Cycling as a hobby in Nghe An

(Baonghean.vn) – Cycling is becoming an increasingly popular sport in Vinh City in particular and Nghe An province in general. Cycling is not just a passion; it also brings health benefits to those who exercise regularly.

Anyone can exercise.

In recent times, especially in the last three years, there has been a boom in the movement of improving health through cycling in Vinh City. Currently, hundreds of people in Vinh City still practice this sport daily.

The reason this sport is chosen by so many people is its accessibility. Nguyen Quang Dung, a resident of Hung Phuc ward, Vinh city, who regularly practices cycling, said: "Anyone can exercise to improve their health, regardless of age, gender, or social class; the equipment is not complicated, the techniques are not difficult and easy to remember; the conditions of the field and the time for practice, as well as the level of exercise, depend on each person's preference."

Cycling offers numerous health benefits, and more and more people are taking up the sport.

The Vinh City Sports Cycling Club is the most "official" and well-known cycling club in Nghe An province in particular and in the whole country in general. Mr. Mai Van Quang, 67 years old, residing in Doi Cung ward, the club's chairman, shared: The club was established in 2000. The club's motto is to promote health training in general and health training through cycling in particular, further developing the sports movement in the province.

Mr. Nguyen Quang Dung added: "I am a member of the Vinh City Sports Cycling Club. Every day we usually train early in the morning on the route from Vinh City – Lam River embankment – ​​Cua Hoi – Cua Lo – Vinh City, a distance of 53 km. On days off, we can go further, both to enjoy the scenery and to improve our health."

Members of the Vinh City Sports Cycling Club train every morning.

Mr. Quang said: "In the club, there are elderly people with spinal degeneration and herniated discs who, thanks to the appropriate exercise regimen, can walk well again. Those who exercise regularly see their health improve day by day, reducing their alcohol consumption and quitting smoking. The number of members is increasing, currently exceeding 50. Club members come from all walks of life, from civil servants and employees to students and retailers, ranging in age from 20 to 75. Basically, anyone passionate about cycling can join. The club operates on a socialized model, funded by contributions from its members."

And won many amateur awards.

During its operation, the Vinh City Sports Cycling Club has received commendations from the General Department of Sports and Physical Training and the Vietnam Cycling Federation. The club has won numerous first and second place individual and team prizes in amateur competitions such as the Thanh Hoa and Ba Ria Vung Tau Open. The club has also advised the province and city to organize the Phuong Hoang Trung Do Cycling Race every two years – the first amateur competition to be broadcast live on VTV in 2011.

Even hobbies require a lot of effort.

Many different types of vehicles are available on the market.

In Vietnam, sports bicycles and related accessories are usually imported. High-end bikes imported from the US, France, and Italy, made of carbon fiber, cost between $15,000 and $20,000; more affordable bikes imported from China are much cheaper and more suitable for Vietnamese budgets. In addition, there are other accessories such as shirts, pants, hats, shoes, glasses, flashlights, various types of lights, and other safety equipment... with varying prices, from inexpensive ones costing 3-5 million VND to expensive ones costing tens of thousands of USD.

The cars are priced from a few hundred to tens of thousands of USD.

Mr. Ho Xuan Linh, owner of Linh Ha sports bicycle shop and Deputy Head of Technical Affairs of the Vinh City Sports Bicycle Club, said: "In the club, there are people who spend hundreds of millions of dong on cycling and training, and exceptionally, the Vinh Lan family spent over 1 billion dong to buy four sports bicycles for the whole family. However, in reality, the number of people who own 'high-class' bicycles is very small."

There are many types of sports bicycles available with different designs and models, but some popular brands include: Gaint, Jett, Cannondale, GT, and Tern. These are well-known bicycle brands worldwide and are used by many people. They are durable and come in many models suitable for all ages, making them easy to choose from.

Mr. Ho Xuan Linh shared his experience in choosing a sports bicycle: Before deciding on a sports bicycle, you need to be sure that you truly love it and will stick with this type of vehicle for a long time. Don't buy a bike just because it's trendy, because choosing a sports bicycle is not as simple as buying a regular bike; there are many factors to consider.

Experts advise: Choose a vehicle that suits your budget and stature.

When buying a bicycle, consider its intended use, distance traveled, and whether the user is male or female, child or adult, as these factors will determine the appropriate size. Choosing the right size is crucial; ensure the frame, saddle, and handlebars are perfectly suited to your body size. Avoid buying a bicycle that is too large or too small for your height, as this can be uncomfortable and pose a significant risk of accidents.

Mr. Linh also emphasized that training for a sports bicycle does not depend on having good equipment or not, but on the willpower and determination of each individual in maintaining a training regimen.

Thanh Son