Most people think that once they hit 50, the age of cycling is gone. On the contrary, riding a bike at 50 should be as simple as at age 15. If you are not physically fit you may find riding a bit challenging at first.
However, if you are fit, riding a bike should not be a big problem. You can learn how to ride your bike at 50 and enjoy the sport like everyone else.
Unfortunately, you may not be able to participate in national and international biking competitions. However, you will enjoy cycling for fun and if you feel strong enough you can join local competitions.
If you have never cycled and do not exercise regularly, it will take some time before you can cycle perfectly. You need to start by warming your body to the activities. At age 50, your energy levels are considerably low.
You need to take time to try and activate your muscles and bones by jogging around before you hop on to the bike. However, once you start cycling, you will realize it is not a big deal. Here are steps to follow if you are starting cycling at 50.
Step 1 Get The Right Bike
Maybe you have your 80s bike just lying around and you feel like taking it out again. That may not be a very good idea.
There are incredible bike’s in the market right now, that are designed with comfort and performance in mind.
You may not be able to enjoy the energy levels you had in your 20s. If you are starting cycling at 50, it is advisable to get the right bike. Buy a comfortable bike with a low center of gravity for easy balancing. Preferably, the bike should have wide tires for shock absorption and high rise handles so that you can sit upright as you ride.
Do not buy a bike with so many gears, you need a bike that is easy to pedal and can accelerate without much effort. Make sure you take your bike on a road test before buying it.
Most stores allow bike testing before purchasing. Of course, some features may not match your desire. You will have to compromise on one thing or another. However, ensure that the bike offers absolute comfort before purchasing it.
Step 2 Customize Your Bike
After purchasing your bike, you need to customize it for comfortable riding. You can change a few aspects of the bike such as the saddle and the height of the handles.
Buy a saddle that is more comfortable for you. You can go for high tech fabric seat covers to help wick away the moisture as you cycle. You should also keep the design in mind while customizing the saddle. Buy one with gel pads and a wide surface area to increase your comfort on the bike.
You can go for the noseless saddle or any other seat that helps reduce pressure on the perineum. As you age, exerting pressure on your prostate area may cause health complications. When customizing your bike, make sure you test every new addition.
Test the saddle and ensure that you are comfortable before buying. You can attach the saddle to the bike and ride it for a few minutes. Testing will help you make informed choices regarding seats and the positioning of your handles.
Step 3. Buy The Right Gear
Do not hop on to your bike without the right gear. Cycling gear will help you attain flexibility and offer protection in case of an accident. You can purchase most of the necessary biking essentials at a local sportswear shop.
Buy a jersey made with quick-drying fabric with vents. Underarm vents are essential to help you have a regular flow of fresh air. Your cycling shorts, on the other hand, should be made of stretchy anti-moisture fabric.
It is advisable to use shorts with a padded liner made of gel form to help fight bacterial growth. The pad also helps protect the groin from shock when riding for long hours. There are different short designs to choose from.
Whether you are a man or a woman, you should consider the designs cut for both men and women. Pick a short depending on your body shape, waistline, and its flexibility. Try on men and women shorts equally to determine the one that works for your body shape.
Step 4 Get Your Body Fit
Starting cycling at 50 after many inactive years can drain your energy. The secret is to just keep going, the more you ride the better you endurance will get.
You can improve your overall endurance and cycling performance by doing some light weight workouts in the gym. and try slow jogging on the treadmill to get your body ready.
You can also jog around your neighborhood during morning and evening hours. Make sure you feel strong and fresh before you start cycling.
Step 5 Check Your Diet
It is important to ensure that you have enough energy before you start cycling. If you want to cycle for long hours, nutrition is key.
However, if you are cycling for weight loss, avoid high-calorie foods. You can add high carb foods for the first few days just to get your body used to the routine. As you get used to riding, take a steady break from high-calorie foods so that your body can start burning fats.
Step 6 Develop Your Cycling Routine
When you start cycling at 50, there is always the risk of falling back. A break from your routine may mean that you start all over again.
Once you have your bike in order and you are ready to start cycling, take it slow.
Start by taking short distances around your home. Preferably, you should have a friend around. As you get used to it, create a routine that will help you stay true to the cause.
Bottomline
Cycling at 50 is not as hard as you may think. It is very possible and can be fun even if you have never tried cycling before. However, before you start cycling, you need to ensure that you are in the right state of physicality. You also need to get a customized bike that does not strain your body. If you follow the above steps, you will be on your way to happy cycling at 50.