8 Biking Tips to Improve your Cycling Performance

Summer is a great time to work on your bicycling skills. Maybe you’re looking to get stronger on the uphill. Or perhaps you’d like to be better balanced on the bike and improve your handling skills.

Obviously the more you ride, the more you feel comfortable on the bike. The more comfortable you feel, the more confidence you have to test your mettle at more challenging Ciclismo Classico trips.

Whether you’re looking at riding our Ride Across the Pyrenees or just starting on your first Friuli & Slovenia trip, Ciclismo Classico wants you to get better on the bike. It’s better for your health, and it’s better for the environment.

So if you’re just a beginner on the bike this year, check out these 8 tips to improve your confidence. You’ll be surprised where you’ll be by fall.

How To Climb Hills

Hill climbing isn’t for everyone, but it can be. No one can convince you uphill riding is fun until you convince yourself.

A lot of biking uphill has to do with your physical condition. Yet there is also a psychological component to tackling those climbs, helping you get into the right mental state. Even if you are a KOM (“King of the Mountain”), we’ve outlined several tactics to consider the next time you need to gear down and go up.

How to Get into Cycling

Let’s face it: you see all these lycra-dressed two-wheelers around you and it’s not your thing. Why anyone would spend time dressed like that to spend a few hours on a bicycle doesn’t make any sense to you.

Yet, you’re secretly envious.

They seem to be having a fun time. A group of friends meets every weekend for a spin around the city. And you’d like to be there too.

Check out this link and get the scoop on how to get into cycling. It’s easier (and cheaper) than you thought. And reap the benefits of a sport that will improve your health and lifestyle, guaranteed!

Biking and Beer

Researchers studying the effects of nutrition on the body have come to a consensus regarding alcohol. You probably love your local microbrew’s post-ride pint at the end of each ride. But be forewarned: maybe you should forgo the brewski for a different post-ride beverage.

Regardless of how you view the science (the results are in!), you can still enjoy a beer after each ride. It just may not be the kind of beer you were thinking of. Read on!

The Health & Social Benefits of Cycling

A life of work, food, and sleep doesn’t seem very beneficial. Exercise and social activity tend to promote happiness and overall well-being.

But did you know that exercise can slow down the aging process?

In the day of overwhelming information, a few activities allow us to exercise and socialize simultaneously, helping us stay younger. There are lots of sports out there, but few are as engaging as cycling.

Put your cellphone down and pick up your bike. Do your body – and your soul – some good and go for a ride with friends. This article tells you more.

Do Brand Names Matter?

We get it. Shopping for a bicycle can be dizzying. There are so many bike brands, components, wheels, and …well, you get the picture. Where do you start?

Even if you are a seasoned cyclist, it could be the geometry of your bike frame hindering your cycling performance. Are all bike brands the same? Where does the claim that all bikes are “made in Asia” stop and where does the truth begin?

Our post on bike brands eliminates a lot of static. If you’re looking to buy your first bicycle or are looking to upgrade from the one you have, give it a read before you buy. You’ll be glad you did.

Organizing Your Own Group Cycling Tour

Now that you have a new bike and an amazing social network of like-minded friends, you should organize all those fun people.

Go take a bike trip!

Getting the schedules and ability levels of everyone all matched up can be challenging. But the benefits are endless. Taking a Ciclismo Classico cycle touring adventure creates fantastic memories and it is a fabulous way to bring your biking to the next level.

Oh, and you get to drink a lot of great wine, eat delicious food and learn cool stuff about Europe while you’re there. It’s a win-win! Check out our Group Organizer FAQs for more information or contact us here.

E-Bike Technology

Today’s cycling technology has come a long way. Once upon a time, people who would dream of riding a bike through Tuscany would stay at home and continue to dream.

The e-bike technology makes the hills of Tuscany significantly “flatter.”

More people are opting for an e-bike to make sure they can enjoy the fun times with their group. Maybe you have a few apprehensive friends in your Provence group? Maybe you have some older riders in your group? Show them our fleet of e-bikes and get them on the road.

Of course, they still have to pedal. But the assisted mechanisms help them get to where they need to go so everyone can enjoy the activity together.

Choosing a Bicycle Outfit

One of the most difficult decisions to make when going out for a spin is what to wear. Sun, rain or sleet (!) you should make sure you have the right clothing with you, depending on where – and when – you want to go.

But it’s not just what you put on, but how you put it on. What goes under cycling shorts? Do my arm warmers go inside or outside the sleeve? These are all important questions helping you look pro when you show up for the weekend spin.

After all, if your shammy is in the wrong place you won’t be a happy camper.

Once you’ve read what you need, let’s get ready to roll. Get signed up on Ciclismo Classico trip and start improving your cycling future!