top of page
IMG_20220825_160221 1_edited_edited.jpg

Getting Started in Cycling

Four steps but most importantly - Find the Passion

I often get asked "how do I get started in cycling?" The question comes because they are interested, have a friend who cycles, have a doctor that advised getting more exercised or for many easy reasons. 

Although there are a million ways to get started, I think it comes down to four key steps, what I call the four Finds: (1) find the passion; (2) find a bike that fits; (3) find your comfortable pace at the start and (4) find a group that rides at your comfortable pace as others will help you learn and learn to love cycling. 

Step 1: Find the Passion

Yep - to get started in cycling you first have to find what you might love about cycling. It could be the place (near water or on a path in the forest); the time of day (early morning or sunset); the exercise; who you ride with (just one companion or a small group); or many other things that make you love cycling. One thing is for sure - doing it because your doctor or a friend suggested it, won't keep you riding. You need to find what you LOVE. Even then, some days will be tough but once you get a leg over the bike and the love kicks in, riding will be a joy almost always.

Step 2: Find a Bike That Fits

When  you're a kid, you can step over a bike and ride. When you're 60 +/-, you need to make sure a bike fits you properly or you'll be in agony almost from the get go. The best way to find a bit that fits is to go to a local bike store (known as LBS for short) with experts who will spend the time to make sure you get the right size. If they don't have all the sizes and are trying to tell you a bike that doesn't feel right, move on. Yes - bikes are a little pricey at local shops vs discount stores, but the price difference will mean nothing if you're uncomfortable or even in pain on the bike. Besides, a bike from a shop will hold it's value while a discount store bike will be almost worthless a short time after you purchase it. If the LBS bikes are too expensive, ask them about used bikes and/or stop in regularly to see if they have recently received one your size as a trade. 

Step 3: Find Your Comfortable Pace

This will sound contradictory but I'm not suggesting you care about speed. I'm suggesting that you find the pace that is comfortable for you to ride for 30 to 60 minutes. To do that, you'll need a device to track your speed. There are plenty of bike computers to choose from. I prefer the Garmin line of Edge computers that start for as little as $200. These use GPS and negate the need to carefully set up sensors and wires on your bike. But those are available from your local dealer for even less. Keep in mind that many sport watches have a "cycling" mode so you may already have the ability to track your speed. And DO NOT worry what that speed is. It's just important that you have a starting point and you can describe to others what that is - critical for the final step in getting started.

Step 4: Find a Group

Yes - there's a lot to be said for riding solo and those of us with extensive group ride experience still enjoy plenty of solo rides. But the world of cycling comes alive once you have others to share the ride and the post-ride coffee with. You can Google or use an app like Strava to find groups in your area. They will list a few key features of their ride - starting with distance and average pace. That's why Step 3 is critical. The group may also provide a summary of the ride (for example, "flat" or "hilly") and whether it is a drop (the group goes on if you can't keep up...aka you get dropped) or a no-drop ride (as long as you can typically keep up with the stated pace, the group will stop and make sure no one is left behind). 

In Summary

Of course there are plenty of other ways to get started in cycling so just use these as a guide along with other suggestions from friends, local bike shops and many other sources. Regardless of how you get started, have fun and come back to this site to learn more and to share your thoughts in our Forum

​

Riding down a country road

The technical stuff...

Cycling is an inherently dangerous sport. Before starting to cycle or do any exercise activity, check with your doctor or health professional. Most importantly, be safe out there. This site and its authors are not liable for your personal safety. 

  • Grey Facebook Icon
  • Grey Instagram Icon
  • Grey Twitter Icon

© 2024 by homePCnetwork inc

 Powered and secured by Wix

bottom of page