As far as I can remember, there weren’t that many cyclists in Singapore up until the Covid-19 pandemic started.
With the on-going pandemic, many of us have started picking up new hobbies, and cycling is one of the most popular one (at least from my personal experience)!
So you head out and buy yourself a beautiful bicycle and you’re looking forward to that scenic ride to Marina Bay Sands on a sunny Saturday afternoon with your family or friends.
But wait! Are you sure you’re adequately prepared?
Cycling
I’ll my best not to bore you with too many details and give you some practical tips which you can implement into your cycling trips to make them even better than they are!
Tip 1. Route Planning
Whether you’re cycling on the roads, park connectors, or pavements, it’s important that you plan out your route before setting off.
First things first is the route you will be taking!
With the convenience of having GPS on our phones, this is an often overlooked part of a cycling trip many new cyclists make and this is why.
Firstly, look out for road or Park Connector closures; you do not want to be in the middle of cycling and only find out that you have to significantly alter your route upon reaching a segment of your route. It’s also important to have a rough understanding of the route so you know which areas tend to be more dangerous due to traffic and road conditions.
Secondly, make sure your route has pit stops along the way for you to replenish your water and fuel up while you’re cycling! This is even more important if you intend to do longer distance rides, as you do not want to be out of water and find yourself unable to get more when you need it. This brings us to our next point– nutrition.
Tip 2. Nutrition
It is recommended that we should consume at least one litre of water for every hour we are on the saddle, so that we do not put ourselves at risk of dehydration.
When it comes to food, try to eat something light before you set off as cycling can be quite a strenuous physical activity. Cycling on an empty stomach may lead to more problems for you during the later parts of your ride, and even your day!
If you intend to have a full meal during your trip, try to have it towards the end or at the end of your trip. You do not want to be riding on a stomach full of food and upset your stomach (not a pleasant experience).
Tip 3. Safety
Last but not least; in fact, arguably the most important point!
Cycling carries it’s own set of risks and there are many things that can go wrong when you cycle.
I’ll spare you the details but make sure you have the following equipment on you when you’re cycling.
1. Helmet
Your head is one of the most important part of your body and taking direct impact to your head without a helmet is something you never want to experience.
2. Lights
a) If you’re cycling during the day time when it’s bright and visibility is high, you can give the lights a skip, but I personally have at least my rear red light on to make myself more noticeable to other vehicles or pedestrians.
b) If you’re cycling during the night time, it is highly recommended for yours and others’ safety that you have both front and rear lights mounted on your bicycle
(Front: White flashing light, Rear: Red flashing light)
There are many other aspects to cycling which can make the experience of cycling more enjoyable such as choice of clothing. But for a start, put on the clothes you feel most comfortable in and enjoy your ride!
Join me in my cycling adventures. Leave me a comment below and let's go for a ride!
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