by Clarissa Hartley

Ever catch yourself yearning for a more exhilarating approach to keeping fit? Trading your traditional jog around the neighborhood for a stirring adventure on a bicycle might just be the delightful challenge you’ve been seeking.

Picture this, my dutifully removing congealed infant food from my offspring’s tiny jaws while my husband, gloriously sheathed in his fitted cycling outfit, made his grand exit, destined for a picturesque trip around the Surrey hills. A stark contrast to my subsequent regurgitation of a quick jog round the block.

Don’t get me wrong, running has its merits. It’s efficient, requires minimal gear, and allows you to easily fit in a workout within an hour. However, the prospect of a leisurely solo morning on a bicycle, a chance to stop for a cake-laden rest and a sip of coffee far surpassed running in terms of appeal. Can we just pause and appreciate the generous allocation of childcare responsibilities?

So, in enamored expectancy, I got myself a bicycle, learned to master cleats and swiftly joined a club. While the initial incentive was to snag a little getaway from the relentlessness of domestic duties, I quickly found that there was a deeper, whispering undercurrent to this bicycling business that kept me coming back.

I have fostered meaningful relationships, experienced a unique sense of achievement that only cycling provides, found solutions to problems, and traced the contours of emotional catharsis. Cycling, in short, became my escape, my stability, my ecstasy. The physical benefits abound, and your knees might even throw you a thank you party. But, truly, there is an enormous wealth of joy in speeding downhill with the wind at your back and the sun acquiescing to light your way.

‘So where would one start on such a two-wheeled journey?’ I hear you ask. Well, I’ve done a bit of the leg work so you don’t have to. I spoke to a panel of experienced female cyclists who graciously detailed their cycling newborn stage.

Your route to cycling proficiency may start with a simple hybrid bike, padded shorts and gloves, conducive for quiet country roads. Learning to navigate cleats, handling gears, and building endurance will then ensue, with opportunities for improvement each time you mount your bike.

Step right into a dedicated bike shop when you’re ready for an upgrade. Trying out different kinds of saddles can lend a significant amount of comfort to your long rides. Getting your bicycle tailored to your frame before spending heaps is also advisable.

The key to successful cycling lies in calculated preparation. Staying informed, using resources such as specialist websites, and receiving recommendations from seasoned cyclists can be transformative for your experience. Being safety conscious, adopting gradual confidence while sharing the road, and joining a club sooner rather than later are also essential in this journey.

And what of the rewards, both physical and mental? According to the wonderful women I spoke to, cycling provides an excellent cardio workout without the stress on your joints, complimented by a priceless feeling of clearing the mind, allowing any personal issues to slip away. It can be particularly helpful during challenging times, like lockdowns.

So, when the sun decides to grace us with its presence, why not trade your running shoes for cleats and marvel at the beautiful world from the comfort of your bike’s saddle? As the old adage asserts: ‘You can’t purchase happiness, but a bicycle…comes hideously close.’

cycling, fitness, women’s fitness, mental health, adventure, new experiences, lifestyle, wellbeing, escape, rhythm, headspace, cardio workout, joy, bicycling, bicycle journey, hybrid bike, long rides.