I want to ride my bicycle! 10 tips for new cyclists

I’m a back roads kind of person. If there’s a less traveled road or a scenic byway you’ll finding me jonesing for that route. I like the quiet side street, the two-lane highway, or the shortcut through the neighborhood, even if it’s only to dump me into the back parking lot of the local big box store. If there’s a quieter way to get there, that’s where I’m headed.

Given my preference, it’s no surprise that a series of side streets is how I get to work. It’s a 30-minute commute on the way to my corporate gig, and over the years I’ve taken every route through town to see which way is a) quickest and b) has the most scenic value. (Why drive if you’re not going to get something out of it?) One side street in particular runs parallel to the main drag and allows me to skip 4 streetlights. There’s only one stop sign and I’ve shaved 2 minutes off my commute (yes you heard me) while driving down a street with big shade trees, cute little bungalows, and a city park.

Going up said street one morning not too long ago, I realized with a start it was the same street where I have a very specific memory of riding my bike with my sister when I was 15. That late summer afternoon we’d been riding all day in the heat. As we approached the street alongside the park, the golden sun chased us through the overhanging tree branches. In the moment, we both sat back and spread our arms wide as we glided down the hill, our bikes gathering speed and the cool breeze rushing up to chase the heat from our skin. It was a perfect memory of a happy time.

Life changed after that summer. I turned 16 and the bicycle was used only when a car I couldn’t get a ride. I got a job, activities that centered around boys, you know how it goes. But that summer will forever be my bicycle summer.

With the realization that I was in the exact place of that golden memory and had passed by daily for a good chunk of the last few years, a wave of nostalgia slammed me with a vengeance. I ached for that long-ago girl, for that freedom and the simple joys of youth. I yearned for those days of whizzing down a street and feeling the cool wind in my hair, as well as the sense of freedom and well-being that I’d carelessly cast aside as a clueless teenager, but as a woman approaching retirement felt with an acute case of melancholy.

The nostalgia stayed with me. Looking at my tired, sit to do my job body, I knew my mornings on the treadmill weren’t cutting it. I needed to add more to my routine, and if I had to slog out time in a gym, well, let’s just say it wasn’t happening. Gyms and mindless repetitions don’t make me happy. But a bicycle? It sparked excitement and interest. Could I even get on one now? Would I be able to stay on? Would I break my neck or arm or leg just trying to balance? I realized the days of sitting effortlessly on a bike with my arms spread wide were long gone. But could I still ride?

Anyone looking at me can see I’m not a svelte youngster. But for me, riding a bicycle is about much more than losing weight. It’s about vitality and quality of life. In their book, Younger next year, a guide to living like 50 until you’re 80 and beyond, authors Chris Crowley and Henry S. Lodge, MD, talk about the relentless drip-drip of aging. Aging never stops, and somewhere in our 50s it becomes more than a drip. Without daily exercise, that aging drip becomes a river and then a flood. Focused exercise every day is the key to staying young, but the idea of doing mindless workouts was so discouraging that it wasn’t something I’d done consistently, even though it was the authors’ top recommendation. The other recommendation was to learn a sport. Ahaaa. Now, this I could do.

“I want to get a bike,” I told my husband one night at dinner. I launched into the reasons why, like I needed justification. “I need some other kind of activity. I hate the treadmill and I need more exercise.”

Mr. scowled. He does that often, especially when eating. It’s a side effect of his bushy brows. “Sounds good,” he nodded. “Do you have one picked out?”

After the decision came the realities. Finding time to ride was the first challenge. I worked 10-hour days and had no energy to ride when I got home.  Winters were also an issue. Ice and snow don’t mix with bicycles, at least not for this lady. Next, I needed protection. I’m not that toned, young girl anymore and couldn’t count on muscles and reflexes to protect me (if that was ever really the case – foolishness and an angel on my shoulder was more likely the reality). I needed armor. I needed a helmet. I also realized I needed water and a place to put my keys and my camera-slash-phone. It is the digital age, after all. And while taking the side streets is a great way to get around traffic during my commute, the thought of weaving in and out of cars on a bicycle made my blood run cold. I needed a place to practice my balance and get a decent workout without worrying that I was going to run in front of, or into, a car.

After all the preparation, rationalizations, and fear, that first real ride was eye-opening. Riding a bike wasn’t just a form of exercise. It was joy. It wasn’t slogging out reps, it was wind on my skin, scenic beauty, affirmation that I was still capable and alive. Was there nostalgia? Maybe for a moment, but riding my bike brought me sharply into the present moment and gave me a profound sense of gratitude that I can, still, participate in an activity that is heart pumping and skill building. It reminded me that I am alive.

If you’ve read this far, you can most likely relate. You want to ride, but don’t know where to start. The idea tickles something in you that is part nostalgia, part yearning for something fun that also benefits you physically. If I can do this, so can you. Take it step by step. Start slow and do what you can. And if it brings you joy, don’t give up. If you’re out to ride a marathon, then you’ll quickly surpass the recommendations here, but this is a place to start. If you’re like me, you’ll use your bicycle as a way to increase your activity level while enjoying the outdoors, building muscle mass and coordination – even as a boomer.

To get started here is my subjective list of the top 10 things you need to consider and/or purchase when getting ready to ride your bicycle.

Bicycle
I purchased my Schwinn Ranger partly because it was in the right price range, and partly because it’s a Schwinn. A Schwinn was my first bike and in my perception, the quality is good. If you have a bicycle already, use that. If you find a used bicycle for a good price, go for it. If necessary, you can always upgrade. I expect that someday I’ll purchase another or upgrade, but my days of sitting on an expensive and high-strung German 10-speed are over. I want durability and quality. My little Ranger fills the bill.

Seat
This is a game changer. If you don’t have a good seat, you’ll avoid riding. To my mind, the seat (or saddle) is probably the most important upgrade you’ll make on any bicycle purchase, and you need to upgrade. I bought a nice, cushioned seat, but you might want a different kind. I happen to think you need some cushion, but it’s worth your time to research the best seat for you.  

Helmet
Don’t mess around. Yes, you could argue that technically you don’t need a helmet. But the first time you fall and your noggin smacks into the ground, or worse yet some object, could be the last time you ride. You could be eating baby food peas. It’s a simple way to protect yourself. I bought my Bell helmet at Costco. It was economical and I feel more secure knowing that I’m protecting my head.

Gloves
You can spend a lot of money on these. My recommendation is that again, start economically. I like my little fingerless gloves, but when it starts to get cold I put a pair of stretchy gloves over them. You could use just regular gloves, but you put a lot of pressure on your hands and the cushioning provided by bicycle gloves is strategically placed to help.

Water bottle and bottle holder
You need water. Even if you think you don’t, you do. Even if you’re not thirsty, your muscles need hydration to work at best efficiency. My Ranger came with a bottle holder and bottle, but my husband’s bike didn’t. You don’t need to spend a lot, but get one that’s easy to install and has good reviews.

Clothing
You’ll want something comfortable. If you’re comfortable in your jeans, then go for it. There are ergonomically designed pants with cushioned seating that are worth the investment. The one caution I would give you, and this is for both exercise and street clothes, make sure what you choose isn’t loose around the ankle. When I first started riding, I wore a pair of yoga pants that snagged for just a second in the gears. It was terrifying and I was lucky I didn’t take a fall. There are cool little clips or strips you can put around the ankle of your pants, or you can roll them up. You can eliminate the danger altogether by wearing capris or shorts, but whatever you do, keep the fabric away from the gears. And as with all sporting clothing, dress in layers. If you go long and hard enough, you’ll want to shed the jacket that kept you cozy when you started your ride. Which brings me to my next recommendation:

Pouch
I started with a little pouch next to the handlebars for my phone and keys. It served its purpose very well. But one brisk fall afternoon, I’d ridden long enough that my jacket had to come off. I tied it around my waist, but again, worrying it would snag something along the trail had me wishing I had somewhere to stow it. There are pouches to go on your handlebars or under your seat, but try to get one that’s big enough to hold your jacket.

Bike carrier
If you can ride right from your front door, I envy you. Where I live, there are no shoulders on the road and it’s all up and downhill. We need somewhere to go and a way to get the bicycles there. I can fit one bicycle in the back of my SUV. When we go together, my husband hoists both bikes into the back of his pickup. But if those solutions don’t work for you, find a good bicycle rack. It doesn’t have to be overly complicated. Here’s a comprehensive list to help you decide. When we travel, we use this one. 

Schedule
Only you can say when a good time is for you. If Saturday morning is the only time you can ride, then commit to it and do your best to be consistent. If you work a rotating shift, then commit to a day during your time off. If you can fit in two rides a week, go for it. The length of time on your bike isn’t as important as consistently riding. You’ll ride longer as you become more proficient. Like any exercise, commitment and follow through will bring the most success. I would ride every day if I could, but currently I ride twice a week and am trying to find time to fit in a third ride.

Location
I started in empty parking lots and neighborhood streets. Riding paths were the next step and where I usually ride now. I’m fortunate to live where there is a pretty extensive pathway and we choose different locations to vary the ride. Seek out a place where you can ride for 15 to 20 minutes to start. If it takes a bit to get there, figure it into your overall time, but find a place to practice. Here’s a link to some of the best bicycle paths across the nation. You can also check your city’s website, or ask a fellow enthusiast.

I’ll get into more detail in upcoming posts, but I hope you’re feeling motivated to ride and have enough information to get started. The old adage really is true; you never forget how to ride a bike.

Attributions: http://www.graphicsfuel.com/2016/09/outdoor-street-poster-mockup/
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