Here are five tips to help you get back into riding a bike (ebikes).
Tip No. 1: Decide to Ride
You’re online reading an article about how to get back into biking, so odds are good you are “thinking about” riding again. Now stop thinking and decide.
“Decision is the ultimate power,” according to motivational expert Tony Robbins. “Making a decision puts you in control.”
Once you have committed to biking for fun, fitness, and friendship, nothing will stop you.
• Fun. Bicycling is fun. Riding an e-bike even more so.
• Fitness. Riding an e-bike could combat type-2 diabetes, improve cardiorespiratory performance, and boost brain function.
• Friendship. Bicycling is social. You’ll meet new folks or spend more time with loved ones.
Tip No. 2: Get the Right eBike
Riding a bike, particularly an e-bike, is going to be a great source of pleasure. It should be easy on joints, flexible in intensity, and a significant benefit to your health and wellbeing.
But many of these benefits can go south in a hurry if you don’t have the proper bike, set up in the right way. So take the time to find a bicycle that fits you and the sort of riding you’ve decided to do. If you have knee pain, try moving your seat up. If you have neck or back pain, try a more upright handlebar position.
Tip No. 3: Find a Riding Companion
One of the joys of bicycling is the opportunity to ride with friends and family. Specifically about riding as a couple, but some of the same things apply for riding with friends or family members. For example, imagine trying to ride with an 13-year-old granddaughter. She is likely to want to ride fast and tackle some serious hills.
Electric bikes balance out the differences in riding ability and let you really enjoy riding with friends and family. In turn, riding with friends and family will help to motivate you as you get back into bicycling again.
Your goal then is to find a riding companion. This might be your spouse or partner. A relative could be a great riding partner. You could recruit a friend from work. Or maybe join a local bicycling club.
Tip No. 4: Find a Good Place to Ride
Bicycling in heavy traffic in the United States is, frankly, not terribly safe. The U.S. sometimes lacks good bicycle infrastructure, and while this is changing significantly, you want to be mindful when you plan your rides. This is especially true when you’re just getting back into bicycling.
• Look for local riding groups. They may have route or trail recommendations.
• Check out the Rails-to-Trails Conversancy. They have many trail guides.
• Check with the parks and recreation department in your community.
• Finally, consider a bike route planning app. You might choose the Strava, Google Maps, or similar.
Tip No 5: Track Your Progress
Few things feel as good as success. So as you get back into riding, track and monitor your progress.
The aim is not to start out as a great distance cyclist, but rather to get just a little better every week. The good news is that there are plenty of apps available to help you. Here are a few to consider.
• Strava
• Map My Ride
• Cyclemeter GPS
We would love to see some of your FUN adventures!!! You can share them with us on Electric Bike Company Facebook or send tweet on our Electric Bike Company Twitter…
Get out and have some FUN!
