With cycling growing worldwide and being encouraged by all sorts of health professionals, knowing where to start can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re a girl! Its benefits are innumerable, and it leads to an indisputable improvement in your overall health, mood and social life. So, here are some pointers as to where to start this amazing new lifestyle (from girl to girl).
The Bike
Getting your first bike can be a hard decision … there are so many options! You can check your local bike shop, or you can always consider buying used. If you go with the shop, make sure you find one whose employees are willing to go the extra mile with the details, measurements, and working with you and the type of riding you’ll be doing. For example, if you like nature and trails, probably an MTB is your thing; or if you love smooth, endless roads and riding with a huge group, you will probably enjoy road cycling. If you’re a swimmer/runner, a triathlon bike could be your thing. Technically speaking, there are bikes that are more suitable for women with longer legs or torsos and, depending on the type of riding you’ll be doing, you should choose accordingly. All options are valid, if you make an educated choice. And at the end of the day, choose the one you absolutely love!
The Gear
Safety first: Get a helmet! It doesn’t have to be an expensive one, but not having one is not an option. There is a large selection of brands, prices and styles to suit your needs, so have fun with this part and don’t be scared to choose a color you normally wouldn’t wear to the office.
Gloves are also a good idea. In the case of a fall, your hands are the first to land. Eyewear also has all ranges of prices and styles, but consider that this is more related to something (anything, even a bug) crashing onto your face at a high speed than it is to UV protection, which is also a factor to consider when buying. Also, the state of Florida requires you to wear a front (white) light and a rear (red) light if you’re riding before dawn or after dusk.
Your bike shop will most likely hook you up with these essentials. Other basics would be clothing, a computer to track the data of your ride, and some water bidons. Go crazy on the colors – not only it is stylish, but it makes you a lot more visible on the road. There is A LOT to choose from!
Have fun with the process of choosing your gear. You will most likely fall crazy in love with this lifestyle and will use your stuff a lot! It will take a couple of hours that day, so make sure you have the time and be willing to make some choices and ask all your questions. Cyclists are usually friendly and very passionate about it and willing to give advice and share experiences.
The Fit
Whatever bike you choose, make sure it fits you properly. Your bike shop can help you with this. Take the time to measure your inseam, torso, arms, and overall height, and apply that to certain standards of bike fitting so you’re less propense to get injured and the transfer of power between you and the bike is more efficient. Regardless of the technical aspect of the “pro” fitting, if you don’t feel comfortable after trying that position on the road a few times, you can always adjust it yourself: minuscule tweaks here and there can add so much comfort to the ride! So be aware of what aches and/or hurts, that way you can change whatever you feel is not right.
Getting Out There
You got the bike, the gear, the fitting, and you’re all set to go out there! Do whatever feels comfortable at first, perhaps starting with a couple of miles around the neighborhood or in a park where you feel safe. If you know a more experienced rider, ask them to show you some nice and safe routes you can take. They will most likely know a few and will be excited about it. They can also help you with the gear changing and some bike-handling tips that are better learned on the road when taught by someone else. Practice, practice, practice!
Riding Etiquette
Once you’ve decided to go riding with a few more people, it is always nice to respect some rules. Cycling is, by nature, a social discipline, so sometimes you will find yourself riding in a group of 200+ people (Nona Cycle signature ride on Sundays, yay!).
Please be mindful that you have people riding in front of you, on your side, and behind you. They don’t see what you’re seeing, so don’t make any abrupt, unannounced movements, call out objects on the road, announce if the riders in front of you are slowing or coming to a complete stop, and always stop at red lights.
Additional Tips
You’ll learn fast, and you will be hooked! To improve your skills, strength and fitness, try to ride with the guys! It makes you faster, stronger and smarter on the road. They will always look after you and help you out.
Check your nutrition: figure out what your body runs on and go with it. Remember to stay hydrated; don’t wait until you feel thirsty to drink.
Learn to change a flat: Most of the time guys will do it for you, without you asking, but you need to learn how to do it yourself.
We’re looking forward to seeing you in our signature ride – we take off at Canvas on Sundays at 8 a.m. There’s room for every skill level in our ride, and we always stop for coffee. Ride on!
Do you like to cycle or want to learn how? Join the Nona Cycle group for weekly rides: nonahood.to/nonacycle
