Developing Cycling Skills

Summary: Most people consider bicycles as the first forms of transportation that a child will own. The child might show an interest in cycling because they want to join friends outside and being the owner of a bicycle might just be the thing that they need to fit in with the crowd. As the interest in cycling grows, a child might develop a competitive spirit about racing others on a bike on a street in the neighborhood. As a child develops their cycling skills, some parents may find...

Most people consider bicycles as the first forms of transportation that a child will own. The child might show an interest in cycling because they want to join friends outside and being the owner of a bicycle might just be the thing that they need to fit in with the crowd. As the interest in cycling grows, a child might develop a competitive spirit about racing others on a bike on a street in the neighborhood. As a child develops their cycling skills, some parents may find cause to worry about their safety. They might observe their child performing precarious stunts with the bike without having any safety equipment on to protect vital organs such as their brain and body joints. This type of behavior being performed on a bicycle might worry parents to some degree and lead them to purchase the necessary safety equipment that their child will need to keep safe while exploring all the great things that can be done while riding a bicycle. The parents could join organizations that inspire children to ride bicycles as a sport and not just for fun. They can teach parents to how to shop for bicycles and where the best places are that can build one from the ground up. When participating in a competitive sport such as cycling, the rider will have to mount a bicycle that is perfectly balanced. The rider will have to ensure that the bicycle they use for these competitions is equipped with mechanisms that meet the regulations of the local professional cycling community. A bicycle that is used for racing is not one that can be bought at a mass merchandiser straight off the shelf. It must meet exact specifications as to height, weight and must have the correct number of gears. Cycling on the competitive circuit will require the rider to develop certain disciplines. The rider must learn to develop their bodies and eat foods that provide fuels to keep the body going through a course. The rider must commit many weekends to cycling with a team of other riders who are dedicated to winning each time they mount their cycles. An individual biker will suddenly become part of the team and lose their individuality without being aware that they are doing it. The amateur biker will start training by participating in small races at first. They will learn more about cycling during a weekend trip than anyone would have thought they could learn in a lifetime. A cyclist will learn many techniques as they maneuver their bike on a course. They will learn to guide their bicycle through the maze of other cyclists, and learn when to pedal and when to rest. The cyclist that has the right determination and endurance will usually be in the front of the pack. Over time, the cyclist will learn how to pace themselves and the reasoning behind drinking plenty of fluids during a race. They will learn to be competitive against friends that they have been cycling with for years. They will also learn the value of training for races and how to climb hills when they feel they have no energy left. Their greatest reward will come when they are in front and see the finish line coming up fast in front of them.