7 Fun Things You May Not Know About Cycling

Cycling isn’t just about going on a bike per se. There are many fun things that go alongside it, making it an enjoyable and healthy hobby. Once you begin with cycling, it’s likely that there’ll be so many questions that’ll cross your mind since there’s so much to learn about it. As a beginner, expect some form of body pain, along with the thrill of finally getting your heart rate up and healthy.

If you’ve recently decided to start cycling as a hobby and you’re wondering what you should know about cycling, then the information below will surely help you discover just how great and fun it is to cycle, as well as all the benefits that come along with it.

1. You Don’t Have To Start With An Expensive Bike

Choosing your bike is one of the best parts of cycling. No cycling hobby or the journey will ever be complete without a good bike that isn’t only stable enough, but one that looks good as well.
More often than not, people look at the following factors to determine what kind of bike they should get:

• Bike frame and size
• Saddle
• Handlebar height
• Pedal position
• The Brake system and gear used
• Wheel size
• Height, weight, and expertise of the person riding

For a beginner, this might seem like a lot to take in and could sound like it needs considerable investment. However, keep in mind that price doesn’t always equate to quality, and it’s totally fine to first pick a more affordable bike without all the bells and whistles. Just be sure to give your purchase much thought and do your research by comparing and contrasting your options. This way, you can still have fun cycling without breaking the bank.

2. There’s Something For Everyone

Did you know that bikes can come in all shapes and sizes, and each one is designed for a particular activity? There are roughly 20 types of bikes to choose from depending on what type of cycling you want to do. Do you want to go cycling to lose weight,  if so, you can check out epicbicycles.com or will you use your bike to commute to work? Do you want to cycle primarily among nature, or do will you use your bike to join cycling competitions? Often, the activity you intend to use it for can determine which bike would suit you best.

Depending on the kind of cycling activity you want to enjoy, here are some of the many bike choices you can make:

• Mountain Bikes: As suggested by its name, these are bikes designed for off-road riding or dirt trails, thus making them slower on pavements.
• Road Bikes: Unlike mountain bikes, road bikes have skinny tires and are best suited to smooth pavements.
• Hybrid Bikes: These are a combination of both mountain bikes and road bikes, allowing you to cycle through different terrains.
• Electric-Bikes (E-Bikes): Electric bikes are similar to other bikes, but the former simply have motors that can make climbing hills easier.
• Adult Trikes: Not everyone might be able to balance themselves on a bike, which is why adult trikes are becoming all the rage among those who’d like to cycle but are having trouble using a normal bike. Adult trikes typically have three wheels and a basket at the back, making it a functional alternative to conventional bikes. To know more about adult trikes, visit bikesmarts.com for budget-friendly reviews on adult trikes you can get.
  There are other bike types for more specific activities like cyclocross bikes, recumbent bikes, touring bikes, tandem bikes, etc. Be sure to check out the pros and cons of each one and don’t forget to have fun picking the right model!

3. You Don’t Need Fancy Cycling Clothes

Don’t stress too much about the gear if you want to go cycling. Fancy cycling clothes, clipped-in shoes, or even a top-of-the-line bike—you don’t really need all these to become a cyclist. Well, it feels good to have slick equipment, yes, but the most important thing is the experience you get when you’re enjoying a ride outdoors.

All you need to get started is a helmet and athletic shoes. Dumping a bunch of money for fancy new gear isn’t necessary. You can worry about potential gear upgrades later when you already have the budget for them.

4. Eating Is Allowed

Perhaps you could also be wondering if people who cycle long distances eat during the ride. The answer is yes, they do. Hence, you’re allowed to eat! In fact, you must eat, depending on your ride’s duration.

There’s no need to refuel during the ride when you’re only cycling for less than an hour. Beyond that, however, bicycle riders should take on small amounts of carbohydrates (particularly ones with a high GI or glycemic index) while on the move. High GI carbs help top up glucose in the blood and provide the working muscles with ongoing fuel.

Get a training pouch and other accessories so you can transport snacks easily.
Often, the most efficient refueling strategy is to have small but frequent portions of carbs during your ride.

5. Traveling In A Bike Anywhere In The World Is Possible

One of bike travel’s strengths is that you can do it anywhere in the world, whether it’s off-road or on-road. You can enjoy it in polar regions, forests, deserts, and in the mountains.

As long as you have a suitable bike and the will to go, along with some navigation skills and the right planning, the world can become an open and accessible place for you.

The best cycling trips from around the world include the following:

• Myanmar’s temple-dotted jungles
• South Africa’s Cape of Good Hope
• The Baltic states of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia
• Nepal’s Himalayas
• Central America’s Pan-America highway
• It’s not always easy to go on a road trip by bike, especially in unfamiliar terrain, but, hey, it’s part of the fun!

6. Your Sex Life Can Improve

This may sound funny, but for those who are going through rough patches in their intimate life, try cycling. Not only does this activity serve as a good, calorie-burning exercise, cycling also raises your stamina and endurance—two key things that can help you and your partner get more satisfaction in the bedroom. Riding your bike can also lower your stress levels, making it easier for you to get in a more romantic mood.

Cycling regularly can also help you become more fit, which won’t only benefit you in terms of health but could also raise your confidence, which is also important when enjoying intimacy with your partner.

7. Riding In A Group Is Encouraged

Ever wondered why it’s more common to see a team of cyclists getting into a bike tour around the world than solo riders? That’s because the cycling industry encourages group rides!

Riding in a group makes you enjoy cycling even more. It can give you enough motivation to keep going and enjoy the sport, even on the days when it seems difficult to do so.

Riding with a group adds an element of accountability that doesn’t exist in solo rides. This holds true for serious group rides with stronger and more skilled cyclists, rides with friends, and even family bike rides.
Because riding in a group is encouraged in cycling, newbies usually don’t find it hard to adjust to the sport’s nature. The sport also becomes more fun, especially when cycling with people close to you or those you get along with well.

Conclusion

Cycling is one of the sports enjoyed by people worldwide. Biking enthusiasts hop on their beloved two-wheeled machines to get about various terrains and landscapes in different weather conditions and climates for many reasons.

Whether you’re jumping on a bike every day to commute to work, for a relaxing Sunday ride, or for an adventure-packed journey in the mountains, there are things that you may not know yet about your beloved past-time, such as the ones discussed above. As you pedal more into the cycling world, you might be able to add more to the list in this post yourself.