Although the recent news about Lance Armstrong may appear to have brought the world of cycling into the headlines for all the wrong reasons, the truth is that this is a sport that is very much increasing its profile.
Here in the UK, this process has certainly been helped by recent Tour de France and Olympic Games glory. But most of us are realistic enough to realise that we'll never reach such heights. Cycling is, however, a sport that is open to a wide range of people. You may like the thought of joining fellow enthusiasts within a cycling club, or maybe seeking to find a decent track to practice on.
It's equally likely, however, that you may have less ambitious thoughts in mind. You may simply like the thought of using your bike as a means of transport. There's certainly the option of creating a more enjoyable commute to work, or seeing more of the surrounding countryside.
As someone who has only recently started to take cycling seriously, I have some pretty realistic thoughts about what's involved. At the outset, it's likely that you may struggle to cover significant distances. If you've not been on a bicycle for some time, then it's likely that you'll soon tire.
Indeed, there are various aches and pains that may indicate that you are going to find things to be pretty tough. But there's also some really good news here. What you need to remember is that, with a little practice, you'll soon discover that you'll get a lot better.
Before you know it, your weekend rides will be taking you longer distances. Will you be worn out when you get home? Quite probably, but that's a sign that you are pushing yourself to your limits. This is a great way to exercise, while also having a lot of fun.
Do you need to spend a lot of money on expensive bikes and accessories? It's certainly true that many people choose to do so, but you can also get by without the need to spend a lot of money. In a sense, cycling is really all about what you make of it.
As you gain more experience and find that you are regularly riding for longer, you may indeed wish to invest in better equipment. For now, however, it's enough to consider going for a few rides.
Once you get started, you'll find that it's incredibly difficult to stop.
