How to Get Into Bicycling
In case you hadn’t noticed, the Tour de France is all over the news right now.
Professional bicyclists from around the globe are just about halfway through this grueling 21 day race. And with the exciting and occasionally dangerous terrain, not to mention the competitors’ impressively toned calves and thighs, this race makes for good entertainment.
Want to get into bicycling, improve your cardiovascular fitness, and get legs like Lance? Here are 3 Quick & Dirty Tips:
1. Visit Your Local Bike Shop
Most bike shops have bulletin boards and flyers that advertise beginner to advanced group rides, mechanics that can teach you about your bike, and locals who’ll teach you where to ride. Pick a shop, become their friend, and just like at your favorite restaurant, they’ll take good care of you.
2. Buy a Used Bike
There’s nothing like a weekend bike ride outdoors with the wind in your hair, the birds singing, and new sights all around. Often, serious cyclists are serial bike buyers, and they’ll sell their nearly new bikes on Ebay or Craigslist for a fraction of the original cost. This is a great way to get a nice bike, but be sure to look for scratches, dents, cracks, or any other sign of a prior crash.
3. Get the Gear
Some of the gear that will make your cycling more enjoyable and safe is: a light for riding at night, a well-vented helmet for keeping your head cool and protected, padded gloves to prevent hand numbness, a cycling computer to tell you how fast you’re going and how far you’ve ridden, and special cycling shoes that attach to the pedals and allow you to have a much more efficient pedaling stroke.
As an avid competitive triathlete, cycling is my passion. So be sure to send any questions about this amazing sport to the Get-Fit Guy Facebook page! And enjoy the rest of the Tour de France.
Image courtesy of Shutterstock
About the Author
Ben Greenfield received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from University of Idaho in sports science and exercise physiology; personal training and strength and conditioning certifications from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA); a sports nutrition certification from the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN), an advanced bicycle fitting certification from Serotta. He has over 11 years’ experience in coaching professional, collegiate, and recreational athletes from all sports, and as helped hundreds of clients achieve weight loss and fitness success.
