Bring the style
A hang-up non-cyclists have about cyclists is the clothes; lycra, fluorescent, helmet hair, none of what you see on an average commute is immediately appealing, but we all know that in fact cyclists are the most stylist people on the planet. Ramp up your own cycling wardrobe as a taster, showing off your charismatic merino jerseys, slick shades, and smooth Italian shoes – see, you’re already melting at the thought – then buy them their own bit of cycling style. A merino buff or vintage cap is a good starting point.
Inject the action
This year in particular you’ve a great opportunity to pump up the excitement and reveal track cycling to your right-hand person: In the build up to the Olympics track events will be littered with stars, and the Rio 2016 extravaganza itself should be enough adrenalin to make anyone shout: “Cycling is amazing!”. Failing that, 30 minutes of Tour De France mountain highlights will tip even the most anti-cycling human into a starry-eyed state of awe.
Kick out the coffee
As vital as chain oil, coffee is ingrained into the historic culture of cycling, from pros to Sunday strollers. Show your best friend the more casually deliberate side of cycling by pedalling down to your local cycling café and indulging in its delicious beans. A slice of cake can only sweeten them further into the world of cycling.
Eradicate worries
Fear is the number one factor keeping people off bicycles. Fear of traffic, of falling on grating tarmac, and fear of the open road, are all worries that fill minds of beginners. Eradicate these cycling worries by taking your best friend on a short, safe ride. Show them that there are leafy ways around the bus-filled hell roads, and that not all cycle paths are equal. Teach them how to plan better routes, whether for commuting or a leisure ride, using things like gmap-pedometer.com’s OpenCycle feature.
Reap the rewards
You’ve laid the ground work and exposed your best friend to all elements of cycling culture, now it’s time to reap the rewards. Plan a cycling trip together! It could be a day-long ride, a weekend away, or some rides on your next sunny vacation, whatever you decide to do, keep the pressure off, relax and have fun! That’s what cycling with your best friend is all about.
