Have you been thinking about jumping into the world of cycling? We know it can be daunting, so here are a few things to think about as you start your journey.
- Safety first: We’ve said this before. Start with a good helmet. We only get one head, make sure you protect it! At The Sweet Spot, we all ride with helmets from different manufacturers since our heads are all different shapes, but one thing is certain, we all opted for helmets with a little extra protection called MIPS (which stands for Multi-directional Protection System). We can get a little crazy with the description, but we won’t, we’ll just say it’s a layer that helps protect your brain from trauma like concussions.
- Do what feels right for you: If you’re like me (and possibly quite a few folks out there) there was a big pause in my cycling journey. If you’re new or just getting back into it, you’re probably noticing that there are so many different options / disciplines when it comes to “special purpose” bikes. At the end of the day, you know yourself and what you enjoy. You can find out more about the Gravel vs. Road experience here
- Understand where you’ll be riding: Are you the type of rider who likes to put the bike in the car and drive to a location to ride or do you like to take the closest road or trail right out of your house? If you’re like me, there’s a sense of joy that comes from opening the garage door, swinging that leg over the top tube, and riding right down the driveway. Just make sure you grab your helmet, lights, and reflective gear to stay safe on the road or trail.
- Pace yourself: This goes hand in hand with steps #1 and #2! You don’t need to be ready to tackle a seven day stage race today (unless it feels right for you)! Just get out there and find out what gets you excited to be out there. In the beginning, stay in your comfort zone. You’ll have time to push yourself out of it and start adventuring soon enough!
- Find your people: Cycling is a community. There are always groups of people out there riding. You can find them online, on Strava, or at local bike shops. Even if riding as a group isn’t your thing, you might be able to connect with some new folks and find places to explore.
- Set goals: Whether it's completing a certain distance, climbing a challenging hill, or participating in a charity ride, setting goals can help keep you motivated and focused. Start with small, achievable goals and gradually work your way up.
- Stay consistent: Consistency is key when it comes to cycling. Make a plan and stick to it, even on days when you don't feel like riding. Consistency will help you build endurance and improve your fitness.
- Have fun: Most importantly, remember to have fun! Cycling is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, explore new areas, and improve your health. Enjoy the ride and don't forget to take in the scenery along the way.
By following these tips, you can get started in cycling and begin to experience the many benefits it has to offer. Whether you're looking to improve your fitness, commute to work, or simply enjoy the great outdoors, cycling is a great activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and fitness levels.
Have more questions? Don’t be a stranger! You can find us on Instagram or email us at hello@thesweetspot.com! We can’t wait to hear from you!
