Cycling

Currently a big passion for me and has so been for a couple of years already.

Why do I like it?

Don't know really. I have always liked endurance sports. At a child my dad taught me cross country skiing at the age of four which I grew fond of immediately. During my youth ages I spent quite a lot time alone in the woods skiing. That is, if we had any snow. The lack of snow made me form the opinion "There is snow, you go skiing. No questions asked!". That is how passionate I'm about skiing. Later on I found out that cycling is quite similar to skiing. You don't believe me! Let me explain. Skiing has three important elements: Skiing is an endurance sport, it has an element of speed and contrary to running you can rest now and then. Cycling also have these elements. Hence I like cycling.

Why do you like it?

Well, first there is the element of fitnes. Seriously done cycling involves all types of fitnes training ranging from gym training to extreme endurance training.

If you join a cycling club you will notice that cycling is much more than just cycling. Riding a bike alone for hours is quite boring, trust me. When riding in a group it becomes a pure joy. You can spend your time chatting and learning to know your cycling comrades. You will also feel the excitement of speed since you are travelling faster. 

How do you start?

If you are a total beginner I advice you to sign up with your local cycling club. They will guide you with information and possibly borrow you a bike for a couple of sessions. After this you know if it is a sport for you. Next step is to buy the gear.  First the helmet. I just can't believe that people still risk their life for looks! Secondly you buy cycling gloves. If you fall you will thank me! Now you by the bike. My personal opinion is: Almost any bike will do. Don't spend too much on you first bike. I bike is expensive and you don't really know if you like riding yet. After a while you might consider investing in a heart monitor. This will help you optimize your training.

Now the fun can begin...

And fun it is! Till now I have had the chance to cycle in places like:

London - UK: I don't advice this. It's not a hit. But a cyclist cycles...

Barcelona - Spain: Nice climate and quite good roads. The mountains are high and long if you know what I mean.

Dubai - UAE: Never rains. on the other hand you have to start riding latest 6:00 or you will toast. Roads are brand new. UAE is mostly dead flat but there are mountains, not in Dubai though.

Rome -Italy: Roads are really crappy with lots of cars. There is a reason why Italy is green. It rains quite a lot in the winter. The mountains make it worth wile. If you like them steep and nasty, that is.

Well, honestly I didn't exactly cycle in these capitals. A cyclist generally avoids big cities and it's traffic. So did I.