If you cycle regularly, sometimes you may feel like you are stuck in a rut. If you cycle only occasionally, you may not realize how much freedom & versatility a bicycle can offer. Either way, all of us can sometimes benefit from a cycling attitude overhaul. Vary your routine, and you may just discover a (new!) love for cycling.
Try a different style
Using your bike the same way all the time can lead to boredom. If you commute, and only use your bike to get someplace, try a leisurely ride on an off-street trail, or go for an off road adventure. Consider borrowing (or buying, if you are serious) a different type of bike than one you already own. For example, a one-speed cruiser will liberate you from having to wear special cycling attire. A road bike will exhilarate you, especially if you travel light. A recumbent will give you a whole new perspective on cycling & comfort.
Try a different route
If you usually go the fastest, most direct route, be a slacker a try some more low-key streets. You may actually experience some of the stress-reduction benefits that everyone talks about.
Try a car rack
If you've lived in Chicago for a while, you may have grown tired of the Lakefront path. But getting to other paths by bike can be pretty ambitious. You may be exhausted by the time you get there. A trunk rack for your car sets up in minutes, and allows you to carry up to three bikes to your chosen destination. Grab your family or a friend, throw the bikes on the rack, and go. Some good trails to try are the North Branch Trail, culminating the the tour of the Chicago Botanic Garden, Busse Woods, Fox River Trail, and many others.
Try a child seat
New child (but at least eight months new)? Feeling a little stuck? Worse, yet, feeling a little plump? Get a baby seat, pack some snacks and start pedaling. Choose a child seat with tilt-back feature, so when the baby nods off, she will lean back against the headrest.
Try some company
If you usually ride alone, try a group ride. Chicago Cycling Club organizes frequent rides for different types of riders. For a comfortable, conversational-pace ride, try one of their social rides. For something more demanding, they have training rides. For longer distance enthusiasts, there are touring rides. Click here for a full schedule of upcoming events.
There are also a variety of city-wide cycling events such as Chicago Bike The Drive where for four hours cyclists get the exclusive use of Lake Shore Drive, and the Boulevard Lakefront Tour. For a complete list of cycling events, click here.
And if your attitude really needs a jolt, join the Critical Mass ride, which starts at 5:30 at the Daley Plaza on the last Friday of every month.
Try some advice
Too uncomfortable on your bike? Stop by Rapid Transit for a fit evaluation. We can modify the tilt & rise of your handlebars, and the position of your seat.
Stiff jeans, pants with a fly and thick center seams cut into your body and can make you really suffer. You may want to switch to some looser-fitting or stretchier clothes (cycling-specific or not).
Too slow? It could be your tires, or the gear you ride in. For tires, choose thin ones with a smooth street tread, and keep them filled to maximum recommended pressure. For using your gears, see the post above.
Too scared? Pair up with a more experienced , but not aggressive, cyclist. Practice on quiet streets until you feel more confident. Go at your own pace, and obey the rules of the road. Remain assertive, but cautious. Feel free to ask for advice at a friendly bike shop.
Too many flats? Invest in a pair of Schwalbe or Continental tires, which feature a puncture resistant layer sandwiched between layers of rubber. Pricey, but worth the expense. There really is no substitute.
Chain falls off? A chain should not fall off under normal riding conditions. You probably need a derailleur (rather than attitude) adjustment.
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