My life on two wheels

In the past year and a half my father, my older brother, and I have picked up the sport of cycling at three different times for three different reasons. My father picked up the sport for fitness and personal health purposes and my brother for an affinity for mountain biking. For myself, I had always been fascinated with bikes after it took me two years and a few accidents to finally get on two wheels as a child.

Throughout my childhood, after finally losing the training wheels, I biked everywhere in my neighborhood. Growing up in Pittsburgh provided many hills, which meant reaching top speeds after a long trek to the top.

In late middle school and high school I was without a bike for quite some time. I had outgrown the bike I used in my youth, and was more fascinated with team sports and golf than going on a Saturday afternoon bike ride. After my high school graduation, however, I decided a bike would be beneficial for getting around campus and Greensboro.

In the summer of 2007 I purchased an Iron Horse mountain bike. My cycling career began to take shape. Throughout my freshman year at UNCG I was involved in many bike accidents on campus. All of which were my fault. For details, shoot me an email and I will be happy to tell you.

After a year and a half with my mountain bike I decided it was time for a change, and in February 2009 I traded in my mountain bike for a road bike.

From early spring to late fall I biked just under 1,800 miles, the equivalent of driving from Greensboro to Albuquerque, New Mexico.

It took me about three months to decide on a bike. I searched Craigslist, used bike shops, new bike outlets, expert online reviews, and professional magazines. By the end of my search I was confident that the bike I purchased was the bike for me.

One of the common misconceptions about cycling is that you need all of the “gear” to pick up the sport. This is not the case. There are three essentials for cycling: Bicycle, helmet, as well as tail and headlights.

The spandex shorts, jersey, computer, shoes, $300 sunglasses, and other accessories are not necessary for a beginning cyclist.

I will admit that over the course of the summer I slowly acquired much of the gear listed above. In the summer, especially in August, I started riding every day, which quickly resulted in a very sore rear end. Two pair of spandex padded bike shorts solved this problem.

I also researched and acquired a pair of cycling shoes in August. Cycling shoes are truly not very expensive. I paid slightly over $120 for my pair of Shimano SPD’s.

Cycling shoes provide a better workout for the cyclist, as you clip the shoe into the pedals. No longer are you just pushing down on the pedals, but pulling up at the same time. This allows for more “power the pedal,” resulting in a fuller workout for the cyclist.

When it comes to bike pumps and tools, there is a wide variety of options for one to choose from. Personally I acquired three $30 or less pumps before finally buying the $50 high-end option. The first three all broke or were defective from the start.

For tools, cheaper is often better. I recently purchased a 9-tool set that conveniently fits either in a pocket or pouch. The tool cost me a mere $5 and can adjust nearly everything I need on my bike on a ride.

Preparation for a ride is simple. First, check your tires for air. Usually tires for a road bike hold between 100 and 120 PSI. I keep mine at about 110. Second, check your chain. Make sure your gears shift correctly and efficiently. Finally, check your brakes. Make sure the front and back breaks work properly.

As far as energy goes, the best thing that cycling has offered me is that it has forced me to maintain a healthy diet.

Typically I ride in the afternoons after classes, so a healthy breakfast and light lunch are necessary. Fruit and carbohydrates for breakfast, and water with almonds and an apple or banana for lunch is sufficient and provides energy for hours.

Cycling, for me, is my passion. The freedom of the road is a feeling that I can not fully convey into words. Exhilarating is the best word I can find.

Next week I will conclude my two-part series on cycling with a workout plan and more advice for those looking to begin cycling.