Home | Sport | 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. Plan your ride before heading out. Know approximately the length of the ride and the terrain and whether the route is cyclist friendly with road provision made for riders in mind. Treacherous stretches of road may look inviting but is it worth the risk? When travelling by car take note of the roads and routes that would make for an ideal path of pleasurable pedalling. When riding, decide ahead of time that patience will be your guide. Many motorists may consider you a nuisance and feel you have no right to be there. Some will never even see you! Don't take them on, they are bigger than you, and again, it is not worth the risk. 4. Don't go empty-handed. Your body absolutely needs water while you ride, sip on it regularly and stay hydrated. If you are a serious rider, you will benefit from an amino based drink which delivers advanced energy and endurance with carbs and electrolyte replacement. You can guarantee that the riders in the Tour De France are not carrying just good old H2O in that colored water bottle! Your physical wellbeing will also be aided by fruit such as bananas and other 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. Don't forget the whole family. Okay, you've got the bug, now it's time to enthuse everyone in the family. There's no greater sight than a whole family out cycling on a beautiful day. The tiniest tot can be strapped in to a bike seat behind mum or dad and grandad and grandma can ride too. These days there is growing awareness of the need to provide cycle tracks away from dangerous traffic and these can be wonderfully scenic. Take pro-active steps to build family time and model fitness. Your family will thank you for it one day. 7. Post cycling is a thought that most may not have even regarded as important. However, especially for the serious or elite cycling athlete, the recovery and repair of muscle is a key to getting the most out of their sessions as well as enhancing their potential future performances. Protein is a key ingredient and building block of muscles, cartilage, bone and blood and a crucial factor in muscle growth, repair and recovery. Ever thought why a huge number of our professional athletes head straight for a whey protein drink or shake after exercise? Muscle recovery, repair and growth! After exercise it's my first action. Shake and take. Despite your motivation for donning the helmet and pedalling along with the wind in your face, cycling is a pursuit worthy of us all if health and physical wellbeing appear on our life's priority list.
Article Source: http://www.new.citynewslive.com
Colin Johnson has been a health instructor, drug instructor, elite sports coach and father of five all in one lifetime! Colin highly recommends Amino Acid supplements drinks for the elite athlete as well as whey protein for muscle repair. Get your own completely unique content version of this article.
Please Rate this Article
5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5
Not yet Rated
