We all go through a learning curve when starting a new hobby, and bike riding is not an exception to the rule. You mastered the skill of riding a bike straight and making the turns without falling. Now what? If you ever rode a bike for long time (let’s say 10- 20 miles), you know that certain things get umm… uncomfortable. We hope that today’s topic will help you to smooth your bike ride and will improve your ride quality experience.
Our guest-expert, Teresa Robbins, Director of Venus de Miles Ride for women has lots of bike miles under her belt and she is happy to share.
When I think of pedaling a bike for 25 miles. Is there way to improve the ride quality?
First of all, you need a proper bike. Second, you need the right gear
- helmet
- shoes (bike shoes for clipless pedals if you don’t mind click-clacking on the pavement or sneakers for flat pedals or baskets)
- gloves
- padded bike shorts (we recommend Primal Wear, Pearl Izumi or Terry)
- jersey with pockets
- arm warmers
- vest or jacket
- sun screen
- water bottle or CamelBak
- ID
- Important Medical Information
- Change of clothes
But how about the Ouch factor?
The “ouch” comes from improper bike fit, the wrong bike shorts, not standing up and giving your seat a rest… chamois cream. To avoid chafing, consider chamois cream. We love Bliss chamois cream, developed by professional cyclist Dave Zabriskie. There are some other great brands out there too such as Chamois Butt’r, Assos and Mad Alchemy.
By the way, Trek Women has a great Ride Guide that speaks to the different types of bikes available, safety, ride quality, and so much more.
Learn more about Venus de Miles, bike ride for women on their website and send us questions if there is anything you wanted to know about bike riding
Former Director of Venus de Miles. Since its inception Venus De Miles, Colorado’s first all-women’s road ride, which is orchestrated by and benefits Greenhouse Scholars, has raised $380,981 for the organization, and expanded to Illinois in 2012. When Teresa is not dreaming up the next quirky idea for Venus, she’s enjoying what inspires her most, spending time with her husbanding, Mo, and their sons, Myles and Nico.
I enjoyed the tips given here. It is best to start out with the right equipment, clothing and accessories
Comfort definitely makes for a more enjoyable experience
Yeah, My bike won’t hook up to our bike trailer, so the husband had me use his bike for a while. Talk about OUCH! Definitely the wrong bike for me! I can personally attest that you need the Right bike. He just doesn’t get why I refuse to ride his bike anymore. He’s like “it’s just fine you’re just a wimp”..uhm…no. His bike is just really not meant for me.
LOL Yes there are some days it certainly does!
Thanks for these tips. I know that some of my buddies ride bikes and they complain that there is definitely an “ouch factor.” I will have to share this with them.
I always wondered if there was a special cream for the chaffing, when it came to those marathon bike runs. Thanks for the tips!
We’ve been thinking about getting adult bikes to ride with The Dudes, so much great info here! Thanks!
I just went on an 8 mile bike trip for the first time in about 20 years. Gahhh. That picture is me exactly. A great bike seat is the key.
thanks for all the great tips on having a better bike ride 🙂
Hahhaa I can remember when having this exact same face before! I finally decided to buy a padded seat after awhile.
I love cycling. Huge fan. In the process of convincing The Mr to buy me a really sweet carbon fiber road bike. Then I will squeeze in a new seat (which costs nothing compared to the bike I’m looking at.) And now I need chamois cream. Who knew?
When I bought my bike I also bought a different seat that had more padding. I never knew that they made clothing with padding too! I’m not much of a rider in the winter, but I’m going to buy some padded shorts when I start up again next spring!