Take yourself back to when you completed your first big organized ride. You reached that goal of 30 miles, 60 miles or maybe you even completed 100 miles or more! It was such a great time. You had a training schedule and stuck to it, found a group to ride with regularly, learned a lot of new things, and lost a few pounds along the way. A year before that it would have been impossible for you. Friends and family commented on your healthy look and everyone wanted to know your secret. Your story is the perfect inspiration to encourage others to take up cycling. Perhaps you are unsure of what to say or how to answer the questions about achieving your cycling goals.Here are 10 easy ways to inspire others:
1. Start with the story of someone who inspired you.
As an example, I’m finishing up a program with the Challenged Athletes Foundation, CAF, and will leave next Saturday for a 620 mile ride from San Francisco to San Diego over 7 days. One of our riders is Rob who several months ago had not ridden his bike since he was a kid. He is now an inspiration to me. Rob started our program like everyone else, built up the mileage each week, and is now tackling 620 miles.
2. Tell your own story of reaching a cycling goal.
Putting a personal touch to it helps. Me, I'm a cancer survivor. After my ordeal, I decided I needed to repay the life I had gained. I'm not a doctor but thought maybe I can raise funds. My first really serious program was with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, LLS, Team in Training TNT. I raised $2300 and rode a 111-mile event in Tucson Arizona.
3. Show how easy it is to accomplish big goals by taking it one step at a time.
Anyone can get into cycling and be amazed at what they can accomplish. I think both Rob and I have been able to demonstrate that the key is to just get started. Then build up your mileage one week at a time. That is one of the keys to cycling or any project, which has huge goals. Take it one step at a time and soon, you’ll be looking back over your shoulder wondering why you hadn’t started sooner.
4. Ask questions and find out what type of cycling interests your friends.
When you get the questions about what you did and how you did it, tell your story and then ask some questions. It’s the perfect opportunity to determine what type of cycling they are thinking about and help them get out on the bike.
5. Explain how friendly Southern California is for cycling all year long.
Maybe your friend doesn’t want to complete a 100 mile century but seems to be interested in riding for fun. That’s a perfect reason to talk about the different kinds of riding that are available today. Mountain biking, bike commuting and casual weekend rides with the family are all enjoyable and living in Southern California makes it a perfect place to experience cycling all year round.
6. Show how easy it is to get started on the bike.
Once your friend is interested it’s nice to show how easy it is to get out and ride. You don’t need a lot to get started. A working bike and helmet is all you really need. Light-weight bikes, spandex shorts, bicycle computers and other accessories aren’t required to get started. Once you start to ride, it’s easy to take a look at all the extras and figure out what’s really needed.
7. Invite new cyclists to ride with you.
Invite your friend to come out on a ride with you. Pick a route that isn’t hilly, has little to no traffic and is wide enough for you to ride next to each other and chat. Don’t plan a 3 hour ride. Make it an hour max. Be sure to check over his/her bike and ensure the tires have sufficient air. As you go along provide a few tips every once in a while. If the bike isn’t fitted properly, maybe make a few adjustments or point your friend to a local shop you trust. Be the example and show your friend the rules of the cycling road.
8. Share your experience.
After a few rides together, perhaps its time to invite a few more of your cycling buddies. Riding with others will often help new cyclists get used to group rides. More in the group may also bring more experienced riders with additional pointers. This can be on the road or on a trail.
9. Put together a group ride goal with some new cyclists.
OK, now you have a small group of people that are riding regularly. It's time to put together some group goals. Select an event that is coming up in a few months like the San Diego Century. Again, this can be a well-known road ride, mountain bike ride or maybe something you have thought up. Now put together a training plan that gradually adds mileage. This helps everyone with a common goal to stick with it. When you have regular riding partners you tend to stay on target both for yourself and with the obligation to the group that goes out there each week.
10. Volunteer to help with group rides in your area.
Volunteering is something just about any cyclist can do at any level. Sometimes new cyclists are intimidated by big rides and expert cyclists. I find that once they get out there, especially with other folks at the same level, that goes away. In our Trek Century training program we have several people who a few years ago could hardly stay upright on a bike. Today, they are Ride Guides in our program training and leading others.
Sometimes the motivation to volunteer comes from being a part of non-profit organization like CAF, Cancer Society, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (Team In Training) or others. There are a plethora of organizations that offer riding programs and opportunities to raise funds for a great cause. The end result can be far more rewarding because it's for a worthy cause.
More and more people are getting out and riding these days. With new bike paths popping up all the time and roads expanding with bike lanes our society is making it safer, easier and more appealing. Be an ambassador and inspire others.
by Mike Henderson
Mike's Blog: Finding Way to Help Others
Photo: 2009 San Diego Century
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