Coming Back to Cycling after a Long Break
If you haven't ridden for a number of years, getting back on a bike may seem a bit daunting. You may have been putting it off, planning to ‘do it tomorrow’, and never actually quite getting around to it. In Mallorca we have guests that haven’t ridden for twenty years or more, who decide it is time to start cycling again.
The purpose of this post is to show that getting back on the bike isn’t as hard as you may think, and that it is actually a very enjoyable pastime.
Cycling is an Accessible Sport
One of the wonderful things about cycling is that it is open to everyone. All you need is a bike and a helmet to get back on the saddle and go for a ride. You do not need specialist equipment unless you plan on road cycling, and even then in terms of equipment, what you need is minimal.
Europe as a whole is becoming a more cycling friendly culture, and due to other factors such as the success of British cyclists in prestigious competitions, more and more of us want to get back on the saddle.
Starting Easy
The secret to getting back on the saddle after a long break is to start easy. Try a few short rides two or three times a week on quiet roads or in the park. You will be surprised at how quickly you will progress. In a few weeks your bike rides will be longer, and the frequency of your rides will increase. As you become a better cyclist, you will become healthier and feel better.
Here’s the thing about cycling, as well as feeling better and being healthier, cycling is fun. It is also one of the most energy efficient modes of transportation ever discovered.
Choosing the Right Bike
Choosing the right bike for what you need is important. The range of bikes is vast. From sleek and light road bikes, to mighty off road mountain bikes there is something for you. As someone coming back to cycling, it is a very good idea to go to a reputable bike shop and ask for something that is easy to ride and comfortable. This will help ease you back into cycling.
Of course, if you have decided that you want to go into road cycling then obviously invest in a road cycle and related equipment.
Think about Riding to Work
If it is feasible consider bike riding to work, even if it is for a few times a week. This will set you on the right path to a healthier lifestyle, and over time you will get fitter and find cycling becomes easier for you.
Join us in Mallorca
Our cycling holidays in Mallorca range from leisurely guided rides to great locations on the Balearic island to cycling training camps designed to improve your cycling skills, especially ascending and descending long climbs.
Using one of our holidays to come back to cycling is the ideal way to do it. Here’s why:
Mallorca is famous for being a cycling paradise, one of the best places to cycle in the world. The roads are smooth, endless, winding, and often bereft of traffic. Team SKY train in Mallorca in the off-season. Due to the quietness of the roads it is the perfect place to get back on a bike after a long break.
Mallorca has plenty of fantastic places to explore, from villages and towns to golden beaches. It has great shopping and nightlife and 300 days sunshine a year. The wind and rain you are probably used to in the UK and Ireland are rarely seen in Mallorca.
You don’t need to bring a bike as you can hire one of ours. We can supply full carbon road bikes, to bikes that have standard handlebars, allowing you to sit-up straight. We have a bike for you.
We are adept at determining your level of cycling. You will never be pushed into riding distances that are simply too far, and we will show you the best parts of the island. So if you simply want to explore the best parts of Mallorca, rather than cycle mountains, that’s good with us. Of course, you can try a mountain or two if you want.
We have coached hundreds of people in the art of cycling. Every year, we see people of all ages and cycling backgrounds, and we help them to become better cyclists. Riding with us will see you avoid bad habits that often lead to discomfort and inefficient cycling. You will learn about nutrition. If you are coming back after a long break, you will have the perfect platform to get back into cycling and a healthier lifestyle.
Submitted: 05/08/2016
Updated:19/11/2018
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