As a keen cyclist, I almost can’t remember what it’s like to not enjoy the thrill of jumping on my bike and heading off on another adventure. The fact is though, there was a time – no matter how distant – when I didn’t ride everywhere and when cycling was a non-event for me. That’s not the case now, so I want to provide some tips for people who are looking to get into cycling but who aren’t sure where or how to start. Consider it a beginners guide to cycling (with these tips helpfully provided by Mummu Cycling).
Tip One – Know thy wheels
You need to consider what kind of cycling you’re going to be doing, and then buy a bike according to this. If you know you’re going to be doing a lot of off road cycling, consider getting a mountain bike or a hybrid. If you’re primarily going to be hitting the road on the commute to work, buy yourself a road bike. If you’re a hipster, you live in Fitzroy and you just want to look cool, get a fixie.
Seriously though, your bike is going to be your faithful steed for the next few years, so be sure to pick the right kind. Many people will have a couple of bikes for different things, so don’t be crestfallen if you plump for a mountain bike and then fall in love with the idea of wearing lycra and setting out on regular sunrise rides.
Tip Two – Know the road
Part of being a top-notch cyclist is knowing how the road rules work. You’re only going to antagonise car drivers and annoy other cyclists if you’re always running red lights and hopping up on the footpath for a shortcut. Basic hard and fast rule here – cyclists are basically cars. There are a couple of differences, obviously, but if you behave like a car and follow all of the same road rules, you’ll be fine. Also, get to know your city and the cycling routes prefered by cyclists. They’re usually mapped out for a reason, and you’ll avoid sticky traffic junctions – a real freak out for beginners.
Tip Three – Know thy apps
When you’re cycling along nicely, it can be a bit of fun to mix up your cycling with a time trial or a fun circuit. Apps like Strava and Mapmyride are both free and offer a really fun way to ‘gamify’ your ride in by competing with other (anonymous) riders and against your best time for particular routes. You can even add in your favourite stretches for sprints or fast laps.
Tip Four – Wear a helmet
This isn’t a tip – just common sense. DO IT.
Tip Five – Enjoy thy fitness
Part of being a cyclist or your reasons for wanting to cycle might have something to do with getting fit. Good for you! It’s also great for the environment as cycling is a zero-emissions activity! Well done for going and doing something awesome for the environment. You need to make sure that you’re looking after your body when you cycle by stretching, eating plenty of good and healthy food, and getting plenty of sleep at night. You might notice that your muscles are sore when you first start cycling, so consider getting a massage for those aching quads.
Tip Six – Have fun (and be safe)
Cycling is a great way to get around your city and a fun way to commute. Don’t forget to have fun with your riding, and to exercise care when around parked cars for risk of getting ‘doored’.
Good luck with your cycling, and dream big: Next year – Tour de France!
