Fancy yourself as the next Cadel Evans? Or perhaps just want to spice up your fitness routine? Whatever your goals, cycling is a fantastic way to keep fit, meet new people and get out and see our beautiful city.
Getting started can seem intimidating, with loads of high-tech gear on offer, so many different colours of Lycra and abuse being hurled from passing cars. Our guide to getting started will take you from training wheels to Tour de France in no time.
Get the gear
The north shore is a hive of cycling activity, and has plenty of fantastic bicycle stores who are more than willing to help out prospective newbies. Renegade Cycles in Lane Cove has been operating for 20 years, and focuses on providing quality over quantity, making it easier for you to find a bike to suit your needs. Expect to pay at least $500 for your first bike, this may seem expensive but a good bike can last you ten years, if properly maintained. Buy a cheap bike and you’ll put yourself at risk on the roads with unrealiable brakes and gears.
Some other gear you will need includes:
[list style=”square”][list_item]Helmet [/list_item][list_item]Water Bottle[/list_item][list_item]Air pump [/list_item][list_item]Bell[/list_item][list_item]Glasses [/list_item][list_item]Bike shoes[/list_item][list_item]Saddlebag[/list_item][/list]
Riding will be uncomfortable to begin with but your body will become accustomed to the position, and after a few weeks the saddle won’t feel quite so awkward. Invest in a good pair of bike shorts which have a section of padding, called a chamois, sewn into the seat to prevent chafing.
Start pedalling
With traffic, road hazards, fatigue and your fancy new gear, riding can seem overwhelming at first. Here are a few basics:
[list style=”square”][list_item]Road etiquette: Communicate using hand signals and leave at least a metre and a half between yourself and passing cars[/list_item][list_item]and cyclists.[/list_item][list_item]Using gears: To avoid getting bogged down, shift into an easier gear any time you’re about to slow down—before stop signs and ahead of climbs.[/list_item][list_item]Climbing: On hills, stay seated with your arms relaxed and only stand intermittently on long climbs, or for occasional bursts[/list_item][list_item]of speed.[/list_item][list_item]Descending: Ride with hands in the drops to get closer to the brakes and optimize traction and steering. Look far down the road and always brake before a corner, never in it. Apply both brakes evenly to slow down or stop.[/list_item][/list]
Stick with it!
Joining a club is a great way to stay motivated and also to get some extra support on and off the road from more experienced cyclists. Find a beginners group with a “no drop” policy which means no body gets left behind. For example, Bike North organises a number of ‘Social Bike Rides’ a week for cyclists of varying skill levels and even caters to families, you don’t have to a member to go along.
The club also offers ‘Cycling Skills Sessions’ for adults who can ride but want to become more confident, as well as courses focusing on city cycling. Have a look at their website to find out when rides and sessions are being held and while you’re there have a look at their great information sheets on a number of topics, including tips on buying a new bike, using gears and climbing and descending hills.
Looking after your bike
While keeping yourself motivated is important, you must also ensure you’re keeping your bike in good condition. Follow these simple steps if you want to avoid nasty
accidents and expensive repairs.
[list style=”number”][list_item]Make a habit of checking your bikebefore every ride, this includes tire pressure, brakes, chain and the quickreleases on wheels to make sure everythingis in place.[/list_item][list_item]Oil the chain every 150 kms, more often in wet weather.[/list_item][list_item]Keep a maintenance diary and have your bike “tuned up” at least oncea year.[/list_item][list_item]Learn to fix a flat. Ask one of your new cycling buddies or your local bike store to teach you.[/list_item][/list]
By Jessie Goldie
