Lifestyle

10 New Year’s Resolutions All Cyclists Should Make

Here are our top 10 new year's resolutions we think all cyclists should have for 2018

Hands up if you’re taking some time to reflect on the year just gone – us too! So, what better way to top it than by setting some new years resolutions for 2018?

It’s a great time to think back on the things we’ve achieved, and the things we still want to achieve in our cycling lives. So let’s wipe the slate clean and begin this year with some cycling resolutions you’ll be desperate to keep.

Here’s our list of 10 resolutions that we think all cyclists should at least consider making…

Ride New Places

A bike can take you on so many adventures, and to some beautiful places. So for 2018, try out a new bike park, or ride a new road route that you’ve never done before. See more places and explore new areas that only your two wheels can take you to.

Here are a few of our favourite places we think you’ll love!

Where to ride Road: Perthshire, Scotland
Where to ride Road: Morzine, France

Where to ride MTB: Utah, USA
Where to ride MTB: TransCambrian Way, Wales

Go Multi-Discipline

Even the pros ride other cycling disciples with many road riders telling us their track experience helps them with handling, cadence and power. You can learn so many new techniques and skills training in other disciplines, that they often help you develop in your primary riding style.

6 Types of cycling you have to try

Try something new, and look around your local bike park, velodrome, and riding groups for taster sessions in the new year and give it a go!

Make a New Cycling Friend

The cycling community is vast and ever growing. So for the new year, find a new cycling buddy to ride with and get involved with more social excursions so you always have company on those long routes.

You could even convert your non-riding friend into a cycloholic next year!

Enter a Race

It’s probably crossed your mind before, but why not make 2018 the year you really test the race scene? A lot of organisers run mini events which are great race tasters, and really good fun. Try getting a friend involved, and race together.

Tracy Moseley’s top tips for your first enduro race

If you’re already a keen competitor, why not set a goal of collecting enough road racing points to move to the next British Cycling category? Or for mountain bikers, perhaps set your sights on that longer event you’ve been nervous about?

Join a Club

There are so many great benefits to joining a cycling club. There’s usually always someone to ride with if you’re looking for company, you can learn some invaluable skills from others, and you’re able to share experiences and knowledge amongst your new friends.

Find a new club in your area on social media, through your local trail centre, via the British Cycling club finder, or cycling store.

Do Your Longest Ride Ever

Whether you ride road or mountain, push through that burn and go those extra few miles to get your longest ride under your belt. Don’t forget to set that Strava though!

How not to get bored on a long ride

From Mountain to Road: My first 100 miler

Go on a Bike Mechanics Course

It’s important to take care of your bike, so it can take care of you when you’re riding. If you rely on your group or your partner for bike maintenance, then make 2018 your year to learn the essentials of changing your inner tube, setting up your suspension, and fixing broken components.

Eat More Healthily

Many of us decide that we need to improve our diet and reduce those tempting treats at this time of year. Cyclists are no exception and eating healthier foods will have a great impact on your riding performance.

Can dark chocolate help you cycle faster?

Having a healthy and well-balanced diet will ensure you have the fuel your body needs to burn through those miles and it will help to improve your concentration and stamina. However, the occasional biscuit won’t hurt!

Do More Non-Cycling Exercise

You can gain bike specific fitness off the bike as well as on it. When you can’t get out for a ride, you can still develop your riding at the gym, by taking up yoga or even doing floor exercises in your home.

Cyclists require a strong core and legs to prevent injury, feel more balanced and perform to our best ability on the bike. Even if you work in 15 minutes of yoga per day, or an hour at the gym, it will all benefit your cycling performance and ability.

Ride in Another Country

Thinking of planning your 2018 vacation? Why not choose a riding holiday and take your bike with you so you can explore in the very best way and maintain your fitness.

Other countries have a lot to offer in terms of new routes, terrains and often very agreeable climate. All of these new factors provide fun challenges for you and the bike.

So what are you waiting for? Make 2018 your best cycling year yet and have a blast doing it!