subject: Participating In Competitive Cycling [print this page] Biking can be a fun way to up the level of competition in your life and get in great shape. There are a number of ways that one can become involved.
Finding the right sport or competition to participate in can be a big decision; those with a competitive edge want to excel and be involved in the activity that they will do best at. There is almost always a way to be involved in competitive sports, no matter what type of activity you prefer.
Deciding which the right type is for you requires a great deal of consideration, for there is team, doubles, or single events. Your personality type and cooperation with others may be a factor in this decision.
Many prefer to be involved in solo activities where they compete against other; this includes track and some winter and extreme sports. Individuals that love exercising by bike have many options for competition.
Bicycling marathons are a challenging and training intensive type of event that must be prepared for over an extended period of time. These athletes on average have some of the healthiest cardiovascular systems because of the work that the body must provide for long distance cycling.
It burns a large amount of calories and fats, and gets the heart really pumping. This is an activity that can be great fun and exercise for any individual, especially those who prefer to keep stress and pressure off of their joints when they are working out.
Long distance biking requires a hefty amount of training, but anyone that is committed to becoming a great cyclist and getting fitter will really benefit from it. Those that are really hoping to become competitive in events must spend almost every day practicing; allowing you one day of rest a week is acceptable.
You constant goal should be to increase your distance and decrease your time. As you build up to the distance that is required for long term races, you should find that you lose weight and have a great deal more energy than you have before.
It is always important to make sure that you have and wear the correct protection, including a helmet and pads. This will protect you in case you fall or experience a collision with others that you are competing against.
Though the majority of the event will be devoted to maintaining cardiovascular endurance, creating muscle strength and endurance within your body and legs will also be necessary. This can be accomplished through weight training, usually about three days a week.
Well-rounded athletes may not want to just participate in biking events; those looking for more can try triathlons that involve swimming and running, as well. Instead of just a long distance cycling events, you will also be required to go for long distances in the other events.
These are definitely a challenge, and must be trained for accordingly. However, they can be a huge accomplishment and a great feat to attempt.
Bike riders that are looking for a competition that is thrilling and extreme could look into BMX, or bicycle motor cross, racing. This requires more short term leg strength and power pedaling than the slow long distance pedaling that is required for marathon riding.
The protective equipment used is also a little bit more extensive, as you are more likely to experience falls, collisions, and accidents, especially involving other riders. These races are performed on an obstacle track, and cyclists go head to head to beat one another to the finish line.
It is the perfect mixture of track, road, and mountain biking; the tracks are dirt and require maneuvering and leg strength. Therefore, those that want to be successful must prepare with weight training; the best exercises will be those that benefit power muscles like the quads and hamstrings.
Within the past five years, it has even become an Olympic event, which gives athletes a goal to work up to; if they become good enough at the sport, they may be able to compete against some of the best in the world. The sport requires flexibility, strength, and endurance, so adequate physical exercise and training is definitely necessary.
Those that are interested in becoming involved and competitive need to get into great shape, as well as enlisting the help of a professional trainer or coach to inform them how to handle the bike and track. Deciding which type of event is the right for you depends on your interests and the type of training you desire.
