Planning to start cycling any time soon? Well, most people think that cycling is just pedaling. But there’s so much more to do than just hopping on the bicycle and turning the pedals. Whether you want to learn bicycling for staying healthy and fit or as a past-time, we’ve listed out a few tips that’ll help you hit the road with confidence. Right from choosing the right bike, pedaling, to your safety, we’ve covered all you need to know. Here’s our complete guide on cycling for beginners!

Tips On Cycling For Beginners

1. Choosing The Right Bicycle
2. Get Your Seat Height Right
3. Figure Out The Gears
4. Wear Appropriate Clothing
5. Safety Essentials
6. Energize Yourself
7. Start Small
8. Learn Basic Repairs And Fixes
9. Join A Cycling Community

1. Choosing The Right Bicycle

Cycling can be different for everyone; some would prefer having fun and enjoy it as a leisure activity while others want to take on the trails. Whatever type of cycling you prefer, you obviously can’t get started with it without purchasing a set of wheels! For those who love to explore the mountains and cycling trails, mountain bikes are the perfect choice. To speed along even stretches of asphalt, road bikes are what you must get your hands on!

If you want the best of both worlds, go for hybrid bikes. The geometry of these bikes is much more relaxed and comfortable. So, they’re an ideal choice for fitness enthusiasts, commuters, and casual riders alike. On the other hand, those going on long trips need bikes with a stable geometry that are designed to carry heavy loads. If you’re one of them, a touring bike will be your best friend as it can take you through rough terrain while also accommodating your luggage!

2. Get Your Seat Height Right

Do you experience any backache or knee pain while bicycling? Well, that’s probably because your position while riding is incorrect. Keep in mind that when your seat height is too high or too low, you’re at risk of leg injuries and discomfort. You can go to a local bike shop and adjust the seat of your cycle according to your height. Cycling will feel like a fun activity if you get your positioning right!

3. Figure Out The Gears

Shifting gears properly is something that comes with experience. Regardless of what terrain you’re riding on, gears help you in maintaining a comfortable pedaling momentum. Here are a few things to keep in mind when shifting the gear of your bike:

• Pedal slowly and lightly if you want to shift gears smoothly.
• When you feel there’s no resistance while pedaling, you can shift to a harder gear to go faster.
• If you’re maintaining a slow pace and find it difficult to turn over the pedals, you can shift into an easier gear to pedal efficiently.

Shifting gears perfectly comes with practice and experience. Once you hack it, the process will basically become muscle memory! All you have to do is play around with the gears and you’ll be a pro at riding in different gears in no time!

4. Wear Appropriate Clothing

In order to ride comfortably, you need to wear appropriate clothes while cycling. It’s important that your clothes are breathable and are able to absorb sweat. You can wear jersey t-shirts or clothes made from lycra. If you’re one who plans on cycling regularly, invest in proper cycling jerseys and shorts made of moisture-wicking fabric – it will help keep you dry even as you sweat. If you’re living someplace cold, make sure to invest in a long-sleeved jersey. A good idea to augment your winterwear would be with hand and foot warmers.

5. Safety Essentials

Safety first! There are certain measures you can take to reduce the risk of a bicycle accident. Here are a few things you need to be mindful of:

• Wear a bicycle helmet that fits you perfectly when you’re riding.
• Always check your bicycle parts like the tires, gear, chain, and safety equipment like your helmet before hitting the road.
• Install reflectors on your bicycle to increase visibility while riding which minimizes the risk of an accident.
• Make use of your bicycle bell and hand signals to communicate with other commuters on the road.
• Avoid distracted cycling by keeping your bottle, phone, and other electronic devices in a bag.

7. Start Small

One of the best cycling tips for beginners is to start small and be consistent. It can be tempting to go all Tour de France on your first day, but all you’ll achieve is exhausting yourself. Learning to pedal long distances comes with time and practice. During your initial days of riding, you can drive short distances on an open, traffic-free road. As you gain confidence and stamina, you can increase the distance for cycling each day.

6. Energize Yourself

Cycling is also a type of exercise. So, it’s natural to feel tired, nauseous, or dehydrated while bicycling. So, always carry a bottle of water with you for both long and short-distance rides. In case you’re going to drive for more than an hour, you’ll need to carry some food items like bananas, eggs, sandwiches, or protein bars.

8. Learn Basic Repairs And Fixes

Let’s not forget another important part while riding a bicycle, the possibility of a tire puncture. It can happen anytime, anywhere. So, along with choosing the right bicycle, you’ll also have to invest in a puncture repair kit and a pump. You can learn to fix a puncture at home before you hit the road. Another thing that you should know is to fix a loose chain of a bicycle. Once you’re familiar with these things, you’ll feel much more confident while riding your bicycle.

9. Join A Cycling Community

If you’re learning to ride a bicycle for the first time, you can observe and learn from other riders. It’s best to ask for help if you want to learn how to cycle efficiently. You can seek help from people who have experience in riding a bicycle. Once you know how to ride, you can also go for long rides with a group. You can explore new routes and together as a community, look out for each other while cycling.

Summing Up

Cycling is a recreational and a challenging sports activity at the same time – a complete adventure in itself that gets you stronger while letting you explore the world! So hop onto your saddle, cinch your helmet, and set out!

FAQs

How Long Should I Cycle As A Beginner?

If you’re a beginner at cycling, you can start by riding for 30 minutes every day for the first week. You can ride for around 60 minutes in your second week and keep increasing the time thereafter.

What Should A Beginner Cyclist Know?

A beginner cyclist should know the right way to pedal and the correct positioning while bicycling. Along with that, knowledge of when and how to shift gears and stop the bike are other essential things you should be aware of.

How Do I Prepare My Body For Cycling?

One of the best ways to prepare your body for cycling is by including a good amount of protein and carbohydrates in your diet. Exercising regularly also helps increase your stamina and strengthen your muscles.

Can You Reduce Weight By Cycling?

Cycling not only helps to build muscle strength but also helps in boosting heart and lung health. It’s a great way of cardio workout that can also help you to reduce your weight.

What Are The 3 Main Steps Of Riding A Bike?

The three main steps of riding a bike are learning to balance, pedaling, and stopping the bicycle.

Can I Learn Cycling At 40?

You can learn cycling at the age of 40 if you’re determined to stay fit and enjoy cycling as an exciting and effective sports activity.

Can We Reduce Belly Fat By Cycling?

It’s possible to reduce belly fat by cycling in the long run. Do keep in mind that it takes time and will require patience and continuous practice from your end.

Is Cycling Good For Knees?

Cycling every day helps to strengthen your muscles and allows your knee joints to stretch and bend. If you continue to cycle regularly, cycling can definitely help improve the health of your knee joints.

7 Best Cafés In Leh With A Breathtaking View

If you talk about seasons, India has got them all. Out of all the seasons, winter certainly is loved by many and Leh is a wonderful pick to enjoy the chills. Along with the jaw-dropping natural beauty, Leh also has a diverse and delicious food culture which makes it one of the favorite travel destinations among foodies. We’ve curated a list of the 7 best cafés in Leh with a breathtaking view, so you can enjoy both food and scenery.

7 Best Cafés In Leh With A Breathtaking View

1. Chopsticks Noodle Bar
2. Himalaya Café
3. Rabsal Cafe
4. Eclectic Kitchen
5. Solja Cafe
6. Naas Cafe
7. Lehvenda Cafe

1. Chopsticks Noodle Bar

The moment you enter the place, you’ll find a glimpse of Asian and Thai culture. Their interior is simple yet well done with statement pieces representing Asian culture. If you want to spend some quality time working or reading, you can sit comfortably inside the cozy space. If you aren’t a fan of indoor seating, there’s an option for outdoor seating as well.

You’ll be witnessing the beautiful lanes and markets of Leh while having mouth-watering delicacies. Other than Chinese and Asian food, the place also has Indian food and snack options at affordable rates. The service is fast and the staff is humble. To sum it up, the place checks all the boxes and you’ll come out with a filled stomach and happy heart.

Address: 5H7J+JXV, Raku Complex Fort Road, Leh.

2. Himalaya Café

A café that truly lives up to its name, Himalaya Café will offer you everything you’d expect. Located in the prime area of Leh, this is a popular place known for its authentic Tibetan and Asian food options. It’s a vegan/vegetarian-friendly space, so in case that’s your preference, you’ll be spoiled for choice.

They also provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet options at affordable rates, so if you’re staying for a long time, this can easily become your go-to place. It’s a simple café with indoor and rooftop seating options. The indoor has a Himalayan-themed interior with mountain flags and monastery pictures. The rooftop will offer you a stunning view of the city, especially the main market and mountains. With its friendly staff and cozy feel, Himalaya Café definitely passes the vibe check so trust us, you’ll want to visit it more than one time.

Address: 5H7P+946, Leh.

3. Rabsal Cafe

Once you’re done exploring the main market and monasteries, visit Rabsal Cafe to sit and have some delicious food. Located next to the famous Leh Monastery, the place gives you the hip mountain feels you expect from Leh. The café is on the second floor and you’ll see the quirky interiors from the staircase itself.

Be prepared to be greeted with a rich fragrance of freshly brewed coffee and pizzas. Rabsal Cafe has a large variety of food dishes ranging from Asian, Chinese, and even Indian cuisines. It’s an affordable place where you have an option to sit on the terrace as well. Go there during sunset to witness the evening magic of Leh in the presence of freshly cooked food.

Address: Gompa, Main Market, Leh.

4. Eclectic Kitchen

Decorated with blue and white colors, Eclectic Kitchen is a café that’ll immediately light up your mood. The place has stunningly made color-coordinated interiors and the theme is consistent even with their cutlery. It’s a little fancier than the majority of the places in Leh, so if you want a fine dining experience, you can definitely consider it.

Eclectic Kitchen’s menu is not just limited to the usual Thai and Asian food; you’ll find Mughlai, Kashmiri, Ladakhi, and Indian food options as well. The place also offers you an outdoor seating option where you can soak into the vibes of the main market and city view. Just keep in mind that this place is slightly more expensive than the other cafés, but if you have the budget and want to splurge, look no further!

Address: Near Girl Higher Secondary School, Old Road, Leh.

5. Solja Cafe

If you truly want to experience the spirit of Leh in its raw form, visit Solja Cafe. This dainty café is located inside a restored house in old Leh. The place is extremely cozy and offers you a delicious variety of desserts, traditional Ladakhi food, and teas.

Sure, it’s a small place with indoor and outdoor seating options. But Solja Cafe is definitely an affordable pick out of all the places mentioned, so if you’re on a budget, definitely check it out. The hosts are friendly and you can easily spend a few hours simply sitting and chilling.

Address: Women Alliance Of Ladakh, Chubi, Sankar Rd, Leh.

6. Naas Cafe

Probably one of the most famous cafés on our list, Naas Cafe is an experience that you must have. This is a very elegant café with glass windows and sophisticated interiors. It’s located in the main market area of Leh, so it’s easily accessible. Plus the food and ambiance here are enough reasons to spend hours at a stretch. They often have live music performances or soothing music playing in the background.

If you’re a solo traveler, you definitely should check out this place because you can meet like-minded people who’re travelers or artists. Naas Cafe is particularly known for its coffees and momos, so definitely try those out while admiring the streets of Leh through the large glass windows.

Address: Main Bazaar Rd, Near Soma Gompa, Leh.

7. Lehvenda Cafe

We saved one of the quirkiest places for the last. We’re sure you’re intrigued by the name and the place will not disappoint. The interior has this old-world charm that’ll be a perfect fit for your Instagram aesthetics. Lehvenda Cafe is one of the best cafés to visit if you’re on a shoestring budget.

Lehvenda Cafe also organizes live music in the evening, so if you want to experience traditional music, definitely plan your visit during the evening. We’ll advise you to try their pizzas and coffees which are said to be one of the best in Leh.

Address: 2nd Floor, MEGON Complex, Leh Main Bazar Leh.

Summing Up

Good food has the ability to make everything better and there’s nothing better than to enjoy it while admiring a gorgeous view. Everything about Leh is stunning in itself, so these 7 best cafés will definitely help you reach the peaks of joy during this trip.

FAQs

What Food Is Available In Leh?

Leh is known for delicious Tibetan and Asian delicacies. You’ll get thupka, momos, chutagi, tingmo, churrpi, skyu, and many more delicious food options.

How Many Days Are Sufficient For Leh?

Leh has lots to offer, so if you’re planning a weekend trip, you won’t be satisfied. From the food to places, Leh deserves your time and attention. So, make sure you have 4-5 days to fully explore the city.

What Is The Famous Drink Of Ladakh?

Chhang is one of the most famous alcoholic drinks of Ladakh, which is almost like an essential with most of the meals. Other than that, butter tea, qahwa, sea buckthorn, and tangdur are some of the famous non-alcoholic beverage options to try out in Leh.

Which Month Is Best For Leh Ladakh?

Leh Ladakh is cold throughout the year. So unless you enjoy freezing cold, we’ll recommend you plan your trip between the months of April and June.

What Is The Famous Sweet Dish Of Ladakh?