Biking is a growing interest among individuals of all ages. In a period of five years, (2006-2011) Ohio’s bike commuters in Cleveland, Columbus, Akron, Toledo and Cincinnati increased 43 percent, according to numbers found on Governing Magazine. But before jumping on the bike, however, new cyclists might want to take preliminary steps to ensure a safe – and comfortable – experience with the sport.
Tracy Graziani, a correspondent for Richland Source, rode the Great Ohio Bike Adventure (GOBA) for her first time this past year. She said she has always loved the sport, but she has never experienced a bike ride of that magnitude.
Graziani lives close to a bike trail, so she and her family take rides to Bellville and back (about 25 miles round trip) often. But she started to feel what she described as unusual pains in her calves and ankles. That was when she learned she was using the wrong gear.
“Anytime I had discomfort, I always assumed that I was out of shape or something, like it was my fault- I was failing. But if your bike fits right, if you have the right gear, you really shouldn’t be having that much discomfort,” said Graziani.
Eric Petersen, owner of Y-Not Cycling in Lexington and a recreational cyclist, agreed that the right gear makes a difference in not only performance, but in comfort.
“Bike shorts, no matter what, are a must,” said Peterson.”Blue jeans, or cotton khakis, anything with thick material is probably the worst problem [bikers have]. It’s probably the easiest way to deter someone from ever biking again,” he added.
Graziani said that after a trip to urgent care, antibiotics and a really miserable time, that spending about $70 on a good, quality pair of bike shorts is well worth the investment. She also said she learned the hard way that a good pair of bike gloves can go a long way.
After GOBA, Graziani noticed her right hand was losing feeling, until finally the right portion of her right hand became numb.
“I never had back-to-back 50-mile days until I did GOBA. That’s when I realized my handlebars were not right. I ended up losing all feeling in this finger and half of this finger (right handed pinkie and ring finger) for about two weeks,” said Graziani.
Although Graziani was fitted for her bike, she said that buying gloves would have been another good investment.
Peterson recommends every biker get an in-depth fitting before jumping on a bike for a long ride.
“An in-depth fitting will take us at least an hour. We start with a basic interview where we interview them for back pain, back or neck injuries, if you walk bowlegged or knock-knee’d … Everything is taken into account when you’re riding a bike,” said Peterson. “We can fit anybody to a bike within reason comfortably,” he added.
Scot Todd, a 57-year-old recreational cyclist from Mansfield also stresses the importance of getting the proper gear- even for leisure riders. Todd rides an average of 300 miles per week on his road bike.
“The proper gear makes for an enjoyable experience on your bike. When you have the wrong stuff, well, that makes for painful riding,” said Todd. “It’s important for leisure riders too, but some just don’t realize it,” he added.
Todd also said that the purchase of a good bike could last a cyclist up to 20 years, so the price should not scare a first time buyer away.
Trek Bicycle Territory Sales Manager for area 106 Bob Myers encourages riders of every skill level to visit the local bike shop.
“They’re the experts. They can offer different items like padded shorts, a proper fitting jersey, shoes that fit, bike posture. These are all factors that allow you to ride farther,” said Myers.
Graziani’s painful experiences did not cause her to give up biking. For her, the opposite happened.
“I really enjoy it. I’d like to do GOBA again next year. I’m never going to be someone who get’s into racing or anything like that. I like to ride for exercise and for fun,” shared Graziani.
