If the romantic interest in your life is a cyclist, you know how tough it can be to compete for attention against their bike, Strava stats, and scheduled group rides. This Valentine’s Day, why not play into their obsession and show them a little love by loving their sport? No, you do not have to understand FTP or partake in hill repeats to accomplish this. The following suggestions offer thoughtful, rider-approved ways to celebrate the cyclist in your life at various budget levels and interests.
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Cycling vacation
What’s more romantic than riding a bike TOGETHER?! Okay, likely many things, but booking a luxury cycling tour in a beautiful location, with wine, food, and someone else hauling the gear around, will take your love to a new level both for riding and each other. Try DuVine cycling tours. If you aren’t an avid rider but your partner is, many tours offer e-bike options to level the playing field and help you enjoy the experience. If that seems too extravagant, invite your partner for a ride through town, with stops along the way for treats, and end at a sunset-watching or picnic destination.
Complete The Kit
Cycling can be a snobby, even elitist, sport with an emphasis on looking the part. Play into your partner’s need to appear pro with a new kit (cycling clothing). They’ll stand out as an option from Ostroy, Rapha, or Café du Cycliste. If a jersey or bib shorts isn’t in the budget, sweep them off their feed with a pair of socks. Socks are a crucial part of the cycling kit, not to be overlooked. Try the ‘pretty okay at bikes’ collection from Ostroy or a colorful pair from Ridge Supply. Let’s face it, this gift idea isn’t entirely altruistic. Seeing your partner arrive at rides in style can get your heart racing, too.
Feed Them!
Cyclists need plenty of calories to fuel all that pedaling. If you’re the designated chef in the relationship, this could be a burden to keep up with. Give yourself a break and then the benefit of a meal delivery service. Try Garden Cup, Hello Fresh, Green Chef, Factor, or Methodology. If your cyclist is struggling to manage fueling for performance or health goals, a consultation with a sports-focused dietitian would be highly beneficial. On a smaller, but still swoon-worthy, scale, gift a cycling-focused cookbook. Bonus points if you set the table, light a candle, and cook a meal from it! Try: Feed Zone, The Cyclist’s Cookbook, or The Cycling Chef.
Indulge in Self-Care
Being an athlete is physically and mentally taxing. Show your cyclist the softer side of sport with some vital self-care. A couple’s massage or spa day would be a lovely way to spend time together while being pampered. If that sounds too indulgent, consider offering to give yourself a little romantic rub. Another way to provide relief for skin constantly exposed to sun and sweat is to offer a bundle of cycling-specific skincare products, including SPF, chamois cream, bicarb lotion, and magnesium soak. Many recovery tools can help your cyclist bounce back from rides and spend more quality time with you. Tape heart-patterned wrapping paper around a mini foam roller, compression boots, CBD protein powder, an EMS machine, an Oura ring, or a Whoop watch for an easy, meaningful gift option.
Showing your cyclist some ride-related love is a great way to show them you care about their interests. Ultimately, no gifts are required to do this. Reading up on the latest cycling news, races, or trends to have a deep, knowledgeable chat about the world of bikes should show your love, like your partner, who has excellent endurance.
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