by Nicky W. Small

Created on: November 15, 2009

The kids are nagging you to go for a bike ride with them, or you would like to go for a bike trip with your family or friends. Or maybe you just would like to change your lifestyle into a healthier one and cycle to work every day. No matter what the real reason is, if you haven't ridden a bike since you were a child you will have to make sure that you start slowly to get back to cycling again.

Most of us have some nice childhood memories of riding a bike with friends on long summer days. If you have ever enjoyed riding a bike you will get into the swing of biking again. If you don't have a dusty old bike hidden somewhere in you garage waiting for a face-lift you might want to start with buying a new bike. You should know before you buy it, what would you like to use it for. Weekend trips with your family, cycling with your kids in the local park, or do you want to cycle to work every day? You don't have to get an expensive one even for everyday use but make sure you get a good quality one. Avoid the very cheap kinds with weak frame and uncomfortable seat. You should buy bicycle in a bike shop where probably the shop assistant will help you to choose the best one for your needs. In the special bicycle shop they will help you to choose the right size as well as the right construction. You will need a few accessories as well and then you are ready to go.

If you haven't ridden for many years it is advisable to start somewhere away from traffic where you can get to know your new bike. If you are planning to ride longer distance, for example cycle to work, you should start cycling every day a little bit in your neighborhood. You should increase a distance slowly, day by day. Soon you will get not just tiredness but the pleasant feeling what you had when you were a kid. Go for a day trip outside of your town at the weekend you will feel tired but happy after a great day spent outside.

If you are planning to change your lifestyle and cycle to work every day instead of driving you might need more time to get back to cycling. Choose your route carefully, try to go on less busy roads and make sure you know how long it will take you to get to work. You will be surprised when you notice how much more you can see while you cycle and it is less annoying than sitting in a car in traffic. You might get to work sooner by bike! If you normally take public transport to work you can save on tickets and you can avoid the crowd by pedaling to work.

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