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Thursday 28 November 2013

Cycling Tips for Beginners

It may be true that you never forget how to ride a bike, but that doesn't mean you will necessarily feel confident when you first get back on your bike after a long break. When you're a child, you are more-or-less fearless so that you think nothing of zooming along as fast as you can and performing stunts on your bike. Once you stop riding your bike regularly, though, which often happens as you get older and have less time and are more likely to travel by car, when you do think about cycling all you can see are the dangers.

However, there are many benefits of cycling regularly and so it is worth focusing on these rather than dwelling on the potential negative aspects. When you are starting out, you may have to buy a bike if you do not already possess one. It is important to get one that is the right size for you, and to set the saddle at a height you are comfortable with, as otherwise you could pick up injuries and develop aches and pain in your knees, neck and back. If you already own a bike, you obviously need to check that it is in good working order before going for a ride.

If you're not very confident about riding your bike, it might be a good idea to avoid riding on the roads, at first. You may decide to ride along off-road cycle trails that take you through the countryside and enable you to avoid the traffic. You could always try cycling through your local park, especially if you're not very fit and can't ride very far – unless you have access to a very large park, in which case you will have to be able to cover quite a few miles! As you get more confident you may decide to start riding on the roads.

When you do this, it might be worth sticking to areas where traffic isn't so heavy and where there are cycle lanes available, so that you don't feel too intimidated by other road users. As you gain confidence, you won't be as worried about holding up traffic or being involved in an accident, so that you can enjoy yourself more. The only way to increase your confidence, though, is by riding your bike and so if you prefer riding on flat surfaces, you have to get used to riding on the roads, as your presence on the pavement will not be tolerated by pedestrians.

To build up confidence, it might be useful to join a cycle club and to go riding with other members. That way, you can pick up some tips on improving your riding style, discover new routes to take and also make some friends whilst you're at it. As your cycling improves, you may decide to take longer rides and to work on increasing your speed, perhaps touring the countryside or taking part in races. Everyone has to start somewhere and you shouldn't let your lack of experience hold you back. As a beginner ride, the most important thing you can do is just get out on your bike!

Everything else – such as following a proper training plan and purchasing high-quality equipment can come later, if you want it to. All you need to get started, really, is a bike that works, although you may find that a pair of cycling shorts will come in handy! It is then up to you to build up the miles in your legs, so that cycling feels like less hard work and you actually want to get on your bike every day.
 

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