Fear not, I have thought of 10 tips that will help you get through your transition into cycling, whether you are starting as a beginner or returning to the sport!
1. Cycling buddies
Cycling can really change lives. Not only is it a hobby, way of travel, escapism for many people..it can provide freedom and hope for people who are coming to the sport for a change in lifestyle. Whatever journey you're on, having friends and a support network who can relate to the nature of cycling will help when your motivation is wandering during the cold winter nights. The picture above is of me and a few other women from my cycling club. Honestly? That was one of the best days of my life. I've never experienced such an empowering, proud sensation that I felt that day.. from the start to the crippling finish! There's something about having someone beside you throughout the grit and hard times, but also someone who can share the good, positive aspects of the sport. I'd definitely recommend getting a buddy or two to tag along, even if it is a little 10 mile bimble along the path with a cafe stop! It makes the miles go a lot quicker when you're wanting to go home.
2. Explore
This aspect took me a while to accustom to! When I began cycling again at the age of 15, I was petrified of getting lost and not being able to find my way home. Although this did happen several times, I always had an interesting experience discovering new land and routes that I had never seen before. There was something quite intriguing about leaving my house and not knowing where I would end up several hours later. I would recommend just going out when you feel like it and riding where you want to. Some days I fancy a dose of fresh air, so I head for the Gower, where it is surrounded by sea and hills. The picture above is of the Black Mountains near the Brecon Beacons. I suggest riding to the top and enjoying the breathtaking view that you have on the top. It's very rewarding when you can see how far you have come & the beautiful sights that can be viewed because you worked hard to get there.
3. Family
With any big step in your life, it can be a nice feeling to involve your family throughout your journey. The photo above shows my little sister and I outside on the turbo trainer. Not only can it be good for company, it can provide moral support and also a friendly face when they come and support you if you take part in any events or challenges! My involvement with my family means that we all look forward to going out on the bikes together leisurely. It can be a nice way to share your goals and talk about your interests. I mean, who else would we count on to run you a nice hot bubble bath when you return home from a freezing ride!
4. Support local events and teams
The photo above was taken in the 2012 Olympic games, we walked to the top of Box Hill to see the men's road race. Support is always welcomed by events and clubs/teams such as volunteering, marshaling, coaching or making teas/cakes post race. Not only is this a way of giving to the community, you also get to communicate with cyclists from all different backgrounds with a cuppa and a homemade cake..what more could you want? It is an excellent to meet people and socialise with those who share common interests.
5. Join a club
When I took up cycling again, I joined Bynea Cycling Club in Llanelli. I'm not saying you have to join a club to enjoy cycling or to become successful, however, I think it helps if you are starting the sport on your own. Group rides can be so fun, they bring out all sorts of cyclists.. (I'll leave this for another post!) Not only can you meet new people and making life long cycling friends, you can also learn a from riding with others. Basic skills like riding in a group, when to drink and fixing punctures are all things that most learnt whilst out with a group. There is also the chance to see how you've improved in comparison to when you started.
6. Eat well & rest well
It may sound cliche but, I have learnt the hard way how important it is to be drinking when you're out and about on the bike (for however long). I was doing a lot of training in several different sports and found that my legs would be shot by the time the weekend came. Not so much a problem if I was only doing a shorter ride, but not ideal on longer rides. I have 'bonked'/ hit the wall (low glycogen stores) several times on a ride due to my lack of preparation leading up to a ride and also during the ride. It is vital that you eat well at least 2 days before a ride, especially if you know it is going to be taxing or if you've had a hard week training. You may be great at eating pre ride and during the ride, but you should also focus on drinking adequate amounts of fluid. Aim to drink before the ride, ensuring that you feel hydrated when you get on the bike. As long as you keep sipping every 15-20 minutes, you will minimise the risk of dehydration caused by sweating, especially during warmer climates.
7. Just do it!
I wish I was the type of person who had no fear and could throw themselves into anything..but I'm not. But, I want you to have the confidence to give your best shot at anything you want to do! There will always be the memories where you wish you had tried harder, or given something a shot, but you didn't because you were too afraid. I'm starting to learn that fear can be used as a good thing, not necessary something that should stop you from doing something. So what if you're not as fast as you'd hoped? You're out there, you've got the motivation to rise to the challenge and you're investing in yourself - trying to be a fitter, stronger version than you were previously. So if there is some event or a challenge that you fancy, don't even think about the reasons not to do it, life is too short! Get your beast mode on & do something you love!
8. Look around for kit that you like
I'm 5'10 and quite bean-pole-like. I have tried many different cycling clothing brands and have a few that I like. I would suggest talking to others who possibly wear kit that you like or who are a similar body stamp to you & ask their opinions on what kit they like. I love the DHB & Sportful kit, as I think they fit nice on taller people. Sportful also do some lovely women's clothing, which is always a bonus after having to wear mostly uni-sex! Also try and find some bargains such as looking for summer kit during the winter months or when a new range of clothing comes out. Cycling shows and expeditions sometimes sell their clothing cheap to attract people into their stalls in the festivals. This can be a good way of picking up some decent kit. Second hand kit is also an option, as jerseys and gilet's may only have been worn a few times & keep their quality quite well. Shorts can wear out, leaving the padding unsupportive when buying second hand, so beware of this.
9. Learn the tricks of the trade
How ridiculous do I look above? At 15, I didn't know how to even detect a puncture let alone how to fix one! Luckily, I was riding with friends from the club and they came to my rescue! Although you may not want to, it is a good quality to have if you can change your own puncture on a ride. Not only will it make you independent, you also don't have to worry if you're out on your own. Many cycling clubs do maintenance sessions, where you can drop in and observe how to change a puncture or fix something on your bike. Learning these tricks will make you a clever rider, ensuring you can be as safe as possible when you're out! (Not relying on your friend to save you - although that can be very, very nice :-))
10. Have fun!
Best of all, enjoy what you're doing & have the best fun that you can! Riding along the country lanes or coastal paths can be so peaceful, whilst descending down a mountain at 40+mph is the most exhilarating thing I've ever experienced! Even if you're having a horrible day, you can count on your bike to make you feel that much more happier. It'll always be there for you, as long as you take care of it :-)
I hope my tips will help you when you're out gallivanting on your two wheeler..or one..whatever floats your boat :-)
Thanks for reading x
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