying BMX’s, I wanted a racer (as I used to call them – they’re more commonly known as racing bikes). Being a young girl, most of the bikes available for a female of my age were pink and had little baskets for me to carry around my dolls. As you may have already guessed, that was not the kind of girl I was! Eventually I managed to find a racing bike. It was silver and white, and it was a Peugeot (like the car). From the age of 11 or 12 I used to disappear off for hours on end at the weekends, exploring the countryside near where I used to live. Back then, (and now to a certain extent) I didn’t really consider cycling to be an exercise, because I often think of exercising as a chore. Cycling is so much more fun than ‘just exercise’. What I really love about cycling is the feeling of freedom, the wind blowing in my face when I pick up speed, the opportunity to explore places that I’ve never been to, and we shouldn’t forget the fact that cycling is good for you! So if you’re trying to get into cycling, and are hesitant because you think it will be hard work and no fun, please think again! I’m sure you’ll quickly find that cycling can be a lot of fun, and will soon be getting on your bike to go everywhere! If you’re worried about your fitness level, just make sure you take it easy at first. Getting fit doesn’t happen overnight, and until your backside gets used to the saddle, you may find yourself feeling a little saddle sore too! Don’t worry, this will pass with time. Start with cycling on roads or tracks that you’re familiar with, and try to pick ones which don’t have large hills on them. Until you’re a little fitter you’ll be amazed at just how difficult the tiniest of gradients can be. The best way to get fit and to build your confidence is to go gradually; gradually increasing the distances you’re travelling, and attempting steeper hills as the weeks go by. I love cycling on my own, but it’s always nice to have company. If you can find a cycling partner who’s of the same level of fitness as you, you can go out together and help encourage each other. Once your fitness level has improved you could consider using your bicycle in place of your car. Provided your place of work isn’t hours away from home, why not use the bike for commuting? You’ll be saving yourself lots of money – the cost of fuel, the wear and tear on your car, parking charges, and not to mention the benefit to the environment too. Before you know it, your bicycle will become your best friend, and you’ll have got fit and had lots of fun doing so! |
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