Most people think they’re not fit enough to get into a long distance bicycle ride. Most cycling enthusiasts would actually say that it’s your mental fitness that is more important than your physical one. It’s actually easier to prepare yourself physically but conditioning your mind to make sure that you make it through the long distance ride is a different thing.

It is highly recommended to exercise both physical and mental training so you can successfully finish your allotted long distance goal. Here are some tips on how you can prepare:

1.    Start with small distances and gradually increase it as you go along.

The trick there is not immediately tackling long distance. Going for small trips first and then working your way towards longer trips will make things easier. According to experts, doing this for a period of two weeks can get you physically ready for a longer distance ride no matter what your initial fitness condition is.

2.    Join cycling groups.

There’s strength in numbers, they say. So joining cycling groups can inspire you to push yourself more. You will also get to meet people who will gladly train you into achieving your long distance goal. Some people get intimidated when joining groups especially novice cyclists because they think they’re not fit enough to ride with the rest of the seasoned cyclists. But you will most likely find groups willing to help you out.

If you’re still feeling apprehensive, you can try looking for a cycling partner, a friend or a co-worker, who can start training with you. It becomes less daunting if you have someone with the same skill level as you. You can certainly motivate each other.

3.    Simplify your life.

Most cyclists say living slightly off-the-grid and reducing social media usage helped a lot in preparing for a lengthy cycling trip. The compulsive need to always check your social media accounts distracts you from your goals and may even get in the way of concentrating on training yourself mentally and physically.

Sometimes, social media also limits your perception. It’s so easy to find words that are discouraging online. It’s also easy to pattern your accomplishments to those of other people and find yourself lacking.

4.    Find good bike shops in Vancouver

The Best bike shops in Vancouver such as Bikes on the Drive will not only help set up your bike to make it fit for long road travels but will also help you get connected with cyclists in the area. If you can’t find a good cycling group, this is the next best thing to help you stay connected with other like-minded people.

Achieving your cycling goals is nothing short of exhilarating. So start conditioning your mind and your body to make sure that you achieve your goals.