New to Cycling?

If you're new to cycling, the best way to get into it is to start riding with others. A couple things to get together:

We ride on roads. This is not always fun in this part of town. Some good tips are available on the Bicycle Safe site.

Make sure your bike is in decent shape, tires in good condition, shifters and esp. brakes working properly. Don't mess with this on your own, take it over the The Touring Cyclist across Clayton Road in the Schnuck's plaza. Two sem students are employees, and they really look out for sem students. Ask for Marc or Eric, or Chris, the manager.

If you plan to ride more than 10 miles, get cycling clothes. Yes, its spandex. Yes, your wife and friends will make fun of you. But your sit place will thank you. The stuff is not cheap, you're looking at a minimum of probably $40 each for shorts and a jersey. We will get together an order for official "Concordia Seminary Cycling" gear in the next week or two, this is decent quality stuff and runs about $55-60 each.

Always carry two water bottles and, if you're out for more than an hour and a half, some energy drink or food. Again, ask others on the rides what they use and try a few things out before attempting a ride several hours in length.

The key thing is: Ride. Often, long, and fast.