It's About the Ride, Your Best Ride

A small group is about to head out for a 30-mile ride on a rail trail. © Lloyd Lemons

I got a little nostalgic on this one

I’ve been an avid road cyclist for 20-years. A little over three years ago I had my fourth spinal fusion surgery. That long recovery time, combined with a few other medical issues in the interim, kept me off my bike for a while. I’m doing pretty well now, and I recently dusted off the Trek and the Serotta and found myself back in the saddle.

It was awesome! It’ll take some time, but I’ll get my legs back.

I used to write a blog called Cycling Nirvana. After my ride the other day I was going over some of the posts I wrote. I decided to reshare the one that follows.

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Ask a dozen cyclists what they like most about cycling, and you’ll get a dozen different answers. But, as time goes on, and their experience deepens, their answers will often change. That’s another great thing about cycling: It sort of evolves with you. As you become more seasoned, the act of riding a bicycle morphs into something different that you often love even more. The more you ride, the more you’ll love to ride.

What resonates with you?

A friend of mine, a long-time cyclist in his 70s, once told me that cycling can be whatever you want it to be. Want to race? Then race! There are races for every age. Ride for fitness. Ride long distances. Ride in the mountains or along the beach. Or ride simply because when you’re on your bike, the air seems fresher, colors more vibrant, and you feel more alive. Your bike can be a source of enjoyment in so many ways and on so many levels.

Out for a sunny Sunday afternoon with a ride along the river. © Lloyd Lemons

Make your ride the best ride

Explore the cycling culture in your town. You might find a great bunch of people to ride with. Are they cyclists you can relate to? Fitness-wise? Age-wise? Style-wise? Try a ride or two with them to see if they’re a good fit. If you don’t care for big rides or big groups, go solo and do your own thing.

Know your bike

Become “one with the bike”. I’ve known many cyclists who love their bikes so much, they name them. But seriously, is your bike comfortable to ride? Make sure it fits you well. You should know it well enough to fix a flat or make minor repairs or adjustments if something happens on a ride.

Develop riding confidence

Confident cycling comes from experience and understanding the rules of the road. It’s important to know how you and your vehicle (the bike) can safely co-exist with the other vehicles on the road. Experience also builds good bike-handling skills.

I’ve just written a little booklet on safe road cycling. Check it out.

Preparedness is also key to confident cycling. Carry with you the things necessary for your trip: a multi-tool, a food bar, hydration, a spare inner tube, spare cash, or whatever you think might become necessary if there’s a delay in the ride.

Make it a memorable ride

In the early stages, you should know where you’re riding to, a destination, a neighboring town, or around your community. Later, when you have more experience, it’s really fun to explore. Let your adventuresome spirit carry you along to less charted courses. Take in the sights and sounds and smells of the planet as it goes by, and use your camera to capture it.

Share your ride with others. Post a short ride story with a photo or two on your favorite social media. You’ll be delighted to see how many friends will respond with favorable comments.

Cycling can be an awesome escape! Make it an adventure. Make it part of your lifestyle. But beware. It can be highly addictive. Always remember: When you’re on your bike, it’s about the ride, your best ride.