How to go
What: Courteous Mass Dayton Group Bike Ride
When: 6:30 p.m first Friday of each month through September. Starts at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Meets at Fifth Third Field, 220 N. Patterson Blvd., Dayton
Details: Street ride tour of Dayton for all skill levels. Beginner-friendly.
More info: Go online to www.courteousmassdayton.com or email courteousmassdayton@yahoo.com.
Happy National Bike Month! The weather is warm — time to get back to some outdoor exercise.
Cycling has been growing in popularity for several years, and this region is a great place for it: bike paths, group rides and great bike shops abound. We talked to local experts for tips on how you can get started.
Choose your bike
Of course, the investment you make in a new bike depends on how serious you’re planning to get and how much riding you think you’ll do. “Bikes for adult recreational riders start around $350. These are a higher quality than big-box store bikes and have been assembled by a professional mechanic,” said Peter Garde, a technician with K&G Bike Shop in Kettering.
If you’re planning to bike often or as your main form of exercise, he said, “Beginner road cyclists should look to spend between $700-$1,300 on a new road bike. If they are fortunate enough to be able to spend more, good carbon road bikes become available around $2,000. Most newbies will be satisfied in the entry-level range though.”
Be sure to visit a bike shop that can help you choose a bike based on your specific needs. The type of bike you need is heavily dependent on your skill level and interest, so think about what you want to do before you shop. “You may expect to stick with neighborhood riding, leisure riding on a bike path, touring down gravel roads, long-distance road riding and mountain biking, to name just a few,” said Justin Kellermeier, K&G Kettering store manager. “The right type of bike for the riding you intend to undertake will make the ride more enjoyable.”
Gear and maintenance
In addition to your bike, you’ll need a few more things to enable you to ride safely. “The most basic piece of gear is the helmet,” Garde said. “Beyond that, a basic kit including a spare tube, multi-tool, tire levers, patch kit and method of inflation is very important.” He also recommended good pedals, shoes and bike shorts for added comfort.
Both Garde and Kellermeier suggested a water bottle, and, if you’re interested in charting your progress, Kellemeier mentioned cycling computers or cellphone apps that track mileage.
Just as with the type of bike you need, the recommended maintenance will vary based on your cycling frequency and type. However, said Garde, “all riders will benefit from a little regular maintenance of their own to prolong the life of their components and make riding more enjoyable. This includes making sure the tires are at the required pressure before each ride, wiping off the chain and drivetrain with a rag every few rides, and lubing the chain about every 150 miles and wiping off the excess.”
Beyond that, he said, “recreational riders should probably have one tune-up each spring, or at least a safety check. Serious riders will need to service their bikes far more often.”
Benefits
If you’re wary of making an investment in a bike, consider the impact cycling can have on your health. “It’s a lower impact form of exercise with great benefits,” said local cyclist, Angela Valley, who rides with K&G during their weekly group rides.
“Biking also burns a ton of calories,” Valley said. “For example, I rode 36 miles in two hours the other day and burned 2,020 calories, compared to when I was training for the Air Force Marathon, I ran 18 miles for 3 hours and 25 minutes and only burned 1,795 calories.” She explained that cycling is a much easier form of exercise than running for those who are out of shape or just starting out.
Local resources
Inspired to get out and ride? You're in luck. "Dayton has the largest paved [bike] trail network in the nation," Valley said. "I recommend checking out www.miamivalleytrails.org for lots of suggestions. You'll find me biking the Little Miami Scenic Trail to Yellow Springs a lot this summer, too."
As for local group rides, Valley suggested, “I would definitely suggest for a novice to check out the Courteous Mass that happens once a month. If you have a higher level of fitness and would like to get into more road riding, I suggest you come to the slower Thursday Group ride at K&G. Remember to bring a front light, rear light and your helmet.”
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