CYCLING WITH THE LEGENDS

The Legends cycle in various groups depending on ability all year round. The cycle duration can be anywhere from 20 to 70 miles.

"Don't cross dress - cross train" (by Desi McHenry)

Few seem to realise the benefits of cross-training. Being completely dedicated to one sport is a blinkered approach to improvement and produces boredom, injury, staleness and general loss of interest in short and long term goals. If more cyclists ran and more runners cycled then they would be better at their individual sports and wouldn't have to put as much strain on the relevant muscle groups because of the lessened time training IN it. (Mind, a dip in the pool once a week with some leg kicking would be great hydro-therapy as well; but I won't push it too much just yet!)

There are many reasons as to why we don't cross-train, but I'll try to offer a few helpful hints about the BIKE  and hopefully inspire you to get out. Expense, lousy weather, punctures, sore bum, no time, no bike, wrong clothing etc., are all very good reasons for NOT getting out ; and indeed our climate seems to be the most influential factor which we have to overcome -  the others can all be resolved with a little patience and by asking all the necessary questions.

CLOTHING

You don't need all the gear that cyclists wear, but you can spend 2 or 3 years buying small bits and pieces at a time. The winter months mean you have to overdress.

HELMETS

The helmet must be your first consideration. They cost from 25 to 150 pounds. All are now made of lightweight foam which gives good protection and are not heavy and cumbersome. Second-hand helmets are a good buy but give them a good inspection for cracks and try them on to make sure they fit and that the straps work. You can get helmets in the ads. In newspapers or in the second-hand shops in Smithfield or Cash Converters in High St. Belfast. Lots of cyclists also like to be wearing next year's model.

THE EXTREMITIES

The fingers get a bit cold in our winter months. Usually the best things are ski mitts. Best time is the January sales. C and A do a good job for approx. 6 pounds. Once they start getting wet through you'll normally only get one winter out  of them. Don't wash them just stick them on top of the radiator or beside the fire. If your fingers are still cold stick a pair of woolen gloves inside them. If you can afford it, the 'upmarket' gloves are made from neoprene and gortex.
The ears and head might also feel the chill. Go to a specialist shop like Surf Mountain and pay 20 pounds for a head-band or go to a  'material' shop like Polydor, Donegal Pass and pay 3 pounds for a good whack of the same material and cut and stitch as required - Guess where I go ? Make something for round your neck as well.
The toes are definitely the first to go. Again, gortex and neoprene are best but if you put some really thick plastic (the sort used to damp-proof floors) between your socks and shoes it does a good job. You don't even need to have the cycling shoes and cleats (Don't worry you'll be getting those in time). Cosy feet are a top priority so I would make a pair of neoprene overshoes your first buy - a good pair will cost around 14 pounds.
The chest gets most of the wind and gets cold and also needs to be protected to ward off illnesses. Cut out a bit of bubble wrap and tuck it in on top of your inner vest. The bubbles warm up from your body and the wind is deflected by the plastic.
So, now you're snug as a bug and the rest of your gear will depend on yourself and what you have available. Try to wear leggings which are tightish around the legs.
Your future shopping list should be considered in terms of priority. Remember, you don't need them right away. They rank as follows:
1. Padded shorts with shoulder straps.
2. Long-sleeved cycling top with pockets in the back.
3. Cycling glasses. Great for keeping the wind and cold out of your eyes.

THE BIKE

The obvious things are well known to you: pump, spare tubes(2), well-oiled moving parts (not yourself or you'll be all over the road), brakes which work, lights (plenty of them if you're out after dark); and always take some money for 'phone calls, mars bars etc.,. Also try to learn a bit about the mechanics of the bike and don't be afraid to ask if you're unsure. Personally, I could talk and learn about the bike for hours - a real bundle of fun, eh!
Right out you go. There's no point in going unless you're out for a minimum of one and a half hours.