How To Get Into Cycling

I have many friends that don’t understand my passion for bicycle touring.

Just the other day I was riding through the Dolomites when a woman from Australia pulled up next to me and asked, “How do you find what you’re doing… ‘fun’?”

Chances are, many things I consider ‘fun’ may not be so appealing to other folks. I can understand how sky-diving, rock climbing, and other extreme sports may not be attractive to all people.

But cycling?  It’s at your doorstep. Literally.

Consider all of the health and social benefits that cycling offers. You don’t need fancy equipment or burn fossil fuels to get anywhere to start this activity. It can start from your very own front door. All you need is a bike.

Cycling is a return to that first taste of freedom you had as a child. Do you remember the first time you were able to power a vessel that moved you at a speed faster than walking? That was the moment you were in control of your direction: you had the ability to go anywhere. You finally had a choice and could make your own decisions on where to go.

Ciclismo Classico gives you a lot of options where to go. And most of our guests started at the beginning. Whether journeying through an easy Loire Valley trip or racing through the Alps, they all began in tennis shoes. And from tennis shoes, they went to clipless pedals (but that’s another story).

If you’re looking to get into cycling, consider these pointers as springboards launching you into the pool. Your body – and your mind – will thank you for it.

Talk to Friends Who Cycle

When I was living in the French Alps, I had one go-to friend who was as crazy about cycling as I was. We talked about all the latest gear, the pro races and what wild ride we would do that week.

You don’t have to go to those extremes, but start chatting to friends who bike. Chances are they would love to have you along for one of their rides.

Don’t worry if you think you’ll slow them down. Every cyclist started as a “newbie.” I’m thrilled to have my wife and daughter on rides with me. We don’t have to cycle mountains or go long distances. We see each other so infrequently biking together is a blessing.

Join A Local Bike Club

Maybe you’re the black sheep of your peers and they all think you’re nuts for wanting to ride a bicycle over the weekend. In which case, go find a group of similar nutters.

Bike Clubs are all over the place. From New York City to Lawrence, Kansas, you are bound to find a group of like-minded people who can assist you on your new endeavor.

Many local bike shops run clubs out of their stores. For a small fee, you can join the club, get discounts on merchandise, and ride with a group of your level every weekend (or sometimes twice a week in the summer). It is a great way to get fit, know the roads, and make new friends.

Watch A Race

We don’t suggest you watch a race as an aspiring podium finisher of the Tour de France (if you do, you may want to give this blog post a read). Watching a race can give you insights on how to ride a bicycle.

Look at how the racers position themselves on the bicycle. Are they low and aggressive, or high and upright? How are they changing leg position on the bike when they go uphill? How about on the downhills?

Soon enough, if you watch enough of these races you’ll see how the cyclists interact with each other on the road. You’ll begin to imitate them.

But you aren’t limited to watching the Giro d’Italia or the Classics on some screen in your house. There are many races all throughout North America all season long. Grab a stage of the Amgen Tour of California or the Colorado Classic pro women’s race in the summer. The electricity of the race and the event is enough to spark your interest and get on a road bike.

Videos and Tutorials

If you can’t get out to see the live action, check out a few videos on YouTube or Vimeo. Professional teams and cyclists often explain the tactics they use in the sprints at the end of a stage or descending a long downhill. The Global Cycling Network is a great place to start on YouTube. Check out their video on descending like a pro for some special tips.

However, you don’t need to do any of this in a race or alpine environment. These pointers can help you when you’re simply descending from your local cul-de-sac.

Bike Indoors

Perhaps you live in a location where getting outside in February is madness. The cold and snow would never allow you to bike through the countryside (if you ever wanted to do that).

Look at joining an indoor cycle program, like Soul Cycle. Stationary bikes have come a long way over the past 30 years. Spin classes are the modern-day answer to the winter blues. At the studio, you’ll find cool people, intense instructors, awesome music and a lot of sweat for 45 minutes or more.

Other programs like Peloton allow you to cycle in the privacy of your own home. The set-up is a little tricky (you’d need their stationary bike, which is a pricey initial investment), but this is a great solution for introverts or anyone who doesn’t want to go to a gym. You create an account, get on the bike, and ride in real-time with other people on their bikes in their basements.

Get On A Bike

Sometimes the best way to start something new is to simply do it. Stop thinking about it and get on your bike and ride.

Better yet, sign up for one of Ciclismo Classico’s beginner cycling experiences in the Loire Valley, La Bella Puglia or Venice Con Gusto. Come and see how addicting it is.