Cycling combines childhood skill with grown-up thrill

Scholars often regard the wheel as one of mankind's greatest inventions.

From its early days the single wheel slowly progressed into wheels, initially in the form of bicycles and more recently in the form of automobiles.

And while cars have become the wheels of choice, the bicycle endures as a growing recreational sport, exercise tool and source of transportation for millions across the globe.

For people just getting started in cycling, or for those looking to get back on the saddle, there are several things to keep in mind.

Innovations

One thing beginning cyclists will find when shopping for a bike is the advancements in the bicycle industry. No longer must cyclists rely on the old heavy steel frames found at department stores. Today's cyclist has many different brand names and varieties to choose from.

"It used to be you just bought a 10 speed," Cape Bicycle Cycling and Fitness owner Eric Gooden said. "It's just amazing how many types there are."

Aluminum is now the material of choice because is makes bicycles lighter and faster. Along with lighter frames, a big advantage in purchasing a more specialized bicycle found at bike shops is the size of the bike. While many riders may not initially realize the importance of bicycle size, once a rider goes on his first long ride with a bike too small or too big, he'll get the picture.

"It's worth the small premium you pay to go to a bike shop and get fitted," Velo Girardeau cycling club president Larry Cleair said.

Gooden's shop offers bicycles in up to five different sizes, but often a department store bike comes in only one size. Having different sizes available helps riders find a bike that is comfortable and, in turn, safer.

"If you do it right they go hand in hand," Gooden said.

And while the cost of purchasing a bike may have gone up over the years, the quality has, too.

"A lot of people think $150 is a lot to pay for a bike, but they don't realize the difference," said Keven Bricknell, a Cape Girardeau cyclist. "You can really tell the difference as far as durability."

For Mark Hasheider, a mountain biking enthusiast and interim fire chief of Cape Girardeau, new innovations -- like shocks on bikes --caught him by surprise when he got back into biking about five years ago.

"It was radically different" Hasheider said of the style of bikes. "Of course shocks on bicycles have been around for a number of years, but I wasn't associated with them."

Choosing between bike types

When looking for a bike, a potential rider must keep in mind what he's looking to get out of his riding experience.

Gooden said he asks two simple questions: How will the cyclist use the bike, and who will he ride with?

There are three familiar bike types: comfort, road and mountain. Comfort bikes are the most common type available and are used predominantly for exercise and practical transportation.

Road bikes can be used for exercise and transportation as well, but these bikes are more often used for competitive racing events. Opting for a road bicycle often means paying a higher price.

Mountain bikes have seen a rise in popularity as more extreme sports competitions popping up across the country. From adventure racing to simple mountain bike racing, there are many uses for the mountain bike. These bikes are also more appropriate for off-road riding, typically in state parks and other hiking areas.

"Mountain biking has really evolved over the last 15 years," Hasheider said.

Competitive side

Despite a lack of traditional touring racers, there are mountain bikers who are hitting the competition circuit from around Southeast Missouri. Bricknell hasn't been competing long, but already he's hooked.

"Right now I'm just racing in the beginners class," Bricknell said. "It's just a lot of fun."

Bricknell said he races in a series based in St. Louis and has competed in races in St. Louis and Farmington, Mo., so far.

"They offer a bunch of different classes, so you can start wherever you want to competitively," he said.

Bricknell said for people who want to get into the competitive side of cycling, just getting on the bike is the best way to start.

"Just get into the habit of riding three to four times a week," he said. "Just ride a lot, that's the best thing you can do."

Bricknell admits that for most beginning riders the early stages will be rough.

"The seat hurts, and your back hurts, but if you stick with it in a couple of weeks it goes away," he said. "It's just a matter of sticking with it."

Once the pain goes away, the focus turns toward conditioning and diet. With races spanning from as little as 10 miles to more than 100 miles, a cyclist has to be in strong physical condition.

"A lot of it is building up your endurance," Bricknell said.

Local club

And for those not necessarily interested in the competitive side of cycling, there are other ways to get involved with the sport. Velo Girardeau is a cycling club based in Cape Girardeau and has been around since 1979. The group has weekly rides from March through November on Sundays, and during the summer months the club has introductory rides every Tuesday and Thursday.

Riders meet across from the Rose Garden in Capaha Park at 6:30 p.m., with Tuesday and Thursday rides usually spanning 10 to 15 miles. The rides are open to anyone with a bike, no matter the rider's skill or speed level.

"We always have an experienced rider back with whoever is the slowest rider," Cleair said.

Thursday rides are good for riders with mountain bikes because the group usually rides harsher roads those nights. Sunday rides leave from Dempster Hall on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University at 1:30 p.m. and often cover 25 to 50 miles. Sunday rides typically cover areas all across Southeast Missouri.

Cleair, a former runner, said cycling is a relaxing way to stay in shape.

"You can go out and ride some three or four hours, get some exercise and not beat yourself up doing it," he said.

With the help of warmer winters and plenty of open land, Cleair said the sport of cycling continues to grow locally.

"We've got members from their 20s into their 70s," he said. "It's just a big variety of people."

jjoffray@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 171