Are you planning on attaching your bike to your car this weekend and heading off somewhere exciting for a cycling trip? Whether you are heading out for a massive multi-day trip or you are simply going riding in a nearby forest for a few hours, a cycling adventure is a brilliant way to enjoy the great outdoors.
To make sure that your trip goes as smoothly as possible, there are some tips that you should keep in mind.
Take Care of Your Body
Even if you are relatively fit, your body can only be pushed so far. Prolonged cycling can be exhausting, so make sure that you are taking good care of your muscles as you go along. You’ll need to eat and drink enough to provide your body with the energy that is required to keep going for several hours of cycling every day. You’ll be burning more calories than normal, so you’ll need to keep yourself topped up with snacks throughout the day. Eat a hearty breakfast and have lots of snacks to enjoy along the route. Drink lots of water and keep yourself hydrated.
At the end of the day, make sure that you eat a hearty meal and get a good sleep. A hot bath can be incredibly soothing to your tired muscles. If you start to feel any saddle sores, blisters or other ailments, make sure that you apply lotion and bandage them.
Mind Over Matter
When it comes to tackling a challenging bike ride, the challenge is mental as well as physical. Your attitude will have a huge impact on how well you are able to complete the journey. If you stay positive and focused, you will be able to overcome any aching legs or tiredness. It really helps to concentrate on the positive side of things – although you may be hurting you can think about how great you will feel when you have accomplished this ride, or how lucky you are to be able to spend the day riding in the great outdoors. Some riders have a mantra that they repeat to themselves when the going gets tough so that they don’t give up – such as “I can do it. I can do it” or “just keep going. Just keep going.”
Have the Right Clothing and Gear
Although you don’t have to spend a fortune, having the right clothing and gear can be very important to the success of your ride. If you do not have layers and moisture wicking fabric, you can end up sweaty and uncomfortable. If you don’t have pedals with grips and it is a rainy day your feet can slip off the pedals which can be very dangerous. If you don’t have the right towbar fitting for your vehicle, you might be at risk of your bicycle falling off the car.
It’s worth investing in some good quality cycling gear, especially if you plan to go cycling on a regular basis. It will really pay off in terms of your general comfort level and enjoyment of the cycling experience.
That said, it is also important to travel light and to not take too much gear with you. The extra weight will slow you down and cause you to have to work harder than you need to. Take a look at everything you plan on carrying on your bike ride and decide whether it is really necessary.
Get Your Bike Properly Set Up
Most bicycle shops will do a proper bike fit where they will adjust everything on your bike to fit your specific dimensions perfectly.This is very important if you are going to be riding long distances on a regular basis, as it will reduce strain on your body and make you much more comfortable. If your bike is not positioned correctly – for example if your seat isn’t high enough – you could be experiencing undue strain on your knees every time you pedal.
These are just a few tips that you can keep in mind in order to have an excellent cycling trip the next time you head out. With the right preparation, gear and attitude you can attach your bikes to your car with bike carriers, hit the road and have a fantastic time.