From riding my bicycle on the deserted lanes to riding on the very same lanes crammed with motorized vehicles, I have experienced it all. Thanks to the nation-wide lock-down and severe restrictions on the movement of motorized vehicles in the months of late March through August. It was truly a blissful period, free from air and noise pollution. This period in the year 2020 will be remembered for several reasons, the primary facet being the COVID-19 pandemic.

Being an adventurous buff, it’s hard for me to confine to a place for a prolonged duration. Fortunately, I had my bicycle to rescue me. What started as a leisure activity and one that only meant for my high-altitude trekking preparations, soon turned into everyday obsession with regular endurance rides. As soon as the central and state governments announced certain relaxations in lock-down, it was a sigh of relief to me. After a stringent 7-weeks lock-down, the lanes were thrown open for essential needs. This was also the time for fitness enthusiasts and cyclists to venture onto the open roads and go about performing their activities in a carefree manner. With scarce motorized vehicles on the lanes, this was an ideal period to experience a relaxed city life! Waking up to the chirping of birds, breathing in fresh air, experiencing silence and calmness all around, it was a heavenly state of mind. Except for the non-stop ranting of COVID-19 related newscast and bulletin.

IS IT SAFE TO RIDE OUTSIDE?

Since the lock-down was partially rolled back in early June, I have been regularly riding outdoors. Of course, with all precautionary measures. Alongside, what I have also been doing is responding to queries from various cycling enthusiasts in my social media and friends circle. So, I thought why don’t I compile them all in one place!

During the initial days, when there was partial relaxation in lock-down, the fear of getting infected was obvious. And, this fear could largely be attributed to the bunch of media channels and publications.

I have always believed that fear in unreal.

It’s a short sentence with deep meaning to apprehend and perceive. An in-depth understanding of it is beyond the scope of this article.

I was apprehensive about the kind of bicycle rides I have done during the pre-COVID days. Earlier this year, I completed three 100 Km rides in three successive months from January to March. Also, during the pre-COVID days, I took to cycling for my workplace. And, hence, I was equally determined to break the illusion of fear caused by the aforementioned factors

During the first few weeks, the rides were restricted to my local neighborhood only. I was wearing a mask only to avoid being side-lined and unpopular. A mask provides false sense of security, both to the self and everyone else around you. It’s neither a preventive act nor a solution to stop virus from infecting you/getting affected. Although, it will help guard you to a certain extent. A few weeks into my cycling adventures, and I was able to completely shatter the illusion of fear within me.

SAFE RIDING TIPS:

With further relaxations in lock-down, the entire neighborhood is bustling with activities. While the probability of getting infected is as high as it was five months ago, how safe is being outdoors? Below are the pointers that could be useful for the cyclist in you and in general terms too:

1. Begin your rides either during dawn or after dusk.
2. Try keeping your riding speed below your capacity. Don’t exert too much force or energy. Keep your intensity low.
3. While riding do not put on your mask. Riding with a mask will have adverse impacts on your health. As you are exerting force, the body needs more oxygen and it needs to get rid of the accumulated Carbon dioxide. Riding with your mask will impact this gas exchange process. Typically, I put on my mask when starting from home and the take it off as I hit the highways.
4. Staying hydrated is essential. Always carry two bottles – each filled with water and lemon juice, respectively. Do not use the bottle cage of your bicycle. Instead, take them on your back. Lemons are packed with Vitamin C, B, potassium and fibre which are essential nutrients for the body. Also, Vitamin C helps give your immunity a boost! So, make sure you carry these!
5. Do not ride in a group. Although, 3 to 4 is considered a safe group. Also, keep about 5 – 7 metres. Solo rides are best option.
6. Do not consume food from eateries yet. Instead, carry energy/nutrition bars and packed milkshake products. These products not just satisfy your hunger pranks, but also provide you with much needed calories and replenish with lost energy. And, it’s completely safe.
7. When you have pit-stops, make sure to not lean on to or touch the surface in the vicinity.

POST RIDE GUIDANCE:

1. 1. If you park cycle inside your house, make sure to rinse the tyres with warm water before taking it in.
   2. Rinse your clothes in warm water with disinfectant and then take a bath, immediately.
   3. Do not forget to stretch your muscles, especially your quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calves. This is an important stage of recovery process, Because tight muscles can have negative impacts on your cycling performance.
   4. Consume foods high in carbohydrates and proteins, preferably freshly cooked food.
   5. There’s no better alternative to consuming coconut water. It helps in replenishing the lost electrolytes during the intense cycling session.
   6. Make sure to have a short nap during the day and a good sleep overnight. This is a very important activity for muscle recovery.

So, these were some of my cycling routine and procedures. I hope this article brings benefits to you!

STAY SAFE! RIDE SAFE!

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