I have been cycling to relax for over twenty years now. Over the years I have learnt many tips and tricks to make every route a more relaxing ride.
From simply checking the weather forecast, to maintaining your bike, choosing the right saddle, to planning a route, to scheduling your food and fluid intake and pacing yourself.
I will identify various tips and tricks and go into greater detail in blogs and routes.
Yet I have many ideas, in which I will explain in no certain order below:
- My first tip is to try and ride even when you don’t feel like it! Getting out there in the great outdoors; what ever the weather, will only leave you smiling, happy and relaxed.
- Check the weather and dress accordingly. It maybe sunny when you are having breakfast but did you notice the wind picking up and those clouds building on the horizon?
- Food and drink for your relaxing voyage into nature and the great outdoors. You can burn between 500 – 1,000 calories an hour when cycling hard. That equates to two to four Snickers bars; yet do not forget to burn off that breakfast too!
According to British Cycling; you can lose 500ml – 1,000ml of fluid through sweat whilst cycling for one hour. However, we are all different and there are a number of ways you can keep hydrated.
Firstly, make sure you drink enough before your bike ride. At breakfast time; have a second coffee, orange juice, a glass of water perhaps!
Most bikes can only carry one or maybe two water bottles; whereas others prefer a water pouch in a rucksack. Well make sure you buy the biggest water bottles you can; I use the one litre Zefal magnum bottles. If you are using a water pouch in a rucksack; try to buy a two or even three litre pouch.
Another option; is to plan your ride and stop at a cafe or shop along the route.
Of course, when you have rode a route to relax; you can return home and quench your first once again. With purifying water or a more medicinal drink! - Check out my blog on how to keep your happy feet warm and snug on a cold winters day:
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