Cycling to work is a great and easy way for beginner/amateur. Amateur cyclists will find that the regular cycling will build a good base of leg muscles as well as help increase their average speed.
They will also be able to burn more calories and get a great start to the morning, boosting positivity and energy for a greater workflow and performance.
Tip #1 Start With An Easy Route
The first week or two you’ll want to get used to the cycle to work. Pre-plan your route using Google Maps, and if it’s not too far, even try out the route over the weekend so that you know how much time the route will take.
Being active looks great at work! Being late doesn’t.
Tip #2 Track Your Routes!
It’s a great motivation and helps you to create self-improvement or set goals for yourself. See what time, speeds and calories you can hit by downloading a cycling app to track your routes.
I personally use the Road Bike app as it tracks all the stats I need and gives me a nice summary at the end, however, any app that you find works for you is great!
Tip #3 Get Exploring
To keep things interesting, find new routes to make the journey interesting. Maybe instead of going through town, you can go on the outskirts (maybe go through the countryside if at all possible).
The fun thing is that you have almost unlimited scope to the number of route combinations you can find to get to work, and even more if you work in a town or city centre.
Tip #4 Safety Safety Safety
Safety for both yourself and your bicycle is paramount when on the roads. Always wear a helmet! Always… if your insecure about your looks, don’t be.
A helmet can be a lifeline if the unfortunate should happen, and here at Quicksport we and people we know, have had close calls, that if it wasn’t for helmets, we would have been in a lot of trouble.
As well as helmets, it’s good to always build awareness and know your surroundings. I recommend always having one ear without headphones (If you want to listen to music or podcasts) to help keep all senses active and your reactions sharp.
If you don’t have a helmet or need one, we have a great top selection of helmets here.
Another great tip is to lock your bike, not just lazily against a lamp post. Try and find a bike rail near you (or inside if your work allows it); sidenote if your a business owner with employees, try and find a place for your active workers to let them store bikes and other equipment, they’ll appreciate it!
Always put the bike lock through your wheels as well as your bike frame, this will stop anyone taking just the wheels and selling them (because yes there are idiots out there who will take them).
Once again if you need a new lock or don’t have one yet, we have a great selection here
For late finishes and winter times, it’s good to put lights on your bikes. This is essential for being seen, and if you can, try and wear bright or reflective clothing.
Tip #5 Bring Deodorant (Even If It’s For Your Colleagues)
Bringing deodorant is important! Cycling will make you look great but has a side effect of making you smell like a gym locker room.
Do yourself and your colleagues a favour, and take a small deodorant can or roller with you, nothing says an employee of the month, like lavender garden scented underarms (trust me).
Tip #6 Get Social!
As great as it is having your own personal time in the morning and evening commute, bringing friends along with you can add a level of fun!
Show them new routes and show off your rock hard thighs you’ve been working on (both men and women love rock hard thighs).
If you don’t have any friends, I suggest you try and make some! Maybe try and pick out someone you already know who cycles to work, don’t be shy, I’m sure they’d appreciate a buddy.
Tip #7 Bring A Snack
On a personal note, I always take a snack, always… but if you’re planning on a cycle to work, then having a post cycle snack is a great way to refuel and help build muscle.
I would recommend you take small but nutrient-dense foods. Good snacks include but aren’t limited to; Bananas, Apples (maybe some peanut butter with the apple), watery fruits such as melon (to help hydrate) and if you’re looking to define your calves and quads quicker, then a light protein shake can always do the trick.
Tips #8 Have A Decent Bike
Yes they can be expensive, but bikes are like cars, the better they are from the start, the more reliable they will be and the more enjoyable the journey will be.
You don’t want to go to your bike in the morning, only to find the brakes are loose, the handle is off key and the chains are weak and maybe even rusty.
If your planning on cycling to work 3 times or more a week, I’d highly recommend seeing your bike as an investment, bikes can last you around 10 years, as long as you don’t throw them around, make sure you do your best to avoid potholes.
This 10-year lifespan of a bike can be extended with the correct maintenance, as well as replacing parts that may fail i.e bike chains and wheels.
We do have a great selection of top bikes, and I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t recommend you take a look.
Skip the cheap £100 bikes, they are uncomfortable and don’t last. You and your bike work together, so look after your bike and it’ll look after you!
Tip #9 Bring A Spare Tire Or Puncture Kit
This one is quite simple. The streets can have many objects on them, from glass to loose gravel.
Your tires should be able to handle it most of the time, but occasionally the road may get the better of you. Don’t fear as bike punctures can be easy to fix or replace, as long as you have a small bike pump and tire patches.
If you don’t have a spare tire with you (which is understandable, then make sure you replace it when you get home as the patch is only a short term fix.
Tip #10 Go Out There And Get ‘Em!
This will be all for not if you don’t just do it! Maybe you’re still unsure or nervous to get out there. That’s Ok! It will pay off for you in the long run (or long cycle I guess) as you will notice many benefits in both fitness and mood.
You can go full at it, or build it up over time! The great thing about cycling is that it’s all for you, all the benefits you get from it are for you, you don’t share the hard work you put in with your colleagues and you don’t have to do what your boss says.
This is all about what you want in your 10+ minute ride to and from work. Your effort, your bike, your time, make it yours now.
Go out there and get ‘em!
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