Cycling tips

If the first few minutes of every ride feel stiff, heavy or uncomfortable, you're not alone. Most beginners assume it's because they're not fit enough, but that's rarely the real reason. More often than not, it's simply because they've asked their body to go from sitting still to riding a bike without giving it any time to wake up. The good news is that warming up doesn't need to be complicated.

Post-bike ride stretches are simple static stretches performed after cycling to reduce muscle tightness, improve flexibility and help your body recover. Whether you've just finished an easy recovery spin or a long day in the saddle, spending five or ten minutes stretching while your muscles are still warm can leave you feeling noticeably looser and more comfortable later in the day, and often the morning after too.

If you've ever reached the bottom of a climb and wondered how you're going to get to the top, you're not alone. Every cyclist has ridden a hill that felt harder than expected, whether it was a local climb or a famous mountain pass.

“You just didn’t drink enough,” he said, as he handed me a bottle of Gatorade and an ice pack for my throbbing head. And he was right. I was so taken by the thrill of the ride and the glorious country views that I forgot to sip regularly. Dehydration got the best of me.

Tight hips in cycling happen when the muscles around the front, side and back of the hip lose useful range of motion, usually because riders spend long periods in a flexed riding position. For cyclists, this can show up as hip-flexor tightness, lower-back discomfort, knee irritation, poor glute engagement, poor posture on the bike or a loss of comfort later in longer rides.

The old adage, "Hope for the best, and be prepared for the worst," is a wise approach to packing for rides. Just as you would pack a raincoat if there's a chance of rain, you should carry a cycling first aid kit just in case you or someone in your group has an accident.

The guilt and FOMO used to hit me like a brick every time I would turn down an outdoor ride in favour of my smart trainer. But sometimes, climbing aboard my trainer makes a lot more sense than meandering the rolling hills in my rural hometown.

A power meter measures how much power you produce while riding, shown in watts. Unlike speed, which changes with wind, gradient and road surface, power tells you how much work your body is doing at that moment.

Riding through winter is entirely achievable with the right approach. A few practical changes to your preparation, gear and mindset can make cold weather riding safer, more enjoyable, and far more consistent.