Cycle like a pro: from beginner to mountain biker and beyond

What better way to explore a new destination than by bicycle? Whether you’re cruising along city streets or pedalling over mountain terrain, cycling is both a convenient mode of transport and a brilliant form of exercise. Before you embark on a bike tour, however, thorough preparation is a must.  

From simply being confident on a bike to preparing for your next cycling excursion at home or abroad, Fasi Chan, founder of Hong Kong cycling academy Invis Cycling, share his tips on how to get the most out of this exhilarating sport. Book a cycling class at Invis now through Cathay’s wellness platform to earn miles and unlock myriad privileges.

Cycling at a glance 

Just as running can be a sprint or a marathon, there are many types of cycling. Chan recommends choosing the one that best matches your competence and comfort level. That might mean a breezy excursion along Hong Kong’s waterfront, or a smooth ride through a famously cycle-friendly city like Amsterdam on your next trip. 

There is something social about cycling, too, says Chan. Making memories on the road can bring friends closer, and there are always opportunities to meet new people from different walks of life. What’s more, cycling helps to build confidence, strength, and a sense of adventure. “It feels liberating,” he says.  

Cycling for beginners: balance is key 

Before you can glide freely on your bicycle, you need to learn to balance properly. According to Chan, this is one of the “core principles of cycling”, and it’s the first thing he teaches students in his introductory course at Invis. 

For beginners, Chan doesn’t recommend training wheels because they don’t help you get used to your body’s centre of gravity. Additionally, it’s important to get used to the feeling of going fast: you can maintain your balance much easier once you cycle at least to the speed of running, yet novices tend to pedal gingerly, worrying about their instability. That means overcoming the fear of speed is equally important.  

It’s normal to feel nervous or panic at first; but to combat this fear, Chan often recounts the similar feeling of “forgetting to breathe” from his experience of learning to swim as an adult, and teaches students to mindfully overcome this sense of panic with breath. 

Cycling for advanced bikers: swap roads for mountains 

If you’re already a seasoned biker, you might be ready to take your excursions to the next level. Surveys have found that “adventure” is one of the major travel trends in 2023, and mountain biking is a sure-fire way to boost your adrenaline.

Chan has seen a rising demand for mountain biking lessons at Invis; after the introductory courses, they are now the second-most popular class. For those looking to take on the new challenge, he says there are a great variety of mountain bikes on the market, including cross-country bikes for rugged terrain and downhill bikes for speeding down slopes. 

In addition to introductory and mountain bike courses, Invis Cycling offers classes for road cycling and BMX (bicycle motocross) riding. Private coaching is available too.  

Learn with Invis and Cathay  

Whether you are a curious newbie or an avid adventurer, there’s a riding style for you, and now we’re partnering with Invis Cycling to reward you for every spin you take. Simply enrol in a designated class with Invis before 15 August, quote your Cathay membership number, and you can earn 500 miles upon acquiring your new skill.  

Enjoy the best cycle routes in Hong Kong  

Cycling in Hong Kong is now increasingly popular thanks to the development of new trails. Get out and explore the city on two wheels with these incredible routes. 

For beginners: West Kowloon Cultural District   

With wide, well-paved roads, this urban route is perfect for rookies, and still offers picturesque views. 

For intermediate cyclists: Sheung Yue River, Sheung Shui  

This rural trail takes in the glorious Long Valley wetlands. Cyclists can stop halfway at Ho Sheung Heung for tofu pudding and a visit to the historic Hau Ku Shek Ancestral Hall. 

For seasoned bikers: Fung Lok Wai and Border Road 

This route winds around fishponds and fields, allowing cyclists to enjoy the beauty of nature. 

Discover more of Hong Kong’s amazing cycling routes here and put your cycling skills to the test.

Hero image credit: Invis Cycling