Tips for Taking Up Road Cycling

I started road cycling about three years ago when I signed up for a two-day 125 mile ride through the Texas Hill Country. Before that, I had not been on a bike in five years and only then to ride leisurely around during vacation. Hardly taxing. To be blunt, I had absolutely no idea what I was in for when I signed up for the ride. I simply thought that I could have fun with friends and raise money for a good cause at the same time.

I have never regretted my reintroduction to cycling, although it had more in common with boot camp than a trip to the spa. If I knew then what I know now, I would have geared up a little more slowly and perhaps started with one or two rides a week with friends, and THEN made the foray into organized rides with less strenuous mile options, say 12 or 20 miles. But since I chose the "dive into the pool and hope to swim technique," perhaps others who are contemplating road cycling can learn from my mistakes (um, lessons).

Tips for the beginning cyclist:
1) Talk to friends who cycle to get information about road biking. If you do not have any cycling friends, google for cycling clubs in your local area by searching for "cycling," "clubs|organizations," and the name of your town, for example, "San Antonio". Go to meetings or email members who may suggest informal beginner's rides. These rides may provide beginner tips and information. Also, local shops sometimes rent bikes. That way, you can participate in some informal rides and make sure that cycling is for you before making a big investment.