7 Steps To Sensible Cycling

So you too have been inspired by the Tour De France? Suddenly you find yourself pulling that cycle out of the garage and experiencing some fresh air! Whether you're an expert or just a beginner, take note of these seven keys to better cycling and enjoy yourself even more!

1. A thorough check of your cycle (and the kids' cycles if they're heading out too) should be made before you leave home. Brakes, gear changes, seat heights and even the bell should be given a once over. Comfort is a key if the day is to be a success. Be careful that gears, chains and cogs aren't sprayed with products that cause sand and grit to stick to them as over time this will cause a break down of these moving parts. A puncture kit for your journey is a must! Don't leave home without it.

2. If possible ride with others. If fitness is your motivation, this helps to keep you accountable and you are less likely to opt out if you just don't feel up to it today. If you're a serious cyclist and competing is your driving force, then a buddy of comparitive standard will help push you to the next level. If fun is a high priority, then having others there to enjoy the ride, the scenery and the experience will heighten the event significantly. Obviously the safety factor also comes in here. A companion may even save your life one day. If riding alone is the only option, then always let others know your route.

3. Organisation is an important factor in any training. Plan your ride and know the approximate duration of the ride, as well as the nature of the terrain. Is the terrain cyclist friendly? Don't risk dangerous routes unless you are greatly experienced and have a buddy. Take note of any paths of pleasure next time you are driving your car and make a mental note of these for your next bike ride. Be prepared to encounter impatient motorists while you ride: this is a fact of life and you can't change it by getting frustrated or angry. Just chill out and mind your own business. Having a go at motorists can be dangerous and counter-productive.

4. You need to attach and take a water bottle and sip from it regularly to keep you hydrated. An amino based drink is ideal for serious riders. Try a drink designed to give advanced energy and endurance with carbs which also replaces electrolytes and prevents dehydration. This will enhance your performance on the bike. Other excellent essentials include bananas, other fruit and energy boosters.

5. Don't throw on any old clothes without careful consideration of your needs. Your clothes must be comfortable and safe. By that I mean they must keep you cool in hotter conditions and help you retain heat in cooler conditions. Your safety will be enhanced if you wear bright colours. Let's face it, you need to give motorists every possible chance to see you. Give special attention to your helmet as it's now undisputed that helmets save lives. If you're outfitting the kids with helmets, make sure they fit perfectly and that the chin strap is adequately tight (not too tight). Kids have a habit of loosening the chin strap and this can spell disaster if they're involved in an accident. Brief your kids to leave the chin strap alone! If they fall off they'll need the cushioning effect of their helmet.

6. Cycling is an absolutely fantastic activity to include all the family in. From the tiniest tot strapped in to a bike seat behing mum or dad, to all the kids as well as Grandad and Grandma! There are an ever increasing amount of cycle tracks exclusively created, far from the tooting traffic, for the two wheel enthusiasts. Cycling together is a wonderful family builder and fitness pursuit in an age where family breakdown is on the rise and childhood and adult obesity fills our media reports. What a outstanding opportunity to model to our children a healthy pursuit that can span a lifetime.

7. A mistake many make is to give little thought to what happens to your body once your bike ride is complete. This is known as recovery. It is especially but not exclusively relevant to the serious elite cycling athlete, and proper attention to recovery and repair of muscle can prevent injury as well as enhance future performance. In a nutshell what you need here is protein which is the key ingredient in the building blocks of muscle cells, cartilage, bone and blood as well as a crucial factor in muscle growth, repair and recovery. Be like the professionals and head straight for a whey protein drink after exercise. Shake and take: your body will thank you for it.

Is fitness, fun and physical wellbeing on your life's priority list? Do you wish to model the same to your family? Then don the helmet and start pedalling. Peace of mind and the irreplacable feeling of the wind on your face will be your reward.

Article Source: http://www.articleselections.com

Colin Johnson has been a health educator, drug educator, serious sports coach and father of five all in one lifetime! Colin highly recommends Amino Acid supplements drinks for the serious athlete as well as whey protein for muscular repair.
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