Long distance bike riding and bike racing have nothing to do with riding your bike around the neighborhood, this is something very different. Whether you know it or not there are a lot of people who ride their bikes on weekends for long distance for many miles, sometimes alone, sometimes with a group. There are also those who ride their bikes to work, to the store or many of the places they go. Then there are even some people who like to go on longer bike treks like across the country or just from one city to another.
There are also races they can join in if they want to. Even kids are allowed to join in if they know where to find the races that allow kids. They shouldn’t just jump into racing though. They need to do some training first and if it’s a road race they should probably be 12 or older so they understand road safety first. My son started road and velodrome track racing at the age of 12 and is pretty good, if I do say so myself. Another of my sons is starting track racing at 8.
If you ever thought about going on long bike rides like this, or joining in bike races there are some things you need to consider before you get started. Starting without the proper biking gear can cause you discomfort, pain or even injury.
Bike Riding Necessities
The most important thing you need when you are planning on going on long bike rides or bike racing is a good road bike. This isn’t just any old bike, if you buy a cheap bike it might not last long. You need a good bike so go to a store that sells only bike and bike supplies. Tell them what you are planning to do with your bike and have them recommend the right bike for you. They will even help you choose the right size bike. The right size bike is very important to keeping you pain free and comfortable. Have them set the seat height for you. Having the seat height right will keep you from having back and knee problems later.
To ride your bike you should have a helmet. Make sure the helmet fits you right and adjust the straps so they are fitted right. If you need help maybe the people at the bike store can help you. Some places have helmet laws, some don’t, check to see what the laws are where you are riding. I recommend wearing a helmet anyway for safety’s sake.
The other very important thing you need before you start going on long bike rides is a good pair of bike shorts. Bike shorts are different than other shorts and harder to find. Bike shorts have a thick layer of padding between your legs to keep you from getting sore after sitting on a bike for hours. They can often be found in sporting goods stores over by the bikes or in bike supply stores. By the way, you don’t wear anything under them.
Cold and Warm Weather Gear
Bike shirts are made of a material that keeps you drier and cooler in the summer and dry and warm in the winter. Never wear cotton while bike riding, the sweat will stick to you and can freeze in the winter and make you feel sticky in the summer. Invest in a bike shirt. Not only will it keep you feeling cooler and drier in the summer but they have a pocket in the back to keep small things in. Wind breakers should be worn over your bike shirt when it’s colder to keep you from getting cold while riding.
Leg warmers and arm warmers are good when it’s a little cold but not cold enough for a wind breaker and long pants. They are tight fitting and go on and off easily. Buy ones that match your bike shorts and bike shirt and you will look good too. If you are going to wear long pants instead make sure to wear your bike shorts underneath.
If you go to a bike supply store or online site that sells bike riding supplies you will be able to find a face mask that allows you to breathe but still keeps the wind off your face. If you are riding on a cool windy day this can be a necessity. It’ll keep your face warmer and also keep you from getting wind burn on your cheeks and chapped skin.
You will also be able to find covers to go over your shoes to keep your feet warm at the bike store. Shoe covers will keep your feet warm on cold days. They are made to go over biking shoes but even if you don’t have biking shoes they will still keep your feet warmer. If you don’t want to buy shoe covers you can put a pair of wool socks over your shoes to keep your feet warm.
Getting Serious About Bike Riding
If you want to go on long treks on your bike but don’t want to go alone join a bike club. There are bike riding clubs all over the country. They offer different long distance and short distance rides for all levels and age groups that you can join and races you can race in if you want to race. They are also good for making friendships with other people who share your same bike riding interest.
Our bike club has monthly meetings, weekly rides and time trials in the warm months and discounts at some of the local stores. My sons and I have made a lot of friends and they remind us when there are local races coming up that the boys can race in and give us advice when we need it.
Some other things you will want to get if you are going to become a serious bike rider are bike shoes, cleats, pedals and a good seat. Seats, called saddles, come in many different shapes and sizes. You can get a soft, cushy gel seat or a thin racing seat, or anything in between. You have to decide what you’re comfortable with. You will be the one sitting on it for long hours.
Racing pedals are very different from regular pedals. They are made so that you can lock your bike shoes into them. Bike shoes are hard and have cleats at the bottom. Not spiked cleats like football shoes, these cleats clip into your pedals. You can buy the pedals and cleats together so you know they will work together right.
Bike Riding is Great Exercise
Besides meeting friends and having fun, bike riding is a great way to get exercise and get in shape. If you ride several days a week and add some weight training to the mix you will be in better shape in no time. If you are going on long bike rides chances are you will be doing some hills. Hills burn more calories than flat roads so go for it and have fun at the same time.
Reference:
- “Stats” found on Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute: www.helmets.org/
