10 tips for riding a bike during Ramadan

For any people observing this time of fasting, our friends at Cycle Sisters have provided their advice for riding during Ramadan. Here are 10 top tips from Atika Dawood:

1. Do you ride regularly? Don't lock the bike away during Ramadan. Your body is used to and capable of riding, so keep up the habit instead of putting it on pause.

2. Find a time that works for you. For some, this is right after iftar or suhoor, so your body is fuelled. For others, it's just before iftar as mentally you know you will be fuelling up soon after your ride. Try out different times and see what you enjoy. 

"The most important thing is to cycle when you feel you have the energy to do so."

3. If you are tired, consider whether a short ride will energise you.

4. Make your intention for your ride to be a form of ibadah (worship). Go the extra mile by getting your salawaat and dhikr in as you pedal.

5. Listen to your body. On some days, you'll find yourself able to keep pedalling extra miles or minutes, and on others, you may find yourself struggling to ride your usual route. Stop when you need to.

6. Cycle at a leisurely pace. Conserve your energy and enjoy the ride.

7. Encourage your friends or family to join you on a short circuit around the park or your favourite flat route. Having a buddy always helps.

8. If you're heading to the masjid for Tarawih prayers, try riding there! You may reach it faster and feel more energised before prayer. Remember your lights when riding in the dark.

9. Between Maghreb and Fajr, eat well and keep hydrated.

10. Remember the saying 'Mind Over Matter': If you put your mind to getting up and out, your body will have no choice but to follow.

This is an abridged version of a post written by Atika Dawood for Cycle Sisters, who provided the content to Love to Ride.

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