Meet Trilok Kumar Swami from Jaipur, AKA Provelo born on 11th November 1993. A name that is well known in the Jaipur cycling domain. In a recent attempt to cycle continue for 24 hours, he did emboss his name in the Indian cycling arena too. While attempting this feat Trilok Provelo covered a distance of 609 km in 24 hours on a geared cycle and created this cycling record. A lot of cyclists have done the 24 hours cycling record, however, there were none from Jaipur till the time Trilok swami pitched in.
How did it begin?
Trilok Provelo in MTB Himalaya
His interest in cycling started when he was strolling through the city of Ajmer on the new year’s eve of 2013 with his family.
He saw the army rider group and was mesmerized with the aura radiated by that rider group.
It took him well thought six months to make up his mind and buy his first bike. He has been a professional rider since early 2014.
Cycling records till now
Clocked over 600 km in 24 hours
Provelo has participated in over 40 national cycling events bagging 20 podium finishes. He furthermore, holds three records that got a place in India book of records.
Golden Triangle cycling record (Fastest on a geared cycle)
Fastest 100 km cycling record clocked under 2 hours and 30 minutes.
24 Hours cycling record which he attempted recently.
Knowing Him Better
Trilok is a young & vibrant chap with his role model as one of the fittest actors in Bollywood i.e. Akshay Kumar.
He follows his role model to the core and pumps up discipline as a key component in his daily schedule. Although, he currently lacks funds and apt coaching which are required to make his mark on the international circuit.
Even though his family is not very keen on him taking up cycling as a full-time career, he still manages to keep that spark of cycling going in him.
In case you want to help or contribute towards his coaching and fund him for events please get in touch with him. Click Here
Training Schedule for 24 hours cycling
As a professional road biker, he trains every day. He trains for over 500 km in a week. The training schedule is a mix of speed drills, incline training, and power training.
In the city’s cycling circuit he is the most knowledgeable rider. So in case you want to pick up cycling or want some advice or suggestions related to cycling, you know the person you need to get in touch with.
So in case you are in Jaipur, do not forget to meet the cycling icon of our city i.e. Trilok from Jaipur. Take a ride with him, if you can catch him.
I wasn’t planning on cycling today. It’s been raining in Jaipur from past couple of weeks. I kicked the blanket aside and got up. I looked at my bike and kept staring for a few minutes. Gathered my strength and got up finally. Green tea comes to the rescue, got my blood finally going through my veins. Strava was on and starting riding towards Nahargarh since it’s the only place in Jaipur that goes phenomenally great from amazing when it rains.
Thought of Nihari, and immediately thoughts of Garib Nawaz. One of my cycling buddies introduced me to Garib Nawaz and since then this has been my place of choice if it comes to chicken dish or mutton nihari in the breakfast.
Reaching Garib Nawaz
Mutton Nihari at Garib Nawaz
Garib Nawaz is one of the famous shops in the entire Jaipur for its non-veg variety and outstanding taste that it offers. This eatery serves a good number of customers every day and offering a warm welcome to them is in their inherent quality. The heart-winning ambience binds your attention with its spell. Gareeb Nawaz is located at Ramganj in Jaipur just adjacent to MM Khan hotel. MM Khan, which also happens to be a popular eating joint when it comes to no vegetarian food.
Amazing Mutton Nihari
Mutton Nihari at Garib Nawaz Hotel
MUTTON NIHARI PREPARATION
Nihari is a deliciously smooth flour based stew with slow-cooked mutton and a myriad of spices. This mutton nihari recipe takes around 4 hours to cook but it’s easy to put together. To get the best flavour, the mutton is cooked on very low heat for up to 4 hours.
My friend who also happens to be a chef shared the recipe with me. I am definitely going to try making Nihari this winter. Here is what he shared.
How to Make Nihari Gosht
Heat oil in a pan and add green cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, black cardamom and bay leaves.
Add the meat and saute till lightly fried.
Add salt and turmeric and mix well.
Pour in the water, cover the pan and cook.
When it starts boiling, add ginger- garlic paste, coriander powder, red chilli, garlic paste and onion paste.
Mix well and add yoghurt, Gulab-Jal, garam masala, nutmeg and cinnamon powder and saffron.
Cover and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Now transfer the meat in a heavy bottom pan and strain the gravy.
Add a few drops of itar and cover the pan.
Seal it with the wheat dough and cook on slow fire.
Once done, garnish with fresh coriander and ginger juliennes and serve.
I also made a video log of my ride till Nahargarh and then feasting on delicious Nihari. Hope you guys like it. Subscribe my channel to stay tuned for more food video logs and next time if you are craving for a chicken dish head towards Garib Nawaz.
If you are a cyclist, then you must know that there are a few things that other non-cyclist find weird. We, cyclists, know that we have a lot of unusual habits and traits that normal people just don’t understand. Cycling is not just a hobby, it’s more of a passion that fuels your adrenaline level.
I have compiled a list of my favorite odd things that cyclists do, which other find a bit strange. Read for yourself.
1. Cyclists Buy Expensive Bike But Cheap Car
Seriously dude!
Let’s face it, for cyclists, a car is just transportation but a bike is their life. Besides, bicycles rank right up there as one of mankind’s greatest inventions. They, promote health, happiness, and that awesome feeling of wind in your face. Priceless, right? And you certainly can’t say that about a car.
2. Forget cargo shorts, cyclists have perfected the cargo shirt.
Cyclists upgraded the stodgy cargo short into a high-performance cargo shirt, i.e. the cycling jersey. Where else are they supposed to keep all those riding essentials like snacks, tools, tubes, and extra layers? Not to mention a phone, keys, cash, and anything else you can’t live without.
Sure, you could wear it on the bus or the subway, but expect a few funny looks if you pull a sandwich or a banana out of your shirt.
3. Cyclists have imaginary friends and they love racing against them.
Over the past seven years since Strava was introduced, it’s become a strange new addiction among cyclists. Part fitness tracker, part social network, the Strava feed brings out the crazy in serious riders and weekenders alike. Recognize these addictive behaviors in someone you know?
Taking a few laps around the block after your ride because you need 0.4 miles to hit 50 for the day. Going KOM hunting on a segment you’ve targeted—you’re super-fresh, jacked up on Tailwinds, and you just drill it. Slipping your Garmin on a faster rider for a day—what’s a little Strava doping among friends? If that sounds like you, you may need an intervention.
4. A cyclist’s first words after a spill (even if he’s writhing in pain): “How’s my bike?!?!”
When you’re passionate about riding, you’re going to challenge yourself—and spills are just part of the sport, especially if you’re doing an epic ride. The difference between cyclists and everyone else, however, is that a cyclist’s first concern is always his bike, not his broken bones or bloody road rash.
Remember the immortal words of cycling legend Tom Simpson after he lost control and fell off his bike on Mont Ventoux during the 13th stage of the 1967 Tour de France: “Put me back on my bloody bike!” Although he was dreadfully ill at that point, he managed to ride another 500 yards before he wobbled, fell unconscious, and died.
Yeah, cyclists are like that.
5. Cyclists do obsess about weight—not their own, but their bike’s.
Cyclists obsess about weight because being lighter means you can go faster and ride longer, especially up hills. There are two choices when you’re chasing that high-performance weight: A lighter bike or a lighter you. And the great thing about choosing a lighter bike is that the weight stays off.
But for regular riders, obsessing over a few grams probably won’t affect your ride. Jim Gourley, a triathlete and aerospace engineer, wrote a book about cycling speed; his research showed that a one-pound difference only shaved 2.5 seconds off a one-mile climb and that four pounds only saved 7.5 seconds. That might matter if you’re a Tour rider, but for the rest of us, not so much.
A cycling app is a great way of setting goals and tracking progress. Unlike good bike computers which few people might find difficult to afford, these apps do a splendid job for them. In fact, these cycling apps have been so accurate, I sometimes wonder if I really require a bike computer. Even though I have a bike computer which I do not use, I prefer to use my mobile to track my cycling stats and performance. Applications like Strava, Zwift, Endomondo, Map my Ride, etc helps a lot.
What does Cycling app measure?
These cycling apps measure data points like speed, distance, and pace, and help with tasks such as route planning, goal setting, community building, coaching, or other bike-related objectives. The app stores of Android and iOS are flooded with cycling apps, the one you choose depends on what you want to use it for. To help make the decision process easier, here are the best cycling apps for each type of function.
STRAVA Application
You just can’t beat STRAVA can you? This is exactly why this app tops the list. It’s like a social networking site with no-nonsense and only people from the sports domain around.
Desktop Version Of STRAVA
This app is quick, comprehensive and extremely accurate as compared to its counterparts. This cycling app offers a deeper suite of features while also performing them faster. You can use the app to track or calculate your time, distance, average pace, speed, and estimated power output. You’re even able to record your routes live.
STRAVA Mobile Version
Strava is straightforward and intuitive, allowing you to add descriptions post-ride to remember what you liked or didn’t like about it. Furthermore, it pairs with plenty of external devices like heart rate monitors, power meters, cadence sensors, and foot pods. You can share your stats on leaderboards and connect with friends via its deep social offering. You can make an account or join with the help of a Facebook credential. This is something that STRAVA does better than any other app on the market. The last and the most amazing part is the KOM and QOM. Yeah right, love fighting for it, don’t we?
Now since we have talked so much about STRAVA, why don’t you check our my STRAVA profile and follow me for a follow back. Click the Strava Icon Below.
Zwift Cycling Application
I have not used the Zwift app, however, I did saw a lot of riders using the app. So I started digging about the specs of zwift cycling app. This is basically an app that is used by a lot of people doing indoor training. I mean just take a look at it, looks like something coming straight out of Xbox or PS.
Zwift Training App
Zwift cycling app, which works with any turbo trainer, features crystal clear graphics that even show your avatar rising out of your saddle when you’re pumping hard or tucking on fast downhills. You can decide at the beginning whether you prefer to race against others or compete against yourself. Although the mobile app works as its own game, the full experience is enhanced by connecting to a desktop version and using the mobile app as a remote control. I would recommend everyone to try this, this is fun.
Map My Ride
I would say that this i.e. map my ride app does not have an advantage when it comes to social amalgamation like STRAVA. However, this is the best app when it comes to creating custom routes. The user interface is too easy to understand. Although again there are numerous apps in the market which allow you to create a route, none matches map my ride. This app has been in existence for a long time and they are surely using their experience to the fullest potential.
Map My RIde App
MapMyRide also lets you peruse other users’ favorite routes and shuffle through previous rides you’ve cycled to decide if you want to do them again with audio prompting. Although the app doesn’t showcase as many social features as Strava, it’s the clear winner in terms of simple map creation.
Endomondo Cycling App
This app is amazing. It’s like your personal trainer who can speak from the mobile and pump you up. Your friends can also send you motivational messages while you are live on your activity.
Endomondo App
Endomondo provides easy ways to set goals, devise training programs, and monitor your progress. If your motivation begins to wane en route to achieving them (halfway up a 12 percent gradient, for example), Endomondo offers you that little voice of encouragement.
Its audio coaching delivers feedback about your distance, duration, calories, lap time, pace, heart rate, and more. Plus, it even has an amazing feature called “Pep Talks” where you can have a friend send a personalized message while tracking you live, offering fully customized motivation. Isn’t this amazing, imagine you are running with Endomondo and suddenly you hear “Pedal fast bro”.
Garmin Connect Cycling App
People who use a fitness tracker use this app. This app is much more user-friendly than some of its competitors. The user interface is simply outstanding. If you own the Garmin Edge cycling computer, you can log everything in a comprehensive daily calendar that breaks down your average speeds, elevations, durations, distances, and other cycling metrics.
Garmin Connect Cycling App
Garmin Connect works seamlessly with your Garmin device.
Relive Cycling App
This is the era of visual representation of people. Once you’ve sweated, grunted, and suffered through a long and tough ride, there’s nothing as rewarding as being able to recap your ride through high-resolution moving images. Images are everything, we all love showing off our activities on our social profiles. This app is stunning when it comes to the amalgamation of sports and visual representation of your activities.
Relive Cycling App
This app created a video representation of the route which you covered. The visual grace and smooth aesthetic of this cycling app are breathtaking. The videos even look similar to the 3D satellite maps commentators often use during TV coverage of big cycling events. This app works in conjunction with Strava or Garmin Connect. Furthermore, it creates a compelling, impressively realistic simulation of the ride you just completed.
So these were the top cycling apps of the year 2018. Every app is different each of them having an edge on a certain factor(s). Which one do you use? Feel free to comment below and tell us which cycling app you use and why?
What in the world is keto cycling — and should you try it?
“KETO cycling” is a less restrictive form of the popular keto diet. Furthermore, it is supposed to be better for losing weight in the long run. But here is what you should know.
Keto cycling, aka Cyclical Ketogenic Diet, or CKD for short, is actually a less-restrictive form of keto (yes, more carbs). This is for people who are looking for an alternative to the extreme diet. Also for those looking for a way to ease them into full ketosis.
What is keto cycling?
When you first venture into the carb-less world, you come down with what is known as the “keto flu”. The period where your body shifts from burning carbs and sugar for energy, to burning fat. Just like any other flu, you’ll also experience unpleasant symptoms ranging from stomach pains and headaches to insomnia and dizziness.
After your body has adapted to burning fat, the symptoms should subside. However, if they continue, it’s a sign you’ve gone overboard with your carb restriction. Which is where keto-cycling can come into play.
Definition
While there is no true definition of what keto cycling is, the general gist of it revolves around the idea of having five to six days of strict ketogenic dieting and then dedicating one day per week as a cheat day or a day of higher carbs.
So where you’d eat a low-carb, high-fat diet all week. Keto cycling allows you to consume more carbs than usual one day a week. The goal here is to temporarily switch out of ketosis to refill muscle glycogen.
Big Question! SHOULD YOU TRY KETO CYCLING?
According to dietitians, everyone should be wary about making health decisions based on theories. Especially since “there aren’t great quality research studies into keto-cycling at present”. “Being on a lower carb diet may be useful for some individuals, but it is not right for everyone. Something to keep in mind is if you are truly following a keto diet, as soon as you eat your carbs, this will take you out of ketosis.”
On the upside, however, cycling in and out of ketosis may be beneficial for not only balancing hormones but also helping ease the mind. Giving yourself more flexibility in your diet by taking days out from keto may be helpful to provide a mental break from restriction.
A day of normal to high carb eating is a good chance to get a healthy dose of whole grains in, which will, in turn, keep your gut healthy and happy. It can be a good chance to get some extra fibre and whole grains in your diet. Which is more beneficial for your gut health (and overall health) long-term; high-fat diets have been shown to change the types of bacteria in the gut.
Research studies on Keto cycling
Two 2017 research studies on keto cycling point to the idea that athletes and those who do high-intensity exercise regularly may benefit more from a cyclical ketogenic diet, as they’ll be able to combine the benefits of burning ketones with having enough sugar available to improve performance, strength and muscle gain.
But don’t get too big-headed here and go crazy on the pizza and hot chips. Just like any healthy diet, you still need to be mindful of your eating habits.
Opting for low-GI carbohydrates such as brown rice, sweet potatoes, fruit, quinoa, and lentils and legumes, will provide your body with good amounts of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RE-ENTER KETOSIS?
The longer you have been on the ketogenic diet, the quicker your body will bounce back into ketosis. Additionally, eating low-GI complex carbs on your refeeding days will make the transition back much easier.
Jumping back into ketosis can be achieved by following these three steps:
Last day of carbohydrate refeeding: Do not eat after 6 pm.
Day 1 on the standard ketogenic diet: Wake up and perform HIIT or intense weight training on an empty stomach. After the workout, begin a strict ketogenic diet with 0-2 percent carb intake.
Day 2 on the standard ketogenic diet: Wake up and perform MISS (medium intensity steady state) or medium intensity weight training on an empty stomach. Return to a normal ketogenic diet with 3-5 percent carb intake.
Summing Up
Although people are in it for the weight loss, science shows keto has a ton of other benefits, like lowering inflammation, helping your brain work more efficiently, and keeping hunger crashes and cravings at bay.
Hello everyone! I recently stumbled across a post in one of the cycling groups. The post was about the bicycling tattoos for cyclists which group members had. I picked up 10 of the best tattoos based on likes and here they are. I am sure to get one of them. These cycling tattoos do not only look cool, however, inspires others to pick up cycling as a sport. So without further delay let us check out these tattoos for bikers.
1. Bicycle tattoos are all the rang among today’s cycling community. Furthermore, these kinds of body arts can grant entry into exclusive tight-knit circles.
2. When you are equipped with one of these magisterial icons, no one will ever be able to question your dedication to riding.
3. For inspiration, try looking at the wild geometry of this cycling tattoo.
4. Tattoos for cyclists who are constantly on the go can indicate their speedy lifestyle with a zooming bicycle tattoo.
5. Now take a look at this masterpiece. The attitude says it all, also this tattoo looks like someone is in love with mountain biking.
6. Not a great fan of skull tattoos, however, this art is elegant. Changed the whole perspective of ink.
7. I love this amalgamation of DNA and the chain. Full marks to the designer and the rider who got this. A strong statement and I am planning to get this on my arm.
8. I did not know that the hub has these many parts in it. Thanks to the tattoo for enhancing my knowledge.
9. You go into a bar, just place your hand on the counter, beers ordered. Isn’t this cool!
10. This guy takes his mountain biking too seriously. Got his whole back covered with ink.
So let me know in the comments which tattoo for biker are you getting done!
Let’s start with the question what is a hashtag? A hashtag is a keyword that helps to describe or categorize your image. The beauty of hashtags is that they are clickable and searchable. So that you can quickly pull up a feed of images tagged with a certain keyword. Hashtags help you find images and more importantly, furthermore connect with the people who posted them, around specific themes. Let’s understand more about cycling hashtags. Remember hashtags for cycling posts are the same for Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. In this article, we will take a look at hashtags separately for each type of cycling activity like MTB hashtags, Road cycling hashtags, Cycle commuting hashtags and, Cycle Touring hashtags.
Before you get into the hashtags for cycling here I would advise you to read my article on Instagram Shadowban. Can sometimes even after using the right hashtags there are chances that you might get the user engagement that you are looking for.
Supposing we clicked a cycling picture, and we wanted to a) show it off, and b) connect with other people who are into cycling. Simply post an image using an appropriate cycling hashtag and you’ll soon be attracting likes and follows from similarly minded cyclists.
Now you can use #cycling, #cycle, #cyclist and all are popular. But they’re too generic. How many people are regularly searching for images on generic topics? If you can get a bit more specific with your hashtags, the quality of your pictures will go up. Plus, a major factor with high traffic hashtags is that your freshly posted image soon gets buried by all the incoming ones.
Always try to be more specific for more user engagement and the meaningful audience looking at your pictures on Instagram
Generic Instagram & Twitter hashtags for cyclists
These tags are way too generic and can be easily guessed by anyone. Even a person with no knowledge of social media can use these hashtags. The issue is that these are way too generic and your picture getting buried will be too common.
For my fellow riders, I have chosen a few high-ranking and searched keywords. You can directly copy paste these cycling hashtags for maximum user engagement.
Bike and cycle hashtags tends to be common, just a heads up.
Generic cycling hashtags
PC: 2019-giro-rosa-stage-1-4
There are lots of Instagram hashtags for cycling photos. Of course, all the hashtags are for photos really. Furthermore, these set of hashtags are explicitly around pictures and photos. So naturally, they are some of the most popular cycling hashtags you can use on Instagram. Furthermore, use these cycling hashtags for pumping up your cycling pictures.
#BIKEPORN
#CYCLINGPHOTOS
#CYCLINGSHOTS
#CYCLINGPICS
#CYCLINGPHOTO
#CYCLINGPHOTOGRAPHY
#CYCLINGSELFIE
Road cycling hashtags
One of my click from the tour I went on recently.
I use the below road cycling hashtags to optimize my posts whenever I ride a road bike and feel like posting something on my social media.
#CYCLING
#ROADBIKE
#CYCLIST
#BIKESTAGRAM
#CYCLINGLIFE
#STRAVACYCLING
#ROADCYCLING
#INSTACYCLING
#RIDEYOURBIKE
#ILOVEMYBIKE
#CYCLISTS
#LOVECYCLING
#INSTACYCLE
#CYCLINGPHOTOS
#CYCLINGSHOTS
#CYCLINGPICS
#BIKE
#CICLISMO
#BIKELIFE
#OUTSIDEISFREE
#FROMWHEREIRIDE
#STRAVACYCLING
#STRAVA
#CYCLE
#BIKEPORN
#VELO
#RIDE
Mountain biking or MTB hashtags
Mountain biking
I love mountain biking. Mountain biking is something that keeps me alive, to be honest. The adrenaline rush of riding to the top of the mountains and spending some time with nature is what I like. Also, the downhill ride post spending some time with nature is amazing. I have been posting a lot of my MTB adventures on my Instagram, check out these MTB hashtags that I use. These MTB hashtags have got quite a reach and I am able to get a lot of organic traffic to my posts.
#MTB
#MTBLIFE
#BIKE
#MOUNTAINBIKE
#CYCLING
#BIKELIFE
#DOWNHILL
#CICLISMO
#ENDURO
#MOUNTAINBIKING
#MTBLOVE
#CYCLINGLIFE
#ENDUROMTB
#MTBBRASIL
#MTBLIFESTYLE
#BICYCLE
#BICICLETA
#BIKES
#DOWNHILLMTB
#NATURE
#FREERIDE
#DH
#GOPRO
#SHIMANO
#RIDE
#PEDAL
#STRAVA
#BMX
#BHFYP
#GOWES
#ROCKSHOX
#FOX
#CYCLINGPHOTOS
#BIKEPORN
#INSTABIKE
#MTBIKING
#MTBLOVERS
#MTBGRAM
#MTBPHOTOS
#MTBINDONESIA
#MTBGIRL
#BIKER
#MTBENDURO
#BTT
#TRAIL
#BIKING
#MTBDAILY
#PREFIROPEDALAR
Cycle commuting hashtags
Hashtags for daily commuters for their posts
Post COVID-19 lockdown getting over a lot of my friends have started going to office on their bikes. So I know a lot of folks like to flaunt their bike ride to work on their social media. So here is the list of cycle commuting hashtags for my friends who commute to work on their city bikes.
#BIKECOMMUTE
#CYCLETOWORK
#BIKECOMMUTER
#CYCLECOMMUTE
#COMMUTE
#COMMUTERLIFE
#COMMUTER
#COMMUTING
#COMMUTERBIKE
#PUBLICTRANSIT
#BIKELIFE
#PUBLICTRANSPORTATION
#EBIKE
#URBAN
#CAPTURETRANSIT
#COMMUTEBYBIKE
#WORK
#BHFYP
#MASSTRANSIT
#CITYBIKE
#METRO
#BICICLETA
#EBIKES
#TORONTO
#BNW
#BIKETOWORK
#ESCOOTER
#URBANMOBILITY
#MYCOMMUTE
#URBANBIKE
#GOBYTRANSIT
#DAILYCOMMUTE
Cycle Touring hashtags
Hashtags for cycle touring
These hashtags for cycle touring routinely get a lot of posts. I am listing all the one’s from which I got a massive user engagement.
#BIKEPACKING
#CYCLETOURING
#WORLDBYBIKE
#CYCLETOUR
#BIKETOUR
#BIKETOURING
#BIKETRAVEL
#CICLOTURISMO
#BIKETRIP
#WORLDBYBIKE
#BICYCLETOURING
#BIKEWANDER
#CYCLETOURING
#ADVENTURECYCLING
#NATURE
#TRAVELBYBIKE
#FAHRRADTOUR
#ADVENTUREBYBIKE
#BICYCLETOUR
#CYCLETOUR
#BIKECAMPING
#PEDALFOREVER
#RADTOUR
#TOURINGBIKE
#BICYCLETOURINGFOREVER
#ADVENTURECYCLIST
#BIKERSOFINSTAGRAM
#GRAVELBIKE
#WORLDBYCYCLING
#CYCLETHEWORLD
The 10 tips!
I am also jotting down 10 tips and tricks for getting more traffic on social media.
Don’t use the generic hashtags: as they are so popular that your photo will disappear off the feed within a few minutes. Use slightly less popular, but more niche-specific tags. You’ll be more likely to reach the right crowd.
Post a clear description of the photo, then add all the tags afterward. It’s commonly accepted to see a block of 20 to 30 hashtags (30 is the max), and if you keep them to the first comment (rather than the main description), even better.
Look for accounts where the number they follow is similar to the number of followers they have. This indicates they generally follow people back.
Reposting other people’s content is generally considered acceptable on Instagram if you credit the original poster.
Tag big feature pages in your posts, and look out for feature page hashtags to use. For example, if your #shutterholictv photo is picked up by the @shutterholictv account, I will post on my timeline giving you due credit.
It’s almost over
You can’t post links on Instagram. The only place you can have a link is in your bio, so don’t forget to fill that in with your website address, or wherever you want to send them. Like I have the link to my YouTube channel.
This one is completely obvious – post good images. Instagram is a very visual medium so be creative.
Post regularly, I try and post at least 1 picture a day.
Engage with people. Like their posts. Comment on them. Try to post descriptions that encourage people to comment on your own posts.
Engage some more. Because that’s what really makes the difference.
Summing Up
I hope this article would have been useful to you. If yes, please drop a comment at the end of the page. If you have any questions even then drop in a comment and I will try to get back to you ASAP. Any hashtag addition to Road cycling hashtags, MTB hashtags, Cycle commuting hashtags, or Cycle Touring hashtags please mention in the comment below.
Butt Hurts? How To Avoid Saddle Soreness When Cycling?
Oh yes, long-distance cycling is amazing. However, with long-distance cycling, comes along few troubles. The one which we will talk about today is saddle soreness. This happens to everyone, only a few talks about it. Yes, this is correct. Even professionals encounter this at times during their careers.
While I was researching about this topic, I stumbled across few instances when professionals were a victim of this saddle soreness. Read below about saddle sore.
“Eddy Merckx not being able to ride the 1976 Tour de France. Sean Kelly withdrawing two days from the end of the 1987 Vuelta while wearing the leader’s jersey. Ivan Basso missing the Giro with a sore the size of a golf ball are all examples of the best being beaten by a boil.”
What is saddle soreness?
Different types of saddles & contact area!
Saddle sores can be an uncomfortable byproduct of cycling. As the name suggests saddle soreness is a pain or discomfort felt in the areas of your body in contact with the saddle.
Too long if you are on the saddle. Your “sit-bones” & the area between your anus and genitals known as the perineum pains which are in contact with saddle are affected. It’s also possible to suffer from chafing of your inner thighs as they rub back and forth against the sides of the saddle.
Tip’s To Avoid Saddle Soreness!
Follow these tips to avoid saddle soreness while cycling.
1. Before Purchasing a Bike, It Is Important To Do A Bike Fit
Do a proper bike fit!
Always ensure that you first do a bike fit and then purchase a bike. If your saddle is too high, it may make your hips rock side to side to reach the pedals. That can cause chafing. If your handlebars are too high or too close, you can be sitting too far upright, and putting extra weight on the saddle.
Remember, you want your weight balanced between your pedals, your hands, and your butt. If necessary, stop in at your bike shop to have them check and adjust your bike fit.
2. Change The Angle Of Your Saddle, Tilt The Nose
This has specifically helped me in reducing the saddle pain that I used to get earlier. I simply changed the angle of the saddle nose towards the ground. It’s simple and you can do it yourself with an Allen key. Adjust so the widest part of your saddle supports your weight mostly on your two “sit bones”.
The ones that hold you up if you sit on the corner of a desk. If your saddle is tilted too far back, it can put pressure on the soft tissue at the front. Be extra cautious as if you tilt it too far forward, you can find yourself sliding off the saddle and resisting that with excess pressure on your hands. most riders like to get the saddle perfectly leveled. However, try and experiment with your saddle, a small adjustment can give a lot of comforts.
3. Avoid Sitting On Saddle The Whole Time – Stand Up
Riders who like long distance rides they tend to spend a considerable amount of time on the saddle. For a 100 KM ride, it means that you may have to sit on the saddle for about 5 to 6 hours. Stand on the pedals now and then to take the pressure off your butt. You can stand while coming downhill.
Can stand while climbing a hill. You can stand and pedal even if there is no hill. And, of course, you can stop the bike and stand up to rest. But do stand up to let some blood and air circulate. Also, slide forward or backward on your saddle, to change the pressure points.
4. Use A Good Quality Cycling Shorts
Always wise to spend on the cycling shorts. Do not use the cheap ones rather go for the best quality shorts. After all, it’s the question about your nuts bro. The most important part of your body. Ain’t it! Consider bib shorts as they will stay in the position far better when riding. Finally, never wear additional underwear, especially cotton.
It will hold additional moisture and make soreness, skin irritation and infections more likely. Always wear washed shots, these conditions arise when there is no cleanliness.
“Wear nothing along with cycling padded shorts, No underwears at all”
5. Creams Are Available
Not particularly for saddle sores, however, I do recommend this in case of chafing your inner thighs with saddle corners. although it might initially feel a little strange and squishy, its effectiveness in preventing saddle soreness is almost miraculous. It reduces friction, hydrates the skin and prevents cracking. Some brands also have antibacterial properties but also be prepared for a bit of a tingle!
6. Increase Your Distance, However, Do Not Go BALLISTIC
Ok! So you are riding daily. Your friends do 100 km every now and then, you want to do likewise. However, go slowly. Do not jump from 20/30 to 100 all of a sudden. Your body does take a little time adjusting to long rides. Like all aspects of cycling training, you have to build-up slowly and allow your body to adapt.
Summing UP
To prevent saddle sores, all of the above tips will help. In addition, cleanliness and dryness are important. Be sure you and your bike shorts are washed and completely dried after every ride. And be careful to increase mileage gradually. Saddle sores can pop up when your weekly mileage suddenly jumps from 50 to 500. The bike fit is important. Checkout my YouTube channel.
“If you develop true saddle sores, take time off the bike, try antibiotic creams and/or hot baths, and if necessary, see your doctor”
