How to train for cycling without a bike?
While I love cycling, I could not afford the price of an expensive bike. So the question was, how could I still train for cycling, without actually owning a bike?
I have a trike that I can ride and pedal on a road or rough, uneven trail. It does not have gears or brakes, but it does have a brake if I need it.
It’s lightweight, quick to pedal, and can run on battery power, so I can leave it parked in a garage when I don’t need it.
Here are some tips that can be adapted for training on a trike:
- Find a flat, well-lit area where you can ride. It can be outdoors or indoors. You do not have to ride the entire time. Bike riding is usually a fun exercise that is a mix of walking, jogging, or running.
- Find a way to position yourself for comfort so that you can focus on your movements. If your feet are getting tired, adjust the trike footrest. If you can, use your arms to apply pressure on the pedals, instead of your feet. It may feel unnatural at first, but it will feel much better when you are used to it.
- Start slowly at a pace that you can sustain. Be careful, especially when going downhill.
- Do not pedal when you are tired or about to give up. Keep pedaling with the right force.
- Slow down your speed and make sure that you are going at a pace you can handle while keeping your weight balanced.
- Always get help from others if you find yourself in trouble. If you are afraid to be in the woods, you can still get a lift with someone.
- Use hills to strengthen your legs and pedal faster.
- Be a safe cyclist, and always wear a helmet. Wear a bright-colored outfit, and wear reflective tape so that others can see you at night.
- Always be aware of your surroundings, especially when you are alone in the woods. Use a headlight, wear bright colored clothes, and make sure that you are well illuminated.
- Find some nice training rides near your home. These should be around 10 to 20 miles in length, which includes some decent hills.
My trike training aims to keep building my muscles for cycling while keeping my joints soft and robust.
My goal is to be able to ride a standard road bike within the next five years.
I think that if I can ride the trike for exercise and fresh air, I will be more motivated to ride a regular bike for exercise and fresh air.
Your turn, how did you do on my trike training program?
Did you make it to a training ride?
What are your tips and suggestions for those of us who still need to train without a bike?
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