Following on from our last blog about cycling to work and the upcoming event in September, we have created a list of cycling tips to help improve your daily commute.

1.    Ready, set, GO! – It does seem quite difficult but focus on creating your track stand. You can do this by bringing your bicycle to a complete stop by slowing braking, try to stay balanced by standing on your pedals and tilt the handlebars to one side and stay balanced by applying pressure. Once you’ve mastered this you will be ready to sprint away beating the traffic without having to push your feet up from the ground!

2.    Eliminate obstacles – By using the ‘Manual’ technique will help to ensure that your bike is kept in good shape by avoiding obstacles. To perform a 'Manual' to smoothly glide over speed bumps and successfully clearing curbs, gently use a pushing movement forwards and down on the bars in a firm and snappy action; as if you were throwing a bouncy ball 3 metres across the room...and you will have done a bicycle manual!

3.    Increase your fitness – You may enjoy your flat route to work but how about checking for a new and more challenging route that includes some hill climbing? It will extend your travel time to and from work in the short-term, but it will increase your fitness by providing you with a more substantial work out time; you can even choose to the climb in a different gear to make it as easy or as hard as you would like.

4.    Sprint – If you only have a short commute and have gone fishing for hill climbs with no luck, sprint starts are a great alternative to ensure that you’re cycling commute is providing you with some good exercise. Try sprinting safely from traffic lights or try introducing 20-30 second sprints in to your commute.

5.    Timing – Consider timing your commute to create new goals for yourself. Having a goal to beat is an excellent personal motivator and it will decrease your commute time.

There you have it some handy tips to liven up your cycling commute! Cycling is an exciting way to keep fit and a healthy way to get to places. If you would like to share your cycling and commuting tips, please contact us 01242 231690 or email us on info@cheltenhambikes.co.uk.