How to Prepare for Spring Riding: Expert Shares Tips on Getting Back into Cycling

That feeling is starting to creep in. The sun lingers a little longer each day, and there’s a definite shift in the air. As the clocks go forward this March, the dark, chilly commutes of the winter season are finally on their way out. For anyone with a bike gathering dust in the garage, this change in daylight is a welcome signal that it’s time to get back out there.

The thought of an after-work ride is no longer a race against the sunset. But after a few months off, getting back into cycling isn’t always as simple as just hopping on. The bike might feel a bit strange, the legs a bit weak, and the roads definitely look different. Experts from Leisure Lakes Bikes, a leading road bikes supplier, suggest that a little preparation can make all the difference, turning a wobbly restart into a smooth transition back into regular weekday routines.

What’s different about cycling in early spring

Jumping back on the bike in early spring isn't quite like riding in the middle of summer. The roads and paths are still shaking off winter's grip. Think about all the grit and debris left over from the colder months, especially on those quieter country lanes. This stuff can seriously affect tyre grip and braking performance, making that familiar corner feel surprisingly slippery. It’s a good idea to approach descents with a bit more caution until the roads are properly cleaned. The conditions themselves can be pretty unpredictable, too. A ride might start in glorious sunshine, only for a sharp wind to pick up or the temperature to drop, making that last half-hour feel much tougher than expected. It’s the season of ‘one minute it’s T-shirt weather, the next you need a jacket’. And it’s not just the weather; the shared paths start getting busier again with walkers and families, while drivers are still getting used to seeing more cyclists on the roads. All this means that those first few rides require a bit more concentration to build confidence.

Getting the bike ready for that first ride

After a winter break, a bike often feels a bit… off. Even if it was perfectly fine when it was last put away, a few key things need a once-over before heading out. Getting these sorted makes that first ride feel much less of a struggle. According to Ben Mercer at Leisure Lakes Bikes, paying attention to the bike is the first step. “March is when cycling starts to fit back into the week again, but the return usually goes better when people take a moment to prepare. Making sure the bike feels ready and keeping the first few rides simple tends to make the whole transition smoother.”

He suggests a simple pre-ride check:

• Tyres: “Tyres are a good place to start, as pressure drops over time, and low pressure can make the bike feel sluggish or unstable on rough or dirty roads. Bringing them back up to the right pressure often makes an immediate difference.” Think of it like trying to run with your shoelaces undone – it just feels wrong.

• Brakes and Gears: “Brakes and gears are the other areas that tend to show it first. If braking feels muted or gears hesitate or sound noisy, a clean and basic adjustment usually sorts it, and it’s worth doing before those small issues start to affect confidence on the bike.” A poor gear response or weak braking can be unnerving, so it's a check worth doing.

Mercer also adds that it’s smart to listen to the bike once you’re actually moving. “It’s also worth paying attention to how the bike feels once you’re moving. If something doesn’t feel right early on, turning back to adjust it is often better than pushing through and cutting the ride short later. A bike that feels smooth and predictable gives you more confidence straight away. That makes it easier to relax into the ride, especially when you’re getting going again after a break.” There's no shame in a false start if it means the next ride will be better.

How to approach those first few rides

Once the bike is sorted, the next thing is the approach to the rides themselves. The key to a successful return is to keep things simple and enjoyable. In early spring, shorter and more familiar rides are the way to go. Sticking to routes you know removes the mental load of navigation, allowing you to focus purely on how the ride feels and how your body is responding. It’s also a good idea to plan loops with easy shortcuts, just in case your legs decide they’ve had enough sooner than expected. The biggest mistake people make is going too hard, too soon. It’s tempting to try and hit last summer’s pace straight away, but that’s a recipe for burnout.

Riding at a comfortable pace makes the whole experience more pleasant and, more importantly, makes you want to get out again a few days later. That’s how consistency is built. Mercer shares that “Those first rides don’t need to prove anything. Keeping them comfortable makes it much easier to head out again, and that’s what actually brings form back. Spacing rides out across the week can also make a difference. A couple of shorter rides often feel more manageable than saving everything for a longer weekend outing, with the conditions still being mixed.” This gentle approach is what makes the transition back to regular cycling a success.

Making the most of those longer evenings

As confirmed on March 10, 2026, the shift in seasons is upon us. The best way to think about cycling in March is as a reset, not a sudden restart. The longer evenings are a massive bonus, making it so much easier to fit a ride into the day. But it’s good to remember that the conditions and personal fitness levels might lag a bit behind the enthusiasm. A well-maintained bike, familiar routes, and a sensible approach to pace will make a huge difference in those first few weeks. Once cycling becomes a natural part of the week again, fitness and confidence tend to build on their own. Soon enough, those gentle spins will turn into longer adventures. It’s all about taking that first step and making the process enjoyable. The experts at Leisure Lakes Bikes, a family business set up by brothers Tim and Chris Noy back in 1981, have seen this pattern year after year across their many locations. They know that a bit of patience and preparation in the spring leads to a fantastic summer of cycling. Getting back on the bike is one of the best ways to enjoy the new season.