Cycling (racing and mountain biking) has become increasingly popular in recent years. Not for nothing:by cycling you experience ultimate freedom, you can do it together with others and it also gives you a good body.
On cycling you can spend a lot of money, but you don't have to:there are excellent racing bikes for sale even for a smaller budget. Please note, don't just go for a nice color, but for the right frame size † At most cycling stores you can have yourself fully measured. Then show them your new bike adjust it properly, so that you are sure that you will sit optimally later. And that in turn is important to avoid discomfort and injuries. Borrowing a bike or buying it second-hand is of course also possible, but you will see that your own beautiful racing bike really motivates you to get on the bike.
Clipless pedals seem scary, but it's not that bad. You really need them to be able to cycle faster. Practice on a quiet road or on a lawn. This way you get used to clicking in and out before you really start cycling † You will also master switching gears if you practice a few times.
There are many beautiful brands that are also fashionable cycling clothing . for women to make. In any case, go for good cycling shorts especially for women. The chamois ensures that you get saddle pain less quickly. A cycling jersey often has handy pockets on the back, so that you can take things with you on the road. Always cycle with a helmet! And oh yes, just to be clear:you don't wear underwear under your cycling shorts, to prevent chafing. More cycling clothing can be found here .
Cycling together with others is extra motivating and also ensures that you develop quickly as a cyclist. Maybe you have a friend who already cycles, and you can join one. There are also more and more (women) cycling groups throughout the country, which can be found via social media.
What you don't want while cycling is checking Google Maps at every intersection to see where you need to go. So plan a nice round before your bike ride, preferably as easy as possible, on quiet roads and with few turns. Or write the numbers of bicycle junctions on a piece of painter's tape and stick it on your frame tube. Even more fun:just go cycling and see where you end up. This way you will discover many beautiful roads and routes. Keep an eye on the signs, because you also have to go back.
You lose a lot of moisture while cycling, especially when it is hot. So don't forget a bottle water or sports drink (two bottles for longer trips). Eating on the road is also necessary to prevent the infamous hunger throb:the feeling that your body and legs are so empty that you can barely move. Therefore, eat something small every hour, such as a gingerbread bar, a banana or currant bun. A bank card is handy as a precaution or for coffee with apple pie on a terrace of course.
If you've got the hang of it, it can be fun to do your workouts and track miles traveled. Strava is perfect for this, it is not for nothing that the app is super popular among cyclists. Look afterwards your bike rides back, create your own routes and follow and motivate other cyclists. You can also compare your results with other cyclists.
Do you go cycling on your own? and do you have a leak? Then it is useful if you can help yourself again. To change a flat inner tube you need a spare inner tube, tire levers and a pump. You will find countless instructional videos on YouTube. Practice at home once, it's not difficult.
You will notice that your cycling training has a lot of impact on your body. For example, you can get severe muscle pain in your legs, neck, shoulders and buttocks. Your labia can also be sensitive; Lubricate them beforehand with Vaseline if necessary. In the beginning, do not make your round much longer than an hour. Then you can build up slowly, for example by going a little harder or a little longer. Also choose good cycling shorts , that really makes a difference!
This way you can enjoy your expensive purchase for longer. Maintenance doesn't have to be complicated; for example, occasionally wash your bicycle and lubricate the chain regularly. In addition, it is smart to use your bike after six months for service. This we think it's a fantastic bike!
Text:Annemieke de Gier, Image:GettyImages
