Choose your routes wisely

Choosing routes that fit your skills and comfort level can be tough initially, but a little research goes a long way. Pay attention to where other people ride, ask for ideas at a local bike shop or see if any local clubs list routes online. Then decide if you are comfortable with the routes. “I always tell people to ride, at first, where they feel comfortable,” Brennan says. “If they want to ride on quiet country roads, it is absolutely OK to be the person who drives their bike to the edge of the city. If you’re not comfortable riding through traffic, you don’t have to make yourself miserable.” From there, don’t be afraid to experiment. Sometimes a wrong turn can uncover a favourite loop.