Searching for a good way to power through the summer? Or are you looking to build a new routine? Whatever it is you’re trying to achieve, there’s an activity that will help you get there—cycling.
Cycling is an activity popular among fitness enthusiasts. It’s a fun outdoor workout that can take you anywhere at any time without the limitations imposed by the ordinary form of traveling, such as the cost and the laborious preparation. However, a lot of us have no idea where and how to start cycling and how we can turn this simple activity into a lifestyle that is beneficial and sustainable. In this article, we will discuss the basics of cycling and the benefits it can offer.
First, we should prepare the most important equipment for this activity—a bike. The simplest you could find or the easiest to maneuver or the most beginner-friendly road bike you have access to is good enough. You can gradually switch to mountain bikes or adventure bikes once you’ve mastered the sport.
Second is to look for the best location to start cycling. Planning your route can be a challenge. There’s a lot to consider, especially your safety and the route’s accessibility. There’s also the possibility of getting caught in heavy traffic or having to deal with harsh weather conditions. But there are things you can do to find the best cycling route for your next adventure.
Get a map. Having a map to look at goes a long way. It tells you which roads are wide or narrow, or which areas have establishments you can drop by for a drink or a bite.
Read on other cyclists’ past experiences. There are websites where you can find accounts from cyclists who have taken that route. That will tell you what to expect and will help you prepare for the activity better.
Check the weather forecast before heading out. While they can’t be a hundred percent accurate, weather forecasts will tell you a lot about what could happen while you’re out cycling. So take the time to look up the latest weather predictions and make changes on your route as needed.
If you are just starting out as a cyclist, another thing to tick off your to-do list is to ride your bike regularly, even if it’s not on a terrain as rough as the actual one. You would need to get the hang of the activity so you can navigate the final route better. This could be done at any time you find convenient, but once you start, it is important to be consistent about it.
On one hand, if you’re planning on leveling up your performance, it pays to have more intensive training and the correct equipment. The first thing you should do is to get the feels of cycling with bigger gears on. These things can be a bit expensive, but trust that it will be worth it. Limiting yourself to using lower-quality equipment will only hinder you from experiencing the full potential of the sport.
Next is to try cycling uphill or or against headwinds. If you live in an area where there are inclines, then it would be easier to get this done. Doing so will train you and your muscles to build up stronger endurance. Cycling against headwinds is another thing that will help boost your stamina. Riding your bike with strong winds blowing right to your face will feel like swimming against the current, but it will do wonders to your body in terms of how far and how long you can sustain in the face of adversities brought about by nature.
When you do all this, do it in intervals. Training days can be hard and exhausting, so doing different cycling tasks on different days will be better for your mind and body. This also helps in building up your cycling power.
In cycling, it is also important to have a device that you can rely on while you’re outdoors. Garmin Rally is the perfect one for the job. You can easily install it on your bike, much like how you install any other pedal. But do not let the easy installation fool you, as this pedal-based power meter is capable of giving you a closer look into your performance by measuring total power, cadence, and more. It also has the right features that allow you to tailor your training to your strengths and weaknesses. Moreover, Rally can gauge which of the standing and seated positions works better for you. And don’t worry about running out of battery during long rides as this device can last up to 120 hours!
With these tips in mind and with the Garmin Rally on hand, you are ready for more exciting and fun adventures that you can easily unlock once you start cycling. So head out, hop on your bike, and cycle towards greatness.
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