How do I get started ?

    First by contacting us either by email at info@bikeilike.com or by phone at (417)-886-0064.

    A brief outline is as follows.

    Once contact is made we will determine a rough estimate of where you are at skill level first. Then we can determine the correct class, price and payment method that fits you best.

    If you have a bike already then that's it. If not then we can discuss the options available.

    If you have any questions beyond this information and wish to speak with someone please feel free to contact us.

What type of bike do I need ?

    At this time BikeILike.com is currently offering road classes only. There are some options to choose from but a "Road" bike is the most recommended type of bike that we suggest. You can however use what is considered a "Touring" or a "Hybrid" also.

    If you do not own a bike currently and wish to purchase one, first decide on an amount that you are willing to spend and then check with our local bike shops to see the availability of bike to fit your budget.

    Once again we do strongly recommend a "Road" type bike which come in numerous sizes and colors made from aluminum, steel, carbon fiber, titanium and combinations of any of the above mentioned. Be sure and get the correct size bike to fit you. That is one of the most important things to consider when purchasing a new bike.

Where is a good place to buy a bike ?

    There are several local bike shops that are wonderful and can measure you up to fit professionally for the correct size frame, because size does matter ! The correct size bike is the most important factor in choosing the right bike for you.

Can I rent a bike ?

    We are currently networking with local bike shops to implement lease to own programs and hope to have more information soon. Be sure to check back frequently to see the progress.

Where do we ride ?

   Currently we will be meeting just southeast of Springfield. More detailed directions will be posted soon.

Should I wear a helmet ?

    Absolutely !!! Wearing a helmet is something that should be a second nature for you. Road cyclist can reach speeds of over 60 mph. Asphalt and the human skull do not make a good match, so ALWAYS wear your helmet.

How far do we ride ?

    Depending on which class you are signed up for the classes range from 5 to 80 miles in length, so be sure and bring plenty of water or Gatorade to drink.

How often should I ride ?

    As often as possible is the first answer however, it depends on your skill level and available time. We do recommend that you ride every day if possible. On days that you wish to recover just be sure and take it nice and easy and enjoy a fun leisurely ride. Riding a bike is suppose to be fun, so lets keep it that way!

How important is the right gear ?

    First lets clear up what gear we are talking about. We don't mean clothing although it is important but, we mean the correct gear on your bike to be in so you can climb a hill with ease instead of feeling like you are about to die and falling over and walking up a hill.

     Lactic acid is kind of like our own defense system incase we start to over do it a little too much it shuts us down. If you will keep your heart rate at the upper level of what is called the lactate threshold, your body will function without hitting that "shut down" mode. If you happen to exceed that point your body will begin to produce lactic acid and ultimately will shut down.

    Being in the right gear at the right allows you to enjoy your ride longer.

How and what should I eat ?

    The million dollar question ! How, in moderation first of all. Take in only the amount of calories that your body will need to perform each day. Be aware of the amount of calories that your body takes in each day.

    What to eat ? We could talk forever on that but, try to eat a balanced diet of meat, vegetables, dairy products, breads and fruits.

    We will have articles every other week posted by our Nutrition Performance Specialist, Jason Bauer that go into detail on all subjects of nutrition in how and what food and drinks do to our body and why. So, be sure to check that out !

How long do I need to recover ?

    The best way to answer this is listen to your body first. If it's telling you that it hates you for what you did to it yesterday then you should probably tell it that you're sorry and you'll take it out for some ice cream later! Fat free of course.

    Generally depending on your level of fitness, you should allow your body a 24 hour period to recover. The most important factor to remember is that consistency is the number one key to a healthy body. Try to ride every day at a level that your body can take rather than exhausting yourself and needing 2 or 3 days to recover.

    This also keeps you from the possibility of injury.

What should my heart rate be ?

    We have a page on this website that will give you an idea of a general area of where your heart rate should be.

How long does a class last ?

    Depending on which class you are signed up for they last from approximately 45 minutes to 2 hours.

How many people are in each class ?

    It varies from a minimum of 4 to a maximum of 24. There is a rate of 1 instructor per 6 students in each class also. We also offer private lessons for one on one training needs.

Contact information:

Email: info@bikeilike.com

Phone: (417)-886-0064