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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. Don't be tempted to start too soon. When the sun is shining, the kids are toey, and we're all inspired to head off, it's easy to forget the most important factor in bike safety. Check your bikes! A once-over should be given to gear changes, seat heights, the bell, and of course, the brakes. If the bike is not comfortable, it will not be a happy day and you'll know about it for days after! Give particular attention to the chains, cogs and gears as they can sometimes breakdown, especially if in years past they've been sprayed with products which can cause sand and grit to stick to them. Do take a puncture kit and don't even think about leaving home without one. 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. Don't head off without a plan. Organisation is the key here. Is the route cyclist friendly and how long will it take? Unless you are experienced do not even think about embarking on treacherous stretches which are not cyclist-friendly. Stay calm, even if aggravated by motorists who don't see you or care if you're there. This is life, you can't change it by getting frustrated and angry during your ride. Next time you're out and about in the car, check out roads and routes which would be suitable for your next bike ride. Store them away in your memory, or keep a book with a record of where you've been and where you'd like to explore next. 4. You need to attach and take a water bottle and sip from it regularly to keep you hydrated. An amino based drink is ideal for serious riders. Try a drink designed to give advanced energy and endurance with carbs which also replaces electrolytes and prevents dehydration. This will enhance your performance on the bike. Other excellent essentials include bananas, other fruit and energy boosters. 5. It sounds an obvious one, but correct attire for cycling is paramount. Comfort and safety go hand in hand here. The correct choice of clothing can assist you greatly in your ability to stay cool in hotter conditions and conversely, can help heat retention in the cooler environments making for a much more pleasant outing. The color of clothing is also a major consideration. Make sure it's bright and easily seen by motorists and other road users. And make sure you have a suitable helmet! If you have kids riding it is imperative that the helmet fits correctly and the chin strap is set at an adequate tightness. Most kids loosen these and can therefore miss out on their amazing impact cushioning abilities in an accident. It is a proven fact that helmets save lives. 6. Cycling is an absolutely fantastic activity to include all the family in. From the tiniest tot strapped in to a bike seat behing mum or dad, to all the kids as well as Grandad and Grandma! There are an ever increasing amount of cycle tracks exclusively created, far from the tooting traffic, for the two wheel enthusiasts. Cycling together is a wonderful family builder and fitness pursuit in an age where family breakdown is on the rise and childhood and adult obesity fills our media reports. What a outstanding opportunity to model to our children a healthy pursuit that can span a lifetime. 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 fitness educator, drug educator, elite sports coach and father of five all in one lifetime! Colin highly endorses Amino Acid supplements drinks for the elite athlete as well as whey protein for muscle recovery. You can get a unique content version of this article.
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