OUTDOOR IS KING
Most of us ride for the opportunity to engage with nature, to breathe fresh air, to see stuff.
But the habit for many, as we exit the brrrr of winter, is to keep riding on the indoor bike. We're a little soft, maybe, but we also love the control we have over our output and our progress, even if it's in a stuffy garage.
Don't do it! Outdoors is scientifically proven to be better for you.
Studies have shown that exposure to nature has significant positive effects on mental health, including reduced stress levels, improved mood, and increased self-esteem. The soothing sights and sounds of nature can enhance your overall cycling experience, boosting a sense of relaxation and tranquillity.
What's more, outdoor cycling provides a more varied and dynamic workout. Unlike stationary indoor bikes, outdoor cycling allows riders to encounter diverse terrain, gradients and weather conditions much more like you'll encounter when summer is in full swing and you leave the manacle behind.
Negotiating hills, navigating turns and adapting to wind resistance engage different muscle groups and challenge the body in unique ways. This variation in terrain and weather also enhances cardiovascular fitness, and strengthens balance and coordination. Also, the social aspect - the camaraderie, and shared experience - contributes to a sense of community and motivation, making the activity more enjoyable and sustainable in the long run.
In conclusion, outdoor cycling surpasses indoor cycling in several key aspects. While indoor cycling can provide convenience and controlled conditions, the inherent benefits of outdoor cycling extend beyond mere physical exercise. By embracing the great outdoors, cyclists can maximise their health and well-being, both physically and mentally.
CARBO-LOADING IS BACK!
Denne historien er fra July/August 2023-utgaven av Bicycling South Africa.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Denne historien er fra July/August 2023-utgaven av Bicycling South Africa.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
GEAR FOR THE AGES
Some bicycle components, tools and accessories - by design, luck or a bit of both - become icons of performance, reliability and permanence in cycling.
A RACE LIKE NO OTHER
IN KENYA'S MAASAI MARA, KNOWN MORE FOR SAFARIS THAN CYCLING, THE MIGRATION GRAVEL RACE CHALLENGES RIDERS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD THE WORLD WHILE FORGING A FUTURE FOR BIKE RACING IN AFRICA.
WAR ON WHEELS
IF YOU GO FOR A RIDE IN CAPE TOWN AT THE WRONG TIME, YOU COULD FIND YOURSELF IN THE MIDDLE OF A CYCLING GANG WAR, WHERE THE WEAPONS OF CHOICE ARE STRAVA RECORDS AND SALTY COMMENTS ON INSTAGRAM. THIS IS THE TALE OF THREE RIVAL ROADIE CREWS AND A REMINDER THAT CYCLING IS A SPORT BEST TAKEN WITH A SENSE OF HUMOUR.
GET TOUR DE FRANCE FAST IN FOUR WEEKS
HAVE YOU GOT TOUR FEVER? If you have a good fitness base, let the pros inspire you to take your riding to the next level.
THE SECRET TO MAKING A COMEBACK? JUST START
\"THIS IS WHAT DECONDITIONING LOOKS LIKE,\" I said out loud to no one, as I looked at the heart-rate reading on my phone and gasped for breath. \"This shouldn't be so hard.\"
DEAR MARK CAVENDISH
WHEN I FIRST STARTED FOLLOWING professional road cycling around 2014, you were at the top of your game.
HOW TO CALCULATE YOUR POWER-TOWEIGHT RATIO
POWER-TO-WEIGHT RATIO IS one of the most telling metrics in cycling - and thanks to indoor trainers, many more cyclists are now familiar with it. Right now it's never been easier to calculate your power-to-weight ratio and use it to improve your performance.
EASY RIDER
A FEW YEARS AGO, my wife and I along with her parents, brother and his wife-cycled down the Danube River in Europe.
LEADING THE WAY - RYAN GIBBONS, 29, SA PRO RIDER, MULTIPLE SA & AFRICAN ROAD CHAMP
AFTER JOINING LIDLTREK from UAE Team Emirates, South African national champ Ryan Gibbons aims to be the best lead-out man he can be - while also helping his new team in their quest to climb the World Tour rankings.
6 WAYS TO BEAT THE HEAT THIS SUMMER
TOP TIPS TO KEEP YOU COOLER AND RIDING STRONGER... NO MATTER WHAT THE TEMPERATURE.
