In the spring of 2008, I started a new job and a few of the guys there were into cycling. I mean, really into cycling. These guys had all possible types of bicycles: road, cyclocross, track, BMX, mountain bikes, you get the picture.
Like any other kid, I spent my childhood on a bicycle—until I got my driver’s license, anyway. However, these guys opened my eyes to a whole new world. A world where chains are lubed and tires are inflated to the right pressure. Seriously, knowing how to properly set up your bicycle makes your ride that much more enjoyable.
I took out my old early-nineties road bike and brought it in to the local bike shop for a tune-up. It made the technician giggle, but his professionalism prevented him from dropping to the floor laughing. After a few days in the shop, it was time to take the old two-wheeler for a spin.
My first ride was tough. After five kilometers, I stopped for a breather and a drink of water long enough to question what the hell I had gotten myself into.
Nonetheless, I fell in love with the sport. And why not? It was low-impact on my body, I was getting some fresh air, plus it was a great way of staying fit. Furthermore, I could just go out for a ride whenever I felt like it. I didn’t have to depend on other people, which is obviously the case with team sports.
Throughout the summer, I purchased some items that brought my cycling experience to another level: clipless pedals, a bike computer, cycling-specific attire, and ultimately, a new bike (well, new to me, anyway): a third-hand Devinci Tosca 2006 cyclocross. I liked the versatility of a cyclocross, which allows me to switch between cross and road tires.
At summer’s end, I even completed a 200km ride. What made it even more satisfying was the fact that it was a very challenging ride, full of climbs.
In my next post, I’ll discuss how cycling pushed me to better educate myself on the subject of nutrition.
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