Selene Yeager at MountainBike.com has some great advice for those of us who have been off of our bikes for long periods of time. Some of her tips include a routine check-up from your doctor and long, easy rides at first.

Q.I finally have the time to ride my bike on a daily basis–the first time in five years. Any advice for getting started after such a long layoff?

A. Congratulations! It’s fabulous that you’re able to get back on the bike and resume riding after a long spell of what sounds like all-consuming career or family responsibilities.

If you’ve been sedentary this whole time, it’d be a genuinely good idea to get a quick checkup from your family doc. A lot can happen in five years and jumping back in the saddle and throwing down the hammer–which you’re going to do no matter what I tell you–can be a little risky if you haven’t been exercising. Best to begin with a clean bill of health.

Check out her suggestions.