Derbyshire Cycle Network
Welcome to Cycling
Welcome friend to the wonderful world of cycling.
If you are an adult you will most likely start from the same position that most of us do, You are out of condition, carrying more weight than you feel you ought and stressed out by living in modern society, this then is the way to enter a brand new world. For cycling WILL help all of these problems and you will certainly gain new friends as you progress.
How long will it take? Like everthing else rewards are equal to effort. The good news is that very little effort, correctly applied, brings great rewards. BUT, It is best that you face up to a couple of yukky things right now.
1. You will sweat. No you will not perspire, you will really sweat. Especially if you are a touch overweight. Why? Well for a start the body needs to, and likes to. You possibly have not cycled for sometime, so for the first four or five rides you will have a lot of catching up to do! Sweating gets rid of a lot of nasty toxins plus a lot of salt and water. along with some unmentionables. To exercise you use Sugers, Oxygen, Fats and Adrenaline. You lose weight!.
2. You will become fatigued. Easily fatigued at first. But within a couple of weeks things will improve and those small hills which you hated, you will barely notice. Much later, you may relish the hills you now wisely walk up! The golden rule is little and often. If you are just starting after a lay off since childhood, Find yourself an easy traffic free route of about two or three miles and ride it at least three times a week, soon you will feel fresh enough after a spin to do it again. Well do it. Do not listen to the mind that says it is boring. DO IT!
Done it? Not too tired? Great. Now lengthen it by a little. Yes the same route, This is training for the great outdoors and to throw in too many variables can become discouraging at first. As can that saddle! After about twenty minutes the derrière can hurt. It always does. The answers are complex and the subject of saddles is as frequent a topic as weather to seasoned cyclists. The width of the saddle is important and there are special ladies saddles, but that is a bit sexist because lots of male bottom bones are as wide apart as those of a slim young lady! Mine are probably wider so I have a broad saddle! Ask others and you will get as many recommendations as there are types of saddle. Over time the pain situation improves and can improve to zero. Some say softer saddles help, some especially racers prefer a hard saddle. It is fair to say that a cheaper bike will have a compromise of a saddle from the start. But seating position, correct size of frame, hardness of tyres (along with your weight) will also play a part. Here is a good website to help you out.
Even now you will notice that I differ in my views to Sheldon Brown but that is saddles for you! Sheldon also gives advice to new cyclists, Remember his Website is in America, therefore not all he says will be true for the UK
On longer rides. Check the weather forecasts and if necessary take a light-weight water proof , or perhaps an extra jumper. Do not forget a spare inner tube, pump, tool kit and a small first aid kit.
Dogs! Cycle slowly and firmly onwards. If a dog runs towards you it is most likely being more playful than aggressive. Stop pedalling and allow the bike to coast on. Most dog owners will take control of their pet long before you get there if you give them enough time. Carry a warning device to alert those you approach from behind, remember not everyone has good hearing. Bells are much nicer than shouting Oi. Always smile and say thank you. Enjoy your ride at your pace. Let others enjoy it at a lesser pace if necessary. Enjoy the countryside, All of Derby's cycleroutes have something to offer at all times of the Year.
