Cycling can be one of the greatest two-wheeled adventures in your life. It is a hobby that not only keeps you entertained but also unlocks opportunities for you to be mentally and physically healthy.
Whether you want to be a cyclist on the road or through the mountains, every path can be daunting in a unique way, especially for a beginner.
However, it does not mean that you will not be able to overcome the challenges. Once you put your mind to it, nothing can stop you from achieving your full potential.
Here are some of the best tips to make cycling easier and more enjoyable for beginners.
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Table of Contents
Pump Your Tyres
Tire pressure plays an important role in ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride. You must ensure that your bike has the right tire pressure by checking the sidewall. It is crucial for you to find a balance.
Another great way of determining the right pressure for your tires is to consider the weather and terrain before you start your journey. This approach becomes more accurate as you gain more experience as a cyclist.
While cyclists are recommended to check their tire pressure every now and then, there is no room for negotiations when you are headed on a long or tricky journey. The right tire pressure can save you from unfortunate accidents.
2. Focus on the Saddle
If you have ever experienced travelling with a badly positioned saddle, you can understand how uncomfortable things can become. A dislocated or awkwardly positioned saddle may not seem that big of a problem, but only a cyclist can understand the struggles they are facing.
If your saddle is set up too high, it can make paddling unnecessarily challenging for you. On the contrary, you may face challenges because of a lack of space left for paddling. In both cases, you will be destined to feel uneasy.
You must take your time to adjust the saddle according to your needs. Remember that you do not have to adjust to the shape and size of the bike. Instead, focus on adjusting and customising the bike according to your needs.
3. Prepare for the Weather
The weather has never been a problem for an enthusiastic cyclist. However, a responsible cyclist understands that safety comes before anything else. You do not want to face any unfortunate events due to negligence. The right dressing choices can boost your safety and comfort on every cycling trip you make.
It is important to keep the weather in mind before you dress up for cycling. For example, it is crucial for a cyclist to wear prescription athletic glasses during outdoor adventures on a sunny day. Similarly, they must consider layering their clothes during the chilly season to take off or put back a layer when needed.
4. Maintain Your Energy
Cyclists constantly exert energy on their adventures. To meet their bodily needs and keep going, they need proper nutrition and hydration on the way. Therefore, it is recommended that every cyclist keep water and snacks with them at all times.
Make sure that your water bottle is always filled and there is always a protein bar in your bag to give you an energy boost. Such preparedness can help you a lot, especially when you are headed on long and adventurous journeys.
5. Stay Alert on the Road
Being a cyclist can give you a sense of freedom, but you must not forget that several other people may be sharing the same path as you. Every cyclist must be very mindful with good spatial awareness to be safe and keep the ones around them safe.
Do not just look to avoid cars. You must also never assume that a pedestrian has seen you. Steer clear of pedestrians and check the sign boards for any warnings.
Always remember to keep a steady pace so that you and the ones around you can be safe. There is no need to rush, especially if you are cycling in a crowded area. Being careful as a beginner can help you establish a road safety routine early on.
6. Cool Down and Stretch
All intense physical activities demand a proper cool down after you are done. It helps your body relax and regulate blood flow. In addition, stretching can also help you reduce the chances of muscle pain.
After stretching, make sure to drink some water to make up for all the dehydration. Hydrating after cycling and any other intense physical activity can help you avoid muscle cramps, fatigue, and weakness. Remember not to drink water in one go. Instead, divide it over a span of 10-15 minutes.
Once you are relaxed, you can clean the drink off your bike and repair anything that was damaged during the ride to ensure that your bike is ready for the next adventure.
