If you’ve succeeded in your cycling class, or if you use indoor cycling to get through the bitter winter and are looking to transition from cycling class to road riding, you are in the correct place. There’s no need for undue pressure; while the two types of cycling are similar, you need a few tips to make the transition a smooth one. To help ease your nerves and make sure you have the best possible experience, here are some tips for easing into outdoor riding.
Start Slow
Even though you have experience with cycling classes and are familiar with the effort involved, it’s important to remember to start slow when switching to road riding. You don’t want to start with a long ride or one where you have to pedal very fast or hard. A slow ride is ideal for beginners, as it gives you time to adjust and allows you to gradually build up your endurance level. You will notice that factors like terrain and weather make a huge difference in your outdoor ride.
Ride With a Friend or Social Riding Group
One of the best ways to transition from cycle class to road riding is by riding with a friend or social riding group. Riding with others can help you stay motivated, allows you to learn from riders with more experience, and helps you feel safer as a beginner. If you are bringing another new rider along for the journey, share your experience to help make their first bike ride a success.
Depending on where you live, there may be local cycling clubs that offer weekly rides for beginners. If not, take advantage of the community aspect of social media platforms or create your own meet-up group. You’ll find plenty of resources on these platforms, including advice and training tips from experienced road cyclists and other newcomers to the sport.
Develop an Indoor-Outdoor Plan
To continue improving your riding skills, you must develop an indoor-outdoor plan. In other words, figure out which aspects of your class can be replicated outside and which ones can’t or shouldn’t. Train both indoors and outdoors for a few weeks or until you are able to ride outside for every ride.
Prepare Yourself and Your Bike
Before you change your routine, know what you’re getting into.
- Know your body and its limits. If you’re not a cyclist, work on physical conditioning to build strength and endurance.
- Know the terrain you will be riding on, and be prepared for the effort it will take to climb real hills on your bike.
- Train at different times of day when the sun is at different angles; find your perfect ride time, and start a routine.
- If you want to ride in any weather, you may want to invest in waterproof gear and safety accessories that will protect you in inclement conditions.
Hopefully, this has given you some ideas and tools for transitioning from indoor cycling class to road riding. Remember to start slow, ride with a social riding group, develop an indoor-outdoor plan, and ask for assistance if you need help. If you still feel uncertain about making the jump—which is completely understandable if it’s been a while since you rode outside—consider brushing up on advice for sharing the road with vehicles before heading out on your own.