Let’s Go Ride A Bike – How to Start Cycling

If you take a look around, it seems like everyone is cycling. Albert Einstein loved to cycle too. Now, with over 42% of households worldwide owning at least one bicycle, it seems like almost everyone wants to hop on a bike. At last count, there were over 580 million bicycles all around the globe! So what are you waiting for? Just start peddling… wait… right?

Well, despite the old adage that "it's just like riding a bike", there is a little bit more to it than that. Don't let the image of a sleek pack of spandex-clad cyclists in a peloton discourage you though, you don't even need spandex if you don't want to. All you need is a bike, a little gear, and the will to ride the road!

We've put together 4 tips to start you on your cycling journey with confidence.

Here's how to start cycling:

Choose Your Bike

When you start any hobby, you want to make sure that you have the right gear. It doesn't have to be the best or the most expensive. However, you want to make sure that the bike you select fits your body, needs, and budget. You don't need a super-fast road bike if you wish to spend your weekends cycling with the kids. You will want something comfortable if you want to commute to work.
Here's the lowdown:

First stop, head to your local bike shop. They are experts and really love to get people started right.
Once they've helped you find the right type of bike, you'll need to get it fitted. Ideally, you'll want about 25mm between you and the frame. You'll also want to get the seat fitted, so you aren't overextending your legs and injuring yourself.
Want a bit of boost for that commute? Take a look at the latest e-bikes and see if one suits you.

Safety First

This is the point you pick out that Day-Glo spandex with the weird back pocket and some click clack shoes.
Just kidding! (You can always work up to the skin-tight pants). However, you need to keep your safety in mind, so you will have to get more than just your perfectly fitted bike.

Get a helmet. Believe us, helmets look a lot cooler now than when most of us were kids. However, they've never been safer. Pick one that fits your head and your budget. (Just like a life vest, they don't last forever, so don't even think about grabbing that one covered in cobwebs from the shed!)
You can always start with regular athletic clothes and shoes. However, there is a reason serious cyclists reach for the tight stuff – it stops chafing and wicks away sweat. Some cyclists also go for chamois in their pants; it helps make the seat a little more comfortable. You can also work your way to cycling cleats and being clipped into your pedals.
Get a water bottle and holder. Most bikes come with them, but it's definitely an essential you don't want to forget.
Think about some bike tools. You may only want to be a weekend cyclist, but if you find yourself a little ways from home, having an emergency tool kit can come in handy. It will contain items such as a pump, spare tube, and a multi-tool. A few band-aids will never go to waste either!
Protect your new gear. A bike tracker is a really great way to keep track of your new investment. An AirBolt GPS tracker will allow you to step away from your bike while you join fellow cyclists on a morning coffee break, or you just want some peace of mind while you're in the office. After you lock up your bike, you can even set up a geofence that will alert you if your bike is on the move and you're not with it. The AirBolt GPS even pairs with the excellent BlueTooth AirBolt Smart Lock for truly safe cycling. Check out The AirBolt GPS and AirBolt Smart Lock.

Invest in some Magnesium Tablets

Okay, just slightly kidding. However, if you are really new to cycling, your body is going to feel it! You will be sore after the first few rides; you're moving your body in a totally new way! Your tailbone may be a little stiff (it's called being saddlesore), and you'll start feeling muscles you didn't even know you had. But take it easy, champ! You'll go a lot further as a new cyclist if you ease into it.

Cycle a few times a week, building up a little more each time. Keeping at it makes it a habit! Even if you just hop on for a ride around the neighbourhood, every time you hit the saddle, you're making an improvement.

Try a different kind of ride every once in a while. Life isn't all about the flat road. Try a nice uphill build, or work on learning how to sprint, or maybe you'll want to join a local cycling group. You'll find what kind of ride makes you the happiest, and when you do, you'll know how to turn yourself into a well-rounded cyclist.

Safety First (again!)

No, you read that right; we used it twice. That's because it is so important. Only this time, it isn't about having the right seat height or helmet size. This time it's about being prepared and being aware of your surroundings.

Brush up on your local laws. Know your rights and what local road courtesy is. This is where joining a local cycling group, whether online or in-person, really helps. Let them give you the best know-how for where you will be cycling.
Not every ride is a round trip. Accidents happen! Make sure you've got your emergency kit, your ID and a little card/cash with you. You never know when you may have to catch a ride back home.
Leave the headphones at home. Sure, you've probably created the best cycling playlist already. That's alright, get a little Bluetooth speaker. When you've got your headphones in, it's almost impossible to stay safe. You need to always be aware of your surroundings and potential road hazards.

Finally, just enjoy yourself. There is a reason why so many people and so many countries around the world have embraced the bike. Cycling is fun, it's social, it's good for you and the environment. Safe cycling is even better and with the right gear, such as the AirBolt GPS tracker, will allow you to focus on the ride and the destination with complete peace of mind.

How often do you get so many ways to enjoy a hobby?

Get your AirBolt GPS tracker now to enjoy safe cycling