Cycling is a great way to stay active and fit, and it’s a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. Amateur cycling, in particular, is a great way for adults to get involved in the sport without the pressure of competition. I’ve been cycling consistently for a few years now and love it. For me, it has many advantages; my bad knees and hip are at the top of the list. 🙂 Whether you’re looking to improve your fitness, enjoy the outdoors, or meet new people, here’s a guide to getting started as a beginner cyclist.
Choose the Right Bike: The first step to getting into cycling as a beginner is to choose the right bike. There are many different types of bikes available, from road bikes to mountain bikes to hybrid bikes. Consider what type of riding you plan to do, as well as your budget and comfort level when choosing a bike. It’s also important to get a bike that fits you properly, as a badly fitting bike can be uncomfortable and even dangerous to ride. Trust me, been there and done that. You will be surprised by the difference when you get a bike that actually is fitted for your size. For this, I would go to a bike store or at least measure yourself before purchasing any size bike. Honestly, I didn’t go to a bike store for every bike, but the first time I did. There are many sources online where you can find out how to measure yourself.
Get the Right Gear: Once you have your bike, you’ll need the right gear to ride comfortably and safely. This includes a helmet, cycling shorts, gloves, and a cycling jersey. Ok, when I first started riding I really didn’t focus on a cycling jersey, however, I did purchase shirts with the same material as cycling jerseys. I really like bright colors for traffic to see you. You may also want to invest in cycling shoes and pedals, as well as other accessories such as a water bottle, bike lock, and bike lights. Make sure to look at a tire repair kit when you start riding for good distances. Trust me, you do not want to get stranded without a spare tube and kit.
Start Slow When you’re first starting out as a beginner cyclist, it’s important to start slow and build up your endurance gradually. Begin with short rides and gradually increase the distance and intensity of your rides. Remember to listen to your body and take breaks as needed. I personally started riding four miles and increased my miles each week when I could. Within a year of riding weekly, I got up to twenty-plus miles. I like to ride between 25-35 miles, but have gone 62 miles once before. After a while, it does get addicting. 🙂
Join a Club or Group: Cycling clubs and groups are a great way to meet other beginner cyclists and learn more about the hobby. You can find local clubs and groups through cycling organizations, online forums, or social media. While I believe joining a group can be fun, I personally haven’t. For me, it is all about convenience and timing, but I do plan to do a few group rides in the future. Plus, I still haven’t purchased a traditional road bike, but currently have a Trek FX3 model.
Stay Safe: Finally, it’s important to prioritize safety when cycling. As a beginner, this often gets overlooked and I encourage you to really pay attention to safety. Always wear a helmet and pay attention to traffic at all times. You will be surprised how fast a vehicle can approach you before you know it. Avoid riding alone in remote areas, and always let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return. Cycling can be dangerous if you ignore safety and assume that most people can’t see you if you are riding on roads. Honestly, do your best to avoid any roads with traffic if you are a beginner.
In conclusion, cycling is a great way for adults to stay active and enjoy the sport of cycling without the pressure of competition. By choosing the right bike, gear, and group, starting slow, and staying safe, you can definitely have a great experience. If you need inspiration, check out my blog or YouTube channel. “As I always say, do what you can.” #dowhatyoucan