Not to be confused with “Dykes on Bikes. . .”
We love cycling. It is a great way for bear-size folks to get some exercise and it’s easy on the joints. I have cycled the California Coast, Alaska, parts of Canada and through Europe. I wanted to share with you some tips to make your ride enjoyable.
Bicycles come in all sizes, so most riders can almost always find something that fits them. Additionally, most bike shops will assist you in finding the right size. And before you buy, always remember to take the bike for a road test to ensure you’ll be comfortable later.
Gentlemen, you'll want at least 1-2 inches of clearance between the family jewels and the bicycle's top tube, when you are straddling the bike flat-footed. You may also want to raise the handlebars, so that it is within easy reach and you don't feel hunched over. On a long ride, my neck and shoulders give out way before my legs do.
What sort of bike should I get?
You probably don't need a special bike, most weight limits for bicycles go up to 250-300lbs, but you do need a sturdy one. Look for strength rather than lightness of components. I suggest a hybrid, which combines the sturdiness of a mountain bike with the lightness of a road bike. You may also consider a few additions such as a larger seat, which will make your ride more enjoyable.
For shorter folks, kids bikes come with all the components of the larger models, just with a shorter wheel base. Again, you want a bike where when you are in the seating position your toes touch the ground.
Another alternative (although expensive) to consider is a recumbent bicycle. Instead of the traditional riding position, which can put a lot of stress on the shoulders, the recumbent has the rider in a seated position. Keep in mind this is a whole new skill set to learn. It takes a little work to get used to (balancing, learning to steer, etc.), but incumbent riders swear by them and it can be a great solution for those of us whose backs and shoulders aren’t happy in the upright position.
If you haven’t been riding in awhile, you might want to consider these tips:
- Pick a nice quiet area for your first ride. A park setting or a quiet street. Busy streets are hazards waiting to happen. Traffic whizzing by, car doors opening, pot holes, etc.
- Get the right stuff. I strongly recommend a good pair of cycling shorts. The butt is padded (you’ll appreciate that later). A safety helmet protects you in case of a fall. A water bottle – even though you might not realize you’re sweating, it’s is important to keep hydrated.
- Gears are you friends, the more the merrier. Remember when you were little and your banana bike had one gear? Remember the joy of struggling up a hill? Standing on your pedals until you slowed to a crawl and went boom. Not good. Consider a “Granny Gear” which allows for easier pedaling on steeper climbs.
- Avoid clip-ons (at first). When you go shopping for a bike, you will be faced with a myriad of options – racing stripes, streamers, air horn – you know the important stuff. One option presented will be clip-on pedals. Clip-ons make riding easier, but they take some practice. The biggest challenge for beginners is getting in and out of the clip-ons. While you are struggling with them: you aren’t paying attention to traffic, you're busy trying to stop and inevitably you go boom. Again, our motto is we don’t want you to go boom, so postpone this option until you feel comfortable and in control of your ride.
- Get the special seat. Most bikes come with hard skinny little seats. Ugh!! I highly recommend you upgrade to a more recreational seat that includes a wider seat with more cushioning. Men and women have different needs in this department (you figure it out) and thus seats are made to accommodate these concerns. There are many options out there; your local bike shop will understand these concerns. There are many options out there; your local bike shop will understand these concerns. For the less petite, you might even want to try a special wider seat, actually 2 separate pads with independent tilting action and large, foam cushioned pads. Some bicycle stores sell these seats now, or you can get them from Brookstone or Hanover House.
As with anything, start out slow, don’t over do it and enjoy your adventure. Then we’ll see you on next year’s Team Bear Adventure down the California Coast. Oh, it’s easy – it’s all down hill . . .
