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Seven Ways To be A Better Cyclist

By: Colin Johnson

So you've seen the Tour De France and your imagination has been captured. You are health conscious and you believe in fitness. You dust off your cycle and hit the streets. Great! Just before you head off, though, do take a moment to absorb this article and avoid the pitfalls of so many.



1. A thorough check of your cycle (and the kids' cycles if they're heading out too) should be made before you leave home. Brakes, gear changes, seat heights and even the bell should be given a once over. Comfort is a key if the day is to be a success. Be careful that gears, chains and cogs aren't sprayed with products that cause sand and grit to stick to them as over time this will cause a break down of these moving parts. A puncture kit for your journey is a must! Don't leave home without it.



2. Don't ride alone unless you absolutely have to, and if you have to, inform someone of your exact route. You will be kept accountable by riding with others and human nature is such that you'll be less inclined to opt out on days you just don't feel like it. A buddy will help push you to a higher standard of riding if you are riding competitively. Enjoyment of the scenery and the visits you make will be heightened if you share the day with others. It's also better for safety reasons, as a companion is an added safeguard; who knows, he/she may save your life one day!



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. You need to attach and take a water bottle and sip from it regularly to keep you hydrated. An amino based drink is ideal for serious riders. Try a drink designed to give advanced energy and endurance with carbs which also replaces electrolytes and prevents dehydration. This will enhance your performance on the bike. Other excellent essentials include bananas, other fruit and energy boosters.



5. Don't throw on any old clothes without careful consideration of your needs. Your clothes must be comfortable and safe. By that I mean they must keep you cool in hotter conditions and help you retain heat in cooler conditions. Your safety will be enhanced if you wear bright colours. Let's face it, you need to give motorists every possible chance to see you. Give special attention to your helmet as it's now undisputed that helmets save lives. If you're outfitting the kids with helmets, make sure they fit perfectly and that the chin strap is adequately tight (not too tight). Kids have a habit of loosening the chin strap and this can spell disaster if they're involved in an accident. Brief your kids to leave the chin strap alone! If they fall off they'll need the cushioning effect of their helmet.



6. Don't forget the whole family. Okay, you've got the bug, now it's time to enthuse everyone in the family. There's no greater sight than a whole family out cycling on a beautiful day. The tiniest tot can be strapped in to a bike seat behind mum or dad and grandad and grandma can ride too. These days there is growing awareness of the need to provide cycle tracks away from dangerous traffic and these can be wonderfully scenic. Take pro-active steps to build family time and model fitness. Your family will thank you for it one day.



7. Don't be careless about how you finish. You'll be hot and sweaty and ready for a shower, but there's something more important to do first. Give your muscles a chance to recover and repair by cooling down gradually and then by having a protein supplement (usually in the convenient form of a shake or drink). Protein is the building block of cartilage, muscles, bone and blood and it is protein which is the crucial factor in prevention of injury and enhanced performance. It's no wonder that so many of our professional atheltes head straight for a whey protein drink after exercise. For muscle recovery, repair and growth, it's a priority.



Despite your motivation for donning the helmet and pedalling along with the wind in your face, cycling is a pursuit worthy of us all if health and physical wellbeing appear on our life's priority list.

Article Source: Free Content Articles Directory

Colin Johnson has been a health educator, drug educator, serious sports coach and father of five all in one lifetime! Colin highly endorses href="http://www.protein4health.com/product">Amino Acid supplements drinks for the serious athlete as well as whey protein for muscle recovery.

This article is available as a unique content article with free reprint rights.

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