How to get your reluctant partner into cycling
Above: Two people. Two bicycles. A sunny day. Happiness. It is possible (image: Hugo Gladstone)
Getting someone else cycling can be almost as satisfying as riding a bike yourself. Perhaps you've got a friend, partner or relative that you think might be bitten by the bug, given the chance. However, if you're a dyed in the wool cyclist, ironically, you're perhaps the worst person to try to coax someone into riding a bike. You might push them too far, too fast and convince them they need to buy a truckload of cycling paraphernalia. The trick is to try and remove as many obstacles as possible, rather than putting new ones in the way.
Here are a few handy hints.
- Start things off with a relaxed day in the forest and in ‘impromptu' gentle pootle on some hire bikes. The scenery, novelty and cappuccinos at the visitor centre will be a welcome distraction.
- Don't take your embryonic cyclist on the Red or Black run at Glentress just yet. Go for the flat, wide and gentle trails and plan a picnic stop halfway around. Make the bike ride part of a bigger day out
- If your wife or husband are potential cycle commuters in the making, help them buy a bike which makes commuting easy. Go for a fully equipped bike with guards, racks, lights and locks, with a comfortable yet efficient riding position, that will make the car-to-bike transition as easy as possible. You wouldn't buy them a car with no lights, luggage space or roof would you?
- Advise them on clothes that will work on the bike but not give them that ‘lycra and love handles' look. Surprisingly, many people don't want to dress like a Tour de France reject to ride to work or to the park. For most riding, normal clothes will do just fine.
- If you're going out for your first ride together, keep the distance short, the speed low and the route safe and gentle. Your local 10 mile time trial route might not be the best place to take the family for a pleasant jaunt. Think traffic free trails, quiet lanes and café stops.
- Overall, don't be pushy and impatient and don't play the cycling zealot card. Cycling might be your lifestyle choice, but it may just be your partner's occasional fling. Accept that and be supportive, no matter what their aspirations might be.
- Try a Skyride Local. They're fun, free, led rides where all the guesswork is taken out of things. A great way to introduce anyone to cycling for the first time.
