Beginners should pay attention to issues when riding a bicycle

As the pace of people's society and work becomes faster and faster, people are more and more inclined to travel by self-driving, especially by bicycle, which can not only achieve the purpose of exercising, but also achieve The purpose of traveling to appreciate the scenery, why not do it?

So, today I will give you answers to some questions that novices often need to pay attention to when riding a bicycle. Friends who need it Let’s find out with the editor!

1. How to judge whether you are qualified to travel by bicycle?

You don’t have to be as strong as an athlete to be qualified to enjoy cycling. . However, proper exercise is still necessary before riding a bicycle for a long distance. Be realistic and set an achievable exercise goal, such as stipulating that you need to ride XX kilometers with weight each time.

If you have a big plan to travel for more than 15 consecutive days, you should do at least 1-2 2-day weight-bearing cycling exercises within three months before departure. In actual riding, you will find that Identify your own shortcomings and improve accordingly. One of the charms of traveling by bike is that the more you ride, the better you get. (No, come to me)

2. Who will travel by bicycle?

Traveling by bicycle is regardless of occupation, age, gender and region. , the only difference is whether you really want to go. There are many ways to travel by bicycle. You can ride alone, with friends, or join a commercial tour group.

For example, when riding the 318 Sichuan-Tibet Southern Line, you will meet cyclists from all over the world, with various professional backgrounds and personality traits. Appreciating beautiful scenery, meeting interesting travelers, breathing fresh air, and experiencing different cultures are the charms of cycling travel.

Cycling travel is regardless of occupation, age, gender and region. The only difference is whether you really want to go. There are many ways to travel by bicycle. You can ride alone, with friends, or join a commercial tour group.

For example, when riding the 318 Sichuan-Tibet Southern Line, you will meet cyclists from all over the world, with various professional backgrounds and personality traits. Appreciating beautiful scenery, meeting interesting travelers, breathing fresh air, and experiencing different cultures are the charms of cycling travel.

3. How do you know how far you can ride in a day?

How far you can ride in a day depends on your riding method (credit card travel/self-guided travel/backup travel/ Cycling in a group), as well as the characteristics of the road conditions, and how far you want to ride.

The ideal situation is this: able to carry 20 kilograms of equipment, ride about 100km on a smooth road in one day, and still have time to post a selfie and smell the wild flowers on the roadside.

If the equipment you carry is between 20 and 45 pounds, you can further reduce your daily riding distance target to about 80km.

If there are mountains along the way, there are endless climbs, or the road conditions are not very good, or you are riding a mountain bike/small folding bike, the target riding distance can be lowered. In short, due to time, Adapt measures to local conditions.

Of course, experienced travelers can ride further, even 200km a day on flat roads is not a problem. But for most people, it’s better not to make it too hard on yourself.

◎ Set up a rest day every 10 days when you don’t need to ride a bicycle.

◎The weight-bearing equipment should not exceed 45 kilograms.

◎Don’t bury your head in the road and ride foolishly. It’s good to look up occasionally and say hello to the mountains and rivers.

◎Allow a rest day for your trip.

4. Which bike is better to ride?

Although there are travel bicycles designed for long-distance riding, or special customized modifications can be made for bicycle travel, but In fact, many types of bicycles can be used for travel, such as folding bikes, mountain bikes, recumbent bikes, and road bikes

No matter what kind of bike you ride, it is recommended to choose one that is reliable, durable, comfortable to ride, and can change speeds. Suitable for climbing roads. If it is a long-distance ride of more than 1,000km, it is also a plus to be able to install a rack, have fenders, and be compatible with wide tires of 32mm or more.

5. Don’t know where to ride?

Sometimes I am so willful that I want to go for a ride but don’t know where to go - everything is ready, all I need is the destination. What should I do?

◎If it is your first time to ride a bicycle and you are self-guided, it is best to choose a mature route with good road conditions, convenient supplies, and not too much traffic. Priority can be given to any pleasant countryside no more than 500km away from your residence.

◎It depends on whether you like the sea or mountain climbing. If possible, go to Taiwan to see the sea. If you are able, ride the 318 Sichuan-Tibet South Line.

6. Is it safe to ride a bicycle alone?

According to this editor’s riding experience, domestically speaking, the safety factor of riding outside is not much different from that of daily life. more, and it’s easier to feel the kindness of strangers. Of course, just as you may encounter robberies while walking on the road, you should also take basic precautions when riding outside.

It is not recommended for novices to start their first cycling trip alone.

7. Where should you spend the night?

There are generally three ways: camping, couch surfing, and staying in a hotel.

8. How much does it cost to travel by bicycle?

You can save a lot of money by setting up a tent for camping and cooking by yourself. But it’s hard to have a unified answer. Some cyclists rode the U.S. Route 66 this year and spent an average of less than 20 US dollars per day. They mainly spent money on food, and their accommodation was mainly camping + couch surfing. The average daily cost of riding Hainan Island and staying in a hotel is about 200 yuan.

Therefore, when making a budget, you must first confirm the consumption level along the way and your own meal and accommodation plan.

9. Are there any particularities in carrying equipment?

The most common way to carry weight (carrying equipment) is on shelves + panniers. (The method of carrying a trailer is also popular abroad, but it is not very popular in our country.) Speaking of pancake bags that are easier to buy in China, the brands with impressive prices include Ward and Kailang, while the cheaper ones include Doit and Gao Dawei. .

If you are a wealthy and well-connected car enthusiast, please turn right when you go out. Ortlieb, Arkel and other brands are waiting for you. If the riding distance is not too long and the equipment is not too much, you can consider any combination of head bag + frame bag + seat bag.

Understood, everyone must also pay attention to some safety issues, so that you can start your own bicycle trip better. The scenery along the way is infinite, you can stop and go, or you can go all the way. No matter what, it is a very good way to relax!