Cycling is a key interest for me,the health benefits are very clear to see but it also can make you feel better about yourself and after a long ride in the saddle as it gives you a real sense of achievement.I would like to start by telling you how and why i started cycling in the first place.As a 30 something i suddenly realized that i was not getting the exercise i should and that the weight was slowly starting to appear...especially around the waistline!
Running has never really appealed to me and neither have gyms and the last time i rode a bike was nearly 20 years ago.My first thoughts where "its about time i looked into getting a bike,start loosing some weight" so around 6 years ago in 2005 i visited my local Halfords store.Most of the bikes where mountain or off road bikes but i wanted a racing bike,i had one in my youth and loved the ease at which i could ride for miles,the thin wheels and drop handlebars made the miles disapear with ease where as a mountain bike on the road with its big chunky tyres and sit up riding position didnt hold much appeal.
After much research on the internet and several trips to my local bike shop aswell as halfords i went for this...a carrera vanquish,£400 from halfords.I remember collecting it on a friday morning,putting it in the back of my car and driving off to the sea front in Seaton Carew,a warm fleece and thick gloves put on and away i went,first time on a bike in 20 years and......................i didnt fall off lol.Phew!
That first ride was surprising because it felt so natural and easy,admittadly i just took my time getting used to the brakes and gears and the way the carrera handled but it felt great to ride..and really easy too.Anyway after 20 minutes or so i was content and as i only wanted to slowly build my self up i called it a day.
For the following month because the weather was dry i got out on the bike 4 or 5 times a week,happy to ride at 30 to 60 minute intervals and building up a sweat,i could tell i was getting a reasonable work out as my legs would ache after a day or two....but that was to be expected.
A couple of worthwhile additions to any road bike are a wireless cycle computer and some "clip in" pedals.The computer was invaluble as it calculated my distance,time,speed etc which i found very usefull.The pedals though where recomeneded by a friend,they are odd because as the description goes you "clip into"them.At first i thought what if i cant release my foot at a junction or traffic lights........bang!! i fall over lol but after practising in my shed just clipping in and out it came quite easy thankfully.They really are great though as when you power through the pedal strokes all that energy is being used to the full effect.The shoes and pedals are from Shimano,a well known and respected brand even when i was a child i knew about and i have to say they served me well.From lycra leggings and bike specific jackets and jerseys theses are all items that i would eventually wear because not only do they feel so comfortable to wear but they wick away sweat from the body and keep me feeling refreshed,i will talk about theses items aswell as my favourite cycle helmets and glasses in another blog post.
So for three years the Carrera Vanquish served me well,i would regulary ride between 10 and 25 miles 3 or 4 times a week,my weight seemed to just drop off me which was amazing,i changed my diet eating more salads and fresh fruit and veg too and it really was a change for the better.But in 2008 i fancied a change,a new bike was on the cards.The Carrera had been great,it served me well but i fancied something lighter and a bit more special.Time to look about and see whats on offer.
Believe me things get even better as i discovered the wonders of Italian carbonfibre cycle manufacturers,i will show more in my next blog.Many thanks for reading.
So for three years the Carrera Vanquish served me well,i would regulary ride between 10 and 25 miles 3 or 4 times a week,my weight seemed to just drop off me which was amazing,i changed my diet eating more salads and fresh fruit and veg too and it really was a change for the better.But in 2008 i fancied a change,a new bike was on the cards.The Carrera had been great,it served me well but i fancied something lighter and a bit more special.Time to look about and see whats on offer.
Believe me things get even better as i discovered the wonders of Italian carbonfibre cycle manufacturers,i will show more in my next blog.Many thanks for reading.
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