Adventurous but cycling alone?

Cycling is becoming immensely popular in India and despite the associated challenges,women are increasingly choosing to cycle in the outdoors. Today, a cyclist has many available choices for selecting the best-fit bikes and accessories that will make their cycling experience more enjoyable; however there are a few more things to be mindful about that will make their rides memorable.

Let’s get started with these:

AREA KNOWLEDGE: Try to know more about the area and the terrain where you plan to ride from local riders or Facebook. Remember that every small bit of information is important and the smallest precaution will help you to return back safely.

DRESS WELL: Cycling gear -especiallythe bottoms are in a way odd for newbies. These come padded and have a tight fitting.Selecting the right fit is important so as to enable comfortable movement of your lower body. Wearing Gloves is important and these absorb the sweat as well as the shocks from your handle-bar. Also remember that no matter how traditional you are, avoid wearing dupattasor loose clothes (bell bottoms are anyways passe) while cycling. As far as possible, avoid wearing any hanging jewelry as this may fall off during the rides (personal experience)

EYE PROTECTION: Wearing dark sports shades is the best option I have found on roads. Ensure that your eye cover is branded and of good quality. Good shades will protect your eyes from from dust and sunlight but will also allow you to see over a wide angle (even in the corner of your eye) and will not impede your vision.

MAKE FRIENDS: Keep communicating with people in a friendly manner. These can be people at the petrol pumps , food places and shops etc. Always, remember that there could be an angel amongst them who will help you with that 1 critical phone call or a bottle of water under adverse conditions.

SADDLE BAG: You will absolutely need this bag! This will carry yourI-card/ Emergency contact numbers/ Somemoney / credit cards and even a small mobile phone. It is advisable to keep a small toolkit knife (swiss knife is the best) during your rides.

SERVICE YOUR CYCLE: You will have to learn the basics of bike repair. Instances of chain slippage, punctureswill have to be fixed by you and that too without anybody’s help. Remember that the best riders are always best bike technicians.

EAT PROPERLY: Nutrition is critical! Eat I small amounts before you are absolutely hungry and replenish your fluids before you go completely thirsty ! Meanwhile, keepingsmall packets of dried fruits or nuts, energy gels is helpful.

WARMING UP: Some stretching always helps before starting a ride. Adjust your seat height properly. If this height is not adjusted properly it can lead to boils on your bottom or inner things, back pains and overall a stressful experience.

CHOOSE YOUR RIDER: Group rides are fun, but very often they can be exhausting too. Instead zero in on a fellow cyclist with similar riding pace.

HAVE A BACKUP: For people who are unsure or have just started cycling, having a backup vehicle that follows you at a distance gives you some assurance to ride. However, it is more convenient that the Vehicle driver is told to go ahead and wait at a certain distance for you. NEVER allow the backup vehicle to trail you over a short distance as this can lead to accidents.

RIDE PLAN: Planning a ride helps! Evaluate your own abilities for covering a particular distance. However, learn to stress yourself by gradually increasing the ride distances.

MIND THE TRAFFIC: In India, be mindful about vehicles. They can come from anywhere and at any time and they will not give you the way. Be alert throughout. Never forget that your life is priceless

Let your wheels roll !!