Start road cycling

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Thursday, 04 March 2010 10:37

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what makes cycling cool?

Remember those endless summer days? The wind in your hair. Faster than you've ever gone on that last downhill. Your own way of getting around. Independent. These childhood memories will come back to you in a flash when you get on a road bike again. Yes, you may ride rather unsteadily down your neighbourhood streets at first, but cycling is quite easy to get into, evidenced by the huge fields in some of our local races. It's an amazingly empowering sport which will take you to new highs, a greater awareness of your place in this world, and the realisation that the harder you work, the luckier you become.

Be warned though: the combination of speed, busy roads and maniacs can be hair-raising at times. Your reliance on good road surfaces and the need to avoid collisions with objects heavier, harder and faster than you means you should take your time learning the ropes.

equipment

Any bike (road or mountain bike) as long as it does not have triathlon bars fitted. Mountain bikes (aka MTBs) are harder work to pedal, and should be fitted with slick tyres if you want to reduce your disadvantage. If you find your legs battle on uphills, triple chainrings can be fitted to make steep gradients easier, or your bike store can install a wider range of gearing to make the most of your double chainring setup. Helmets are compulsory in races in South Africa, and lights are essential in low-light conditions.

training for novices

The best time to learn the basics of road cycling is in summer. Firstly, it's safer, because the sun's up early, so you're more visible to drivers of vehicles, pedestrians and other unpredictable creatures of the night. You'll also see potholes and other dangers of the road better. Second, it's more pleasant riding in the warmer conditions, so you'll be more motivated.

Remember, you're so new to this sport that you're probably wearing inadequate cycling clothing (in the wrong shade of lime), and winter requires more experience in the dressing department. In summer, you'll also find it easier to find a greater depth of cyclists to ride - and share knowledge - with, so you'll improve faster.
Although summer is the best season to start riding as a novice, it doesn't mean you should wait until summer to become a cyclist. You should start preparing your foundation the moment you read this. Start planning which bike you need, based on your ability and goals. If it's winter, start with short rides once the sun is up over weekends. Join a spinning class at your local gym, or buy a cheap indoor bike so you can ride whenever you want. If you're out of shape and haven't exercised for a period of time, visit your doctor, and see what they say about you training. Start walking if you have to. Just get moving, dammit! Life's too short to waste on indecision. Once you're on your way, there are races throughout the year, even winter, with the major ones in autumn and late spring. League racing keeps the licensed racing snake riders busy in winter.

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