When is the last time you hopped on a bicycle? For most adults it has been years but riding a bicycle is an excellent physical activity. It not only helps you get in shape but it also lets you view sights you might not otherwise get to see if you confine yourself to vehicles. You can even turn it into a vacation. Cycling has risen in popularity immensely over the last decade. There are marathon events held in practically every city and has even turned into a highly watched sporting event. But before you hop on that bicycle there are some things you need to know. This article will cover the basic questions you may have about riding and even give you some information if you want to turn that casual bike ride around the neighborhood into something more serious.
How can I get in shape for cycling?
Most people take up cycling to get into shape. Just the sheer physical force needed to propel the bicycle is enough to give most people an effective workout. It is why you see stationary bikes in gyms. But if you are interesting in competitive riding in marathons and such you have to do more than just ride your bike. You will definitely need weight training and plenty of cardiovascular exercises that work many muscle groups. You can start off by combining your typical ride with a workout class. The aerobic activity will teach you breathing exercises which will come in very handy during long, or particularly tough, rides.
What type of protective gear do I need for cycling?
No one should every attempt any time of cycling without protective gear. There are three essential types of gear you must own. The first is a well fitting bicycle helmet. The reason for this is obvious. Imagine you on your bike traveling at a pretty fast speed. Then imagine you crashing your bike by some accident. Your head is going to come down on the pavement or ground pretty hard. That helmet protects your most valuable asset…your brain. The next thing you need is protective knee guards. Once again these help if you are in an accident. The third is elbow guards. Your elbows, knees and head will usually take the brunt of a fall so you want to make sure these areas are well protected. Now, that being said there are some other protective items you should own. If you ride your bike at night you definitely need reflective clothing or lights on your bike. Lights are great for you to see what is in front of you but more importantly they let motorists know exactly where you are.
I want to go on a long distance cycling trip. What do I need to know first?
The first thing you need to know about long distance cycling trips is the terrain and the local area. If you are travelling to an area you are not familiar with you need to do a bit of research. Some people even Mapquest their entire route if they are taking highways and paved roads. This way they know where it is safe to stop. A second thing you should definitely consider is going with a friend or relative. The friend can drive and keep most of the supplies with him or her. This means that your bike is not burdened down and it also means that if you run into some mechanical trouble you can always have a ride. You need to also consider the weather in the area you are going to be biking. That will help you plan accordingly as to what you should wear. Most cyclists try to wear gear that is lightweight but can protect them from the elements. You also need to decide if you are going to make it a trip where you camp out each night or stay in a motel. It really all depends on what your idea of a long distance biking trip actually is and how long it will take you to reach your destination.
Is it possible to take a cycling vacation in a foreign country?
More and more people are turning to cycling as a way to take a vacation and get to take in the local scenery at a much slower pace. So taking a bike tour of a foreign country is rising in popularity. Twenty years ago the rage was to backpack through a foreign country. Today it is bicycling. You just have to remember that customs and travelling rules may be different there than it is where you live and adjust your ride accordingly. If you are looking to save money and get to see sights that you typically would not see then this is a great idea. If you are interested in taking a bike tour then you may want to join a biking group both at home and in the country you will be visiting. Your fellow bikers can give you loads of tips about where to stay and what you should be on the lookout for while riding your bike.
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