Spend the night at the historic Theatre Royal Hotel in Kumara | Lachlan Gardiner
The Christmas holidays are a busy time for everyone. With our focus on family, merriment and over indulgence, the bikes can gather dust in the garage. A little time off from riding however can be a refreshing and restorative break for the mind and body.
Getting back into the swing of things come the New Year can be daunting. The mere thought of regular biking enough to encourage those cobwebs to stick around a little longer. But shaking off the mince pies feels great, and you don’t have to go full steam ahead.
Why is cycling so good for us?
Cycling is ideal as it puts very little impact on your joints. Even if you have pain walking, you can still ride a bike, as it’s not weight bearing. Most people find they can cycle comfortably well into their 70s and 80s.
If you’re feeling out of shape, cycling is a great way to increase your activity. You can go further at the start than you would if walking or running. It’s an effective lower body toner, improves co-ordination, and burns those pesky calories. Even moderate cycling burns around 500 calories in 60 minutes.
Cycling group on the Tekapo Canals on the Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail. View trip
What kind of exercise plan should I make?
How much biking you do when you find your mojo varies for every individual. Some riders will pedal head first into long and arduous training. While a few of us prefer to dip a toe and ease back in gently. Whatever your plan of attack, make sure the intensity is comfortable and appropriate for your fitness, and then set some realistic goals. Build up slowly, listen to your body, and remember rest days are also really important.
The main thing I did to train was to get out on my bike as much as possible. I’d try and incorporate cycling into my every day life. Do I need to take the car to the shops? Maybe I could just pop to the shops on my bike if I only needed a couple of things. Making sure I had time in the ‘saddle’ (to prep butt and legs) was a key part of my preparation. Seeking out a few hills and stairs also helped me increase my leg strength.
– Kate Harper (World Expeditions Groups Consultant).
Here are our 5 top tips for New Year revolutions
- Start today. There’s no time like the present to dust down that bike. Don't keep putting it off until Monday!
- Don’t panic. Your fitness will spring back into action quicker than you think. Focus on one bike ride at a time.
- Schedule social rides. Get some friends together or join a cycling group. This will keep you motivated and committed.
- Set realistic goals. As you begin cycling again, start with goals that are easy to obtain. It could be something as simple as riding three days per week, commuting to work one way by bike or tackling a long weekend ride with a friend.
- Buy some new gear. It doesn't need to be anything extravagant. Sometimes all it takes to spark some motivation are some new gloves or new cycling jersey.
The smooth dedicated trails of the Otago Rail Trail make for the perfect introductory cycle trip. View trip
Ready for a cycling adventure?
By mid January your bike will be gleaming, and your body glowing with renewed energy from regular cycling. Start out small, building up to more challenging rides as your comfort and confidence grows.
Now it’s time to really up the anti and consider your options for a fully supported cycling adventure. Our Introductory tours bring plenty of opportunities to stop and take in uninterrupted views, and cater for all fitness levels and aspirations. As well as exploring remote townships and iconic landmarks, our support vehicle is never too far away to pick up any tired legs.
A fully supported and guided cycle tour offers the bonus to ride luggage-free. Bags are shuttled each day in the support vehicle with meals and accommodation also taken care of.
Choose an Introductory Tour
This itinerary has all the trademarks of a great introductory cycling journey - inspiring scenery, quiet back country roads, flat cycle trails, long easy downhill runs and of course great food and wine.
We break the cycling up with a half day hike on the Abel Tasman walking track before boarding a catamaran for an exciting sail around the heads. View trip
This tour combines two of the South Island's most popular cycling experiences, and includes a ride on the Taieri Gorge Railway into Dunedin. For those that thrive on adrenaline, Queenstown’s reputation as one of the world’s favourite adventure destinations is well deserved. View trip
Voted No. 2 'Must Do Adventure' in the Lonely Planet's New Zealand guide book, this adventure has you cycle back in time to New Zealand's rural past along a trail that has been specifically converted for walkers, mountain bikers and horse riders. View trip
If you’re ready to take the plunge for a New Year adventure, contact us and we’ll help you plan the ideal supported tour to kick start a healthy 2019: [email protected].