Get In Shape, Ride Your Bike!

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To start cycling, you need a bike and the ability to ride it. After those essentials, all levels of detail and finesse can be added, starting with the type and quality of the bicycle, the range of items which might adorn the bicycle, and the level and extent of your cycling skills and interest. A vast array of books have discussed virtually every aspect of bicycles and cycling, and this article does not intend to duplicate those efforts. A few points to get you out on your way to the roads and trails of your local region will be highlighted, but the emphasis is on sources of more information. Books are one source of information, and several are recommended. Check in your local libraries and bookstores for other titles. Cycling magazines are an excellent source of current information on every cycling topic. Search out other cyclists through bicycle shops or organizations for ‘hands on’ and local information. Most of all, ride, experiment, and gain experience and enjoyment.

Buying a bicycle in your local municipality is not much different from buying a bicycle elsewhere. A successful bike purchase depends on finding the type of bicycle that suits you, and an individual bicycle that fits you. Scan the route descriptions in cycling books to get a feel for the type of riding that appeals to you. Then throw in your biases, dreams, and budget to decide which bike is best for you. Any bike is enjoyable on paved roads. Sturdy touring road bikes or mountain bikes can handle the routes on gravel roads. The same applies for the back roads. Mountain bikes are recommended for most off road riding, and especially for those routes on trails. BMX bikes could be ridden on some ofthe shorter rides. Most larger towns have a sporting goods or department store offering some choice of road bikes, mountain bikes or BMX bikes. Prefer the sporting goods or specialty shop to the department store: staff are often more knowledgeable, and better repair and maintenance services are offered.

Maintaining your bike prolongs its life: simple things such as keeping tires inflated and the chain lubricated reduce pedaling resistance. Knowing how to change a flat tire, realign your chain, and make minor adjustments can also improve your cycling enjoyment On even a short bop to a local park or a spin around the neigbourhood, carry a spare inner tube, tire irons, a pump, and a few AlIen keys which fit your seat post and handlebars. As you begin longer rides, or venturing on long or remote mountain bike explorations, your repertoire of repairs and tools should also increase (or cycle with someone more experienced than you!).

If mechanical aspects are not your forte, take your bike into specialty shops for repairs or maintenance. Talk to the shop owner on a slow day, when he or she has time to show you a few basic tips. Shops or cycling organizations sometimes offer courses on repairs, as may community recreation departments.

The main cycling event is the Tour de France. Visit GuidedTourParis.com for more information about Paris and the Tour de France.