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Cycling 101: Beginner Mistakes And How To Avoid Them

admin June 6, 2024 0Comments

Cycling is not only a fantastic form of exercise but also a great way to explore your surroundings and connect with nature. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just starting out, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can hinder your enjoyment and progress. In this guide, we’ll highlight some of the most common beginner mistakes in cycling and provide practical tips on how to avoid them, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable riding experience.

Skipping Bike Fit: One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is neglecting to get a proper bike fit. Riding a bike that isn’t adjusted to your body can lead to discomfort, pain, and even injury. Before hitting the road, invest in a professional bike fitting session to ensure that your bike is set up correctly for your body size and riding style. A properly fitted bike will enhance your comfort, efficiency, and overall performance.
Ignoring Safety Gear: Safety should always be a top priority when cycling. Many beginners make the mistake of overlooking the importance of wearing appropriate safety gear. Always wear a properly fitted helmet to protect your head in case of falls or accidents. Additionally, invest in high-visibility clothing and reflective gear to make yourself more visible to other road users, especially when riding in low-light conditions. Don’t forget to equip your bike with lights and reflectors for added visibility.
Overlooking Bike Maintenance: Regular bike maintenance is essential for keeping your bike in optimal condition and ensuring a smooth ride. Neglecting maintenance tasks such as cleaning, lubricating, and inspecting your bike can lead to mechanical issues and premature wear and tear. Get into the habit of performing basic maintenance checks before each ride, such as checking tire pressure, inspecting brakes and gears, and ensuring that all bolts are tightened properly. Regularly servicing your bike at a local bike shop will also help prevent major problems down the road.
Starting Too Fast, Too Soon: Many beginners make the mistake of pushing themselves too hard and trying to tackle long distances or steep climbs right from the start. This can lead to fatigue, frustration, and burnout, making it harder to stick with cycling in the long run. Instead, start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your rides as your fitness level improves. Listen to your body and don’t be afraid to take breaks when needed. Setting realistic goals and tracking your progress can help you stay motivated and avoid overexertion.
Poor Pedaling Technique: Proper pedaling technique is crucial for maximizing your efficiency and power output while cycling. Many beginners make the mistake of relying too much on their quads and neglecting to engage their glutes, hamstrings, and core muscles. Focus on maintaining a smooth and circular pedaling motion, applying consistent pressure throughout the entire pedal stroke. Experiment with different gears and cadences to find the most comfortable and efficient pedaling rhythm for your riding style and terrain.

Cycling is a rewarding and enjoyable activity that offers numerous physical and mental benefits. By avoiding these common beginner mistakes and following the tips outlined in this guide, you can enhance your cycling experience and make the most of your time on the bike. Remember to prioritize safety, invest in proper equipment, and listen to your body as you embark on your cycling journey. With practice and perseverance, you’ll soon be cruising confidently on two wheels, exploring new routes, and achieving your cycling goals. Happy riding!

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Urban Commuter Cycling Safety

LCBS Editor June 17, 2016 0Comments

Cycling Is One of The Best Ways To Get Around

Riding a bicycle is one of the best ways to get around town. We know that it is very efficient, that it costs very little money and it can help you get in shape. It is no wonder that more and more people are deciding to ride a bicycle to commute on a daily basis. You see more and more people in urban environments choosing to ride a bicycle than to use cars or even take public transportation. You might be one of these people who have decided to cycle instead of taking a car or public transportation. You might be aware of all the things that come with making this decision but we’ll talk about it anyway.
It Can Be Dangerous

The first thing that you have to realize is that cycling can be very dangerous. It is true, many motorists do not pay attention to people on bicycles. Bicycles can easily fit into the background and that makes them easy to hit. When you ride your bicycle as your main form of transportation you should be aware of all drivers at all times. You should also make sure that you are very visible to them. You should give cars the right of way as often as you can because this can prevent injury. Every year hundreds of bicyclists are killed each year on the roads. Please do not be one of them.
Ways To Make It Safer

There are many ways to make riding a bicycle safer in an urban environment. The first way that you can make cycling a lot safer is by making yourself as visible as possible. That could include wearing reflective clothing, having reflectors on your bicycle, having reflective lights on the frame of your bicycle, having brake lights and headlights on your bicycle. You also have to learn how to make proper decisions that can keep you out of harm’s way. That means not riding aggressively, being patient, knowing that cars can not accurately guess the speed that a bicycle is going.
Way To Make It Comfortable

You will stay committed to riding your bicycle every day as your primary way of commuting if it is as comfortable as possible. This starts with having the proper seat for riding in an urban environment. You need to see that it’s very comfortable, that is has a gel cushion, that the seat has suspension, that it has springs. You can also purchase a spring-loaded seats stem that will take the load off of your seat. You can also invest in front shocks that can take some of the impact for riding around town. You also need Creature Comforts such as fans, body heaters and things that can make riding in the elements a lot more comfortable. You should also have a safety bag that has a poncho and other weather equipment that can protect you.
Putting It All Together

Make sure that you have all the right equipment, that you take the right precautions and that you figure out what you need to be comfortable when riding in an urban environment.

Cape Town is a biker’s heaven. It is considered one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world. From scenic mountain routes to wide open spaces surrounded by nature, there are amazing cycling routes that suit all skills and fitness levels. The city’s natural environment is abundant with single tracks, switchbacks, jeep tracks, and tarmac roads to suit everyone from the leisure cyclist to the technical rider. Some of these cycling routes are on the outskirts of the city, while others will take a bit of driving to get to. Here are some of the amazing cycling routes in Cape Town.

Table Mountain

The Table Mountain offers some of the best and most accessible cycling and mountain biking trails in the city. The terrain in Table Mountain is often steep and unforgiving. An extensive trail network stretches from the Western Seaboard, via Signal Hill and Table Mountain right to Newlands forest and Constantia Nek. There are several access points and dozens of loops that can keep you busy for hours on end. The trails vary from exposed single track and rock gardens to gentle jeep tracks that take you through the cool shade of indigenous forest Afromontane forests. You can pick up a Table Mountain MTB map from a local bike shop, Cape Town tourism office or the Table Mountain National Park visitor center.

Signal Hill

Signal Hill technically falls under Table Mountain National Park. This flat-topped hill situated next to Lion’s Head has a number of mountain biking trails. There are several single and jeep track trails leading to either side of Signal Hill. Most tracks except the Big Easy are Intermediate to Expert. The Big Easy is by far the best and easiest way to access Signal Hill. The tracks are signposted and fairly easy to recognize. A trail map is also available at the gate at the top of the roller-coaster next to the monument.

Sea Point Promenade Meander

The Sea Point Promenade is one of Cape Town’s favorite places to cycle, walk and play. This 7-kilometer scenic beach-front route is mostly paved and completely flat and is suitable for all levels of fitness. The Seapoint Promenade runs the length of Sea Point’s beachfront, from Bantry Bay to Mouille Point where it connects to Green Point Urban Park. This cycling route starts at the Up Cycles bicycle rental station and runs along the coastline, passing bustling play parks, fascinating public art, and other recreational activities. We suggest that you go slow when cycling in the early mornings and evenings as this area can be quiet busy.

Tokai Forest

Tokai Forest in the city’s southern suburbs is one of the most popular cycling destinations in Cape Town. There are several cycling trails through the dense forest and along exposed jeep tracks that offer something for all skill levels. Whether you are looking for a soft cycle or something more extreme, Tokai forest offers it all. All routes are mostly gravel roads, but you can choose single tracks from a number of different routes depending on your riding ability and confidence. Tokai Forest is not only popular for its amazing cycling trails, it is also popular for bird watching, hiking, and horse riding.

Chapman’s Peak Drive

Chapman’s Peak is renowned as one of the most scenic marine drives in the world. It stretches from Hout Bay to Noordhoek. This picturesque 9-kilometer mountain road is winding up and down along the Atlantic Coast with 114 curves. The route can be strenuous with its many twists but it is very scenic and can be enjoyed also by amateur riders. Chapman’s Peak Drive also has numerous vantage points and picnic spots where you can enjoy fantastic views over Hout Bay.

Kruger National Park, covering nearly 2 million hectares of protected areas, is the largest game reserve in South Africa. Known for its natural beauty and diverse and flourishing wildlife, the Kruger National Park offers the ultimate safari experience in South Africa.

To the west of the Kruger National Park is the Greater Kruger National Park which refers to the over twenty private reserves offering exclusive African safari experience within the 180,000-hectare area. The borders of Kruger National Park and Greater Kruger National Park are unfenced, allowing the animals to freely roam around the reserves.

There are a number of private game reserves in Greater Kruger National Park which offer private, stylish, and luxurious accommodations. These private game reserves range from old-colonial to ultra-modern style with sophisticated and high-standard services for a comfortable and memorable African safari experience. Here are the top private game reserves in the Greater Kruger National Park.

Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve

Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve is one of the parks that make up the Greater Kruger National Park. Located in the southwestern section of the Kruger National Park, this 66,000-hectare is known for being one of the most game-rich areas in the country with its unrivaled Big Five game viewing, coupled with the best safari lodges in South Africa. This private game reserve incorporates the Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, Mala Mala Reserve, Lion Sands Game Reserve, Djuma Game Reserve, Ulusaba Private Game Reserve, Londolozi Private Game Reserve and Singita Game Reserve. The Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge is an ideal destination if you are looking for an eco-friendly safari getaway. Another is the Ulusaba Safari Lodge which offers a magnificent tree-house style accommodation with a world-renowned wellness spa. And if you are looking for a child-friendly lodge, the Londolozi Founders Camp offers a luxurious modern-colonial style experience with activities specially designed around families and children. The Sabi Sands Game Reserve is open year-round to give you an authentic African safari experience.

Timbavati Private Game Reserve

Another private game reserve in the Greater Kruger National Park is the Timbavati Game Reserve which is a 65,000-hectare reserve alongside Kruger’s central section. The name ‘Timbavati’ means “the place where something sacred came down to Earth from the Heavens”, referring to the rare white lions which Timbavati is known for. Timbavati includes the Motswari Game Reserve, Ngala Game Reserve, Tanda Tula Game Reserve and Umlani Game Reserve. This private game reserve offers outstanding game viewing and superb safari lodges offered in colonial style game lodges, traditionally thatched bush lodges, and luxury tented safari camps. The Umlani Bushcamp is rustic safari camp consisting of traditional Shangaan reed and thatch huts that provide simplistic luxury for groups of friends or families. Timbavati Private Game Reserve has fewer camps and fewer people, and the rates are generally friendlier than those of Sabi Sands.

Thornybush Game Reserve

Bordered in the north and west by Timbavati Private Game Reserve, is 11,500-hectare open savannah woodland with patches of a tangled thicket and thorny scrub, the Thornybush Private Game Reserve. There are only six privately owned luxury lodges in the reserve which offer exclusivity and a superb safari experience. Like the Chapungu Luxury Tented Camp which offers colonial safari style in luxury tented accommodation. The Royal Malewane Luxury Safari Lodge is an exclusive getaway for those who value privacy, personalized service and some of the best game viewing in Africa. The Thornybush Game Lodge is a 5-star accommodation perfect for families with children.

Kapama Private Game Reserve

Kapama Private Game Reserve in the Greater Kruger National Park comprises 13,000 hectares of sweeping wilderness. It offers the perfect sanctuary for a wide variety of wildlife as both the Kapama River and the Klaserie River flow through the reserve, creating an area of riverine forest amidst sweeping savannah. Kapama’s four luxurious camps offer an escape for nature lovers. River Lodge is festive year-round, Buffalo Camp delights with its old-world feel, Karula is elegantly breathtaking, and the Southern Camp offers warmth and hospitality.

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Cycling Safety

Cycling 101: Beginner Mistakes And How To Avoid Them

Urban Commuter Cycling Safety

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