What you need to know to get started in this lifetime sport.
By Misty Kaiser, Healthline Magazine
You may have seen them flying past in a brightly colored blur, wheels whirring, legs pumping furiously. On August 24, USA Pro Challenge cycling competitors made their way through Loveland on stage six of their Rocky Mountain tour. Since 2011 The USA Pro Challenge has brought together competitors from the world over in a seven-day staged race that takes place throughout the mountains of Colorado.
Seeing these examples of athletic perfection whizzing by may have piqued a question in your mind. ‘How can I do that?’ or maybe just, ‘How can I look like I can do that?’
Quite easily in fact, because cycling is a sport that welcomes a wide range of ages and abilities. Becoming a cycling enthusiast may take a little bit of set up and a little bit of knowledge, but it’s well worth the effort.
Safety first
Regardless of age, any new biker needs to be educated on the safety aspects of the sport. On-road cyclists are often sharing road space with motor vehicles, while off-road they must constantly be aware of pedestrians, animals and unavoidable obstacles.
The City of Loveland issued the following recommendations for basic safety, whether on or off trail:
- Scan for hazards.
- Cross railroad tracks perpendicularly.
- Don’t weave in between parked cars.
- Don’t ride in a right turn lane unless you are turning right.
- Dress appropriately. Wear reflective clothing. Be prepared for changing weather.
- Carry items in packs attached to the bicycle, not in your hands.
- Carry Identification & Emergency Contact Info.
- Always secure your bicycle with a good lock.
- Don’t wear headphones while riding.
As always, when sharing the road with motor vehicles, all traffic laws apply. Above all, be conscious of other traffic and be courteous to others in your path. A verbal warning to pedestrians when passing is not only the nice thing to do, it’s the law.
The Bicycle and Pedestrian Education Coalition (BPEC), hosts a Traffic Skills 101 class that addresses the specific safety issues of sharing the road with motor vehicles. Check the BPEC website (http://bpeclarimer.wordpress.com/) for complete class listings as well as access to Colorado traffic laws and fines.
Pick a trail
The City of Loveland has over 17 miles of paved recreation trails for residents to enjoy, with plans for expansion in the coming years.
Janet Meisel-Burns, Senior Park Planner with the City of Loveland Parks and Recreation Department says, “We are planning to construct the Front Range Trail to Fort Collins in late 2014 or 2015. We are working with Larimer County on the design and location for the trail that will connect the two cities on the east side of Loveland.”
According to Meisel-Burns, the future connection will adjoin the existing trail at Boyd Lake State Park and extend north to CR 32 (Carpenter Road), though the exact alignment is yet to be determined.
Current maps and additional information on bike lanes and city maintained trails are available atcityofloveland.org/trails .
If off-road is more your style, singletracks.com is one resource for mountain biking nationwide. Maps, difficulty ratings, and reviews of each trail make it easy to choose a spot to test your wheels.
Ask other cyclists for recommendations or join a club. Cycling clubs and group rides are great ways of getting to know the best places to ride while being supported and challenged.
BPEC offers a schedule of group and club rides for varying levels of experience through their website, but don’t be afraid to ask around at your local bike shop or rec center for other group recommendations.
Equipped for success
The start-up cost for biking, much like any other sport, can vary greatly. Bikes are like cars; there are Fords, Ferraris and just about anything in between. What you get depends on how much you’re ready to spend. Whatever your price point, there are a few necessary things to look for.
The first thing to consider when purchasing is the type of usage you expect to get out of the bike. Whether you need a road bike, a cruiser, a mountain bike or even a recumbent, depends on where you intend to go with it.
Once you’ve settled on the style of bike you need, it’s important to size the frame correctly. The size of the frame has an impact on how comfortable you’ll be when riding and how easy the bike will be to control. Trial and error is generally not the way to go. There are websites, videos and tutorials that can walk you through the process. However, as always when making an expensive purchase, the help of a professional is preferable.
Even after a professional fitting, Robin Torres, owner of Peleton Cycles, highly recommends demoing a bike before making a purchase.
“More often than not there will be more than one bike that will check all the boxes for a customer, that’s when it’s vital to test ride the bike where and how you intend to ride it. We have lots of demos to choose from to help get folks out and on the right bike for them and their riding style,” he explains.
No matter what type of bike you choose, don’t skimp on the helmet.
For the highest level of protection, the type, size and fit should be individually tailored. Again, your local bike shop should be able to help determine what size is needed, and instruct on how to adjust the exact fit.
Basic Maintenance
Even the best laid plans have a way of going awry. A flat tire or slipped chain can turn a beautiful bike ride into a very long disgruntled walk lugging a useless and cumbersome piece of equipment.
When planning for emergencies, Torres recommends the following don’t-leave-home-without-them items:
- An extra tube or patch kit
- Tire levers
- An air pump or carbon dioxide cartridges
- Plenty of water
- Last but possibly most importantly, a helmet.
While not altogether necessary, he also recommends a good pair of bike shorts. You will be thankful half way into a long ride.
Having all of that equipment is a good start, but only when coupled with basic maintenance knowledge. Torres says, “Every rider should know how to change a flat tire. Having all the supplies does little good if you don’t know how to use them.”
Peleton offers free service classes, with refreshments included, on the first Wednesday of every month at their Fort Collins location.
For the health of it
To get the health benefits of cycling without dealing with the weather, safety issues or the start-up cost, indoor cycling classes are something to consider.
Indoor cycling is easily tailored to individual ability and fitness level, so as the weather grows colder, they are an excellent way to get—or stay—in year-round cycling shape, no matter your starting point. Many classes also combine cycling with other forms of exercise such as weight lifting or yoga, giving participants a well-rounded workout.
The Chilson Recreation Center in Loveland currently offers group cycling classes at several different times throughout the day Monday through Friday, as well as three different weekend options.
Whether it’s for the health, the fun or the freedom, cycling is an excellent way to add a lifetime activity to your lifestyle. Be smart, be safe, and be successful.