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Beginning Cycling Tips

Riding with a significant other is almost like being part of a professional cycling team: You need to figure out
each other’s strengths and weaknesses in order to succeed. But with a little guidance from you and even more

patience--um, also from you--your significant other can become a cyclist too.

Recall Have A Plan Agree To Disagree

Your Mistakes Think of the Do a series of rides that You and your spouse may
things you didn't know when will slowly increase the new have different levels of aerobic
you started cycling, and the cyclist’s confidence, skill and power. One way to deal with
mistakes you made. Most like- fitness. When introducing this is to let the weaker rider
ly, you're still learning, too. clipless pedals, for instance, draft behind the stronger one.
do 30-minute practice sessions On long climbs, the faster rid-
in a parking lot or field, fo- er can ride ahead and wait at
cusing on clipping in and out the top--or double back down
before you hit the road. the hill to pace the other rider.

Get Inside

Their Heads Keep It Simple Take It Slow

If you’re the stronger cyclist,
Avoid the temptation to
When you are working with these rides should feel easy
new riders, try to understand correct every mistake your to you; don’t expect to get a
where they’re coming from. partner makes. Pick a specific workout. Take more breaks
Are they intimidated by traffic theme for each ride--for than you think your partner
or by riding close to others? example, drafting--so that needs. One of my coaches al-
Do they have fitness from an- you can focus on one skill at a ways talked about TTT, which
other sport that might transfer time, and build confidence by stands for team time trial. But
to the bike? providing positive reinforce- he meant it as an acronym for
Have they used shifters ment. lf the weaker rider draft “things take time”--something
http://freeandsingle.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/cycling-couple.jpg questions and listen to the top--or double back down the
behind the stronger one. On
I appreciate much more now
before? Do their bikes have
long climbs, the faster rider
than when I was a neo-pro.
the correct gearing to pedal
can ride ahead and wait at the
up most climbs? Ask these
hill to pace the other rider.
responses. Your partner will

usually tell you if he or she is
ready to try something new, or
has had enough learning for
the day. Sometimes, it’s good
just to ride easy and enjoy the
scenery.

fuse COUPLES HEALTH & FITNESS 6 | August 2014