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Yes, you should become a bicyclist because you want to strengthen your body by using the most efficient means available to transport yourself. You can save money and join a conscientious community in making our planet a healthier place for all. Great choice!

There is too much about bicycling to share in one small article. People who dedicate their whole lives to bicycles see them from totally different perspectives, each equally valid. You will learn what you need to know as you go. The question at hand is "where do you begin?"

Start by closing your eyes. Picture yourself really enjoying a bike ride. Get into your imagination and play with the image. Notice every detail. Now open your eyes and write or draw that vision before you loose it. It's so much easier to get somewhere when you know where you're going.

Who was in your vision with you? People who already cycle, or others who might become cyclists along with you? If you don't know your fellow riders, where might you meet them? Now might be a good time to look for other bicyclists in your area. Try an on-line query for your zip code plus "bicycle." Look for a community bike program near you (http://www.sopobikes.org/comm unity/). Go to the places where you've seen bicyclists and strike up a conversation.

One obvious step to becoming a bicyclist is obtaining a bicycle. Perhaps you already have one you can fix up, at least for your first few rides. Rub it down with a rag to get all the dust and grit off before putting a light coat of oil on the chain. Fill the tires to the pressure designated on the sidewalls with a hand pump. Automotive pumps don't generally work well for bike tires. If you can't read the sidewalls, you'll probably need new tires.

Check the Yellow Pages under Bicycle Repair to find the shops in your region. Even if your intent is to buy a new bicycle, repair is the place to start. You could buy the same components from two shops, only one of which knew how to properly assemble the bike. The bike properly put together will last decades longer than the bike assembled by untrained workers. A good bike shop earns the money you will spend there, if only by giving you excellent advise.

Share your bicycling vision with the experts in your community. They know how to measure the frame to fit your body as well as your expectations. They can help you to choose a bike with the right components to ride the way you want to ride. And, if you're lucky, they will work within your budget, helping you to use sweat equity to put together the bike you need.

Take time to hear several opinions before you commit yourself to a purchase. You're going to spend more time on that bike as you learn to love bicycling. Make your first steps into this enjoyable lifestyle with just enough caution to be sure you'll find each step toward your dream natural and easy. Enjoy the ride!

Learn more about this author, Vernon Huffman.
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