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Home | Recreation & Sports | Cycling 1. Don't be tempted to start too soon. When the sun is shining, the kids are toey, and we're all inspired to head off, it's easy to forget the most important factor in bike safety. Check your bikes! A once-over should be given to gear changes, seat heights, the bell, and of course, the brakes. If the bike is not comfortable, it will not be a happy day and you'll know about it for days after! Give particular attention to the chains, cogs and gears as they can sometimes breakdown, especially if in years past they've been sprayed with products which can cause sand and grit to stick to them. Do take a puncture kit and don't even think about leaving home without one. 2. If possible ride with others. If fitness is your motivation, this helps to keep you accountable and you are less likely to opt out if you just don't feel up to it today. If you're a serious cyclist and competing is your driving force, then a buddy of comparitive standard will help push you to the next level. If fun is a high priority, then having others there to enjoy the ride, the scenery and the experience will heighten the event significantly. Obviously the safety factor also comes in here. A companion may even save your life one day. If riding alone is the only option, then always let others know your route. 3. Plan your ride before heading out. Know approximately the length of the ride and the terrain and whether the route is cyclist friendly with road provision made for riders in mind. Treacherous stretches of road may look inviting but is it worth the risk? When travelling by car take note of the roads and routes that would make for an ideal path of pleasurable pedalling. When riding, decide ahead of time that patience will be your guide. Many motorists may consider you a nuisance and feel you have no right to be there. Some will never even see you! Don't take them on, they are bigger than you, and again, it is not worth the risk. 4. Physical provisions for the ride need to be addressed before and whilst on the road. At minimum have the water bottle attached and use it regularly. Hydration needs to be a continual process in order to get the most out of your exercise. For serious riders I would strongly suggest an amino based drink. In my opinion one that delivers advanced energy and endurance formulation with carbs and replaces electrolytes will prevent dehydration and enhance performance. Bananas, other fruit and energy boosters will also result in aiding physical wellbeing. 5. It sounds an obvious one, but correct attire for cycling is paramount. Comfort and safety go hand in hand here. The correct choice of clothing can assist you greatly in your ability to stay cool in hotter conditions and conversely, can help heat retention in the cooler environments making for a much more pleasant outing. The color of clothing is also a major consideration. Make sure it's bright and easily seen by motorists and other road users. And make sure you have a suitable helmet! If you have kids riding it is imperative that the helmet fits correctly and the chin strap is set at an adequate tightness. Most kids loosen these and can therefore miss out on their amazing impact cushioning abilities in an accident. It is a proven fact that helmets save lives. 6. There are fewer lovelier sights than a whole family out cycling, from the tiniest tot strapped in to a bike seat behind mum or dad to Grandad and Grandma. Far from the tooting traffic, there are an increasing number of cycle tracks which have been exclusively created for cycling enthusiasts. Find them, take the whole family and enjoy them. You will be modelling a fit, healthy lifestyle to the kids and hopefully they will carry on their cycling into adulthood. What better way to combat rising childhood obesity? 7. Post cycling is a thought that most may not have even regarded as important. However, especially for the serious or elite cycling athlete, the recovery and repair of muscle is a key to getting the most out of their sessions as well as enhancing their potential future performances. Protein is a key ingredient and building block of muscles, cartilage, bone and blood and a crucial factor in muscle growth, repair and recovery. Ever thought why a huge number of our professional athletes head straight for a whey protein drink or shake after exercise? Muscle recovery, repair and growth! After exercise it's my first action. Shake and take. Is fitness, fun and physical wellbeing on your life's priority list? Do you wish to model the same to your family? Then don the helmet and start pedalling. Peace of mind and the irreplacable feeling of the wind on your face will be your reward. Article Source: http://www.articlewheel.com
Colin Johnson has been a health educator, drug educator, elite sports coach and father of five all in one lifetime! Colin highly recommends Amino Acid supplements drinks for the elite cyclist as well as whey protein for muscular repair.
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