As a cycling enthusiast and devoted dad, finding time for your two passions may seem like a challenge. However, early morning bike rides can be a great solution. In this blog post, we will explore the many benefits of starting your day with a bike ride and provide practical tips to help you make early morning cycling a regular part of your routine.
The Benefits of Early Morning Bike Rides
- Peace and Quiet: There are fewer cars and pedestrians on the road early in the morning. If you’re riding out of the city, often wildlife is more active in the morning. The early morning calm allows you to enjoy the open road in a peaceful setting.
- Boost Your Energy: Beginning your day with a morning bike ride helps increase your endorphin levels, leaving you feeling more alert and energetic. I also always feel good accomplishing something early on in my day.
- Consistency: Early morning rides are less likely to be disrupted by unexpected events – like children’s napping struggles or last-minute activities – that can occur later in the day. This consistency helps you maintain your cycling routine. How many times have you gotten home from work and you told yourself you will just ride tomorrow instead?
- Mental Clarity: Cycling in the morning can clear your mind, reduce stress, and increase your positive thinking for the day ahead.
Making Early Morning Riding Successful
To make early morning bike rides successful, consider the following tips:
- Communicate Plan With Wife: I put this one first as its the most important. Make sure your wife is on board with your early ride and that it does not affect her morning plans and commitments. If your spouse or partner is not on board with your riding early, then don’t do it.
- Prep Your Gear: Set out your bike clothes and gear the night before. Having everything ready makes it easier to get dressed and hit the road as soon as you wake up. Don’t forget it is colder in the mornings so grab a vest and layer up.
- Don’t Forget Lights: If you typically ride during the day, it’s easy to forget not only your tail light but also your front light. Even in the summer, it’s still low light in the morning and you want to be visible.
Amazon Purchase: Garmin Varia RTL515 – $199.99
Our game-changing rear taillight is the Garmin Varia RTL515.
It provides an audible beep as a car is approaching and then shows how many cars are approaching and how fast they are going with a light indicator (red being fast!). - Plan Your Route: Decide on your cycling route the night before. Knowing where you’re going ensures a smoother start to your ride and eliminates indecision in the early morning.
- Start with Short Rides: Begin with shorter rides that fit into your regular morning schedule. Gradually increase the duration as you become more accustomed to early cycling.
- Photochromic Sunglasses: Invest in a pair of photochromic sunglasses. They can adjust their tint based on the level of UV rays. So in the morning, they will be clear when you start and will darken as the sun comes up.
Our favorite glasses are:
Rudy Projects: Defender – $269.99
Roka: Matador Air– $290 – Select Photochromic after frame color - Coffee Shop Stop: Incorporate a stop at a local coffee shop into your ride. A cup of coffee and a pastry can be a delightful reward and an extra motivation to get out of bed.
- Consider Group Rides: If motivating yourself to get out of bed is challenging, think about joining a local cycling group that meets for early morning rides. The camaraderie and accountability of a group can be a powerful motivator.
Fueling Up for Your Ride
Before hitting the road, it’s essential to have the right fuel:
- Hydration: Start your day with a glass of water to rehydrate your body after a night’s sleep. Consider adding a hydration mix to your bottles. Our favorite is LMNT.
Most hydration mixes are very sugary. While our bodies need sugar for endurance activities, I prefer getting mine via food, not drinks. LMNT is a great alternative. It has zero sugar and instead focuses entirely on the electrolyte side of things. It is great for salty sweaters and contains 1000 mg of sodium compared to most other drinks which contain 250-350 mg. - Light or No Breakfast: Opt for a light and easily digestible breakfast, such as oatmeal, yogurt, or a banana, to provide energy without feeling too heavy. Or just skip breakfast altogether and eat on the bike.
- On-the-Bike Snacks: Bring along on-the-bike snacks like our homemade chocolate chip cookies to enjoy during your ride. They offer a tasty energy boost and are easy to carry.
Wrap-Up
In conclusion, early morning bike rides can be a game-changer for dads trying to balance their cycling with parenting responsibilities. By implementing these tips, including preparing your gear in advance, starting with shorter rides, and even adding a coffee shop stop to your route, you can make early morning cycling a regular and enjoyable part of your routine. Don’t forget to plan your route and consider joining a local group ride if you find motivation challenging. So, set those alarms, prepare your gear, and pedal your way to a healthier, happier life—one early morning bike ride at a time.