6 Things I Wish I Knew When I First Started Cycling

The Single.Most.Important.Thing to remember – do whatever you want to do to enjoy the sport, because if you’re not enjoying it what's the point? It’s 100% okay if you don't own 10 sets of lycra, or you refer to parts of your bike as the whatchamacallit, or if you're still wondering why on god's green earth they call them clipless pedals when you clip into them? – All things we’ve questioned as we’ve first entered the sport. 

Put aside the fears or feelings of imposter syndrome because you’re going to know 6 things I wished I knew when I first started cycling. I made the mistakes and embarrassed myself so you don’t have to– you’re welcome. Ultimately nobody cares and if they do, they’re in the minority of cyclists. Most cyclists will be thrilled you’re out riding with them regardless of what you’re wearing or the way you're describing the squeak on your bike. Of course, you’re gonna get called out for your rookie mistakes every once in a while so stay humble and don’t let those people kill your vibe or ride. 

Nothing should hurt:

Let’s get this straight, if something hurts consider it a voice telling you to do some adjusting. Investing in a proper bike fit from the dealer you bought your bike from or a local bike shop will save you from injuries in the long run and prevent mysterious aches. If a $100-$300 bike fit is not in the budget let me introduce you to my dear free friend, YouTube. On YouTube, you can find everything from how to perform a simple at-home bike fit to 10-tip bike setup tips for beginners.

To my ladies out there, size out your saddle before you suffer. The good news is, the saddle discomfort down there is preventable. The bad news is, if you’re new to the sport it can take a few rides to adjust to the pressure so, stick with it! Aside from your bike fit, invest in a pair of chamois (fancy name for padded shorts), everyone will benefit from this! Personally fitting your bike, getting the right saddle, and setting it to the right height will set you up to put out your maximum power and enjoy long days on the bike. 

The one thing you can’t get away with wearing 

You can wear whatever the heck you want but, one thing you are not going to get away with is wearing underwear under chamois. The seam from underwear paired with lycra leads to rubbing and chafing or worse… saddle sores.

Hygiene is key, so keep it lean and clean. I’d recommend getting a few chamois so you have a rotation of clean ones on hand. If you’re shopping for your first pair of chamois and you come across the bib-looking shorts, don’t run. I tried bibs and never looked back simply because they stay in place and are so comfortable I’d wear them to work if I could.

When building your cycling wardrobe keep in mind the power of layering. Clothing that you can use to regulate and easily take off to stow away during a ride is the key to making it through all seasons. Be efficient, try a vest, arm warmers, leg warmers, and base layers. 

You don't know what you don't know

Safety should not be overlooked and you don’t want to learn the hard way. If you’re riding on a road shared with cars, day or night use lights. Flashing rear lights and handlebar lights can be a lifesaver, literally. You might want to look fast and fancy in all black but wearing bright colors significantly increases your chances of being seen on the road. 

On the note of safety if you’re debating on wearing a helmet because you’re not sure if it's cool or not. C’mon people, brain damage is not sexy so wear a helmet. Make sure your helmet is in good shape (doesn’t have any dents or cracks) and it fits properly.  

Hear a funny noise or suddenly things aren’t shifting as smoothly, don’t ignore it. Your bike constantly needs maintenance so plan to set aside time before each ride to address any maintenance. Educate yourself on how to change a flat and bring a spare kit with you every time for the worst-case scenario situations when your phone dies or you can’t get a hold of a pickup. I once drove two hours by myself to ride near the ocean only to get a flat 14 miles in, it was my first time getting a flat and I was in unfamiliar terrain. I had one of two options: call an Uber or watch a YouTube video on how to change the flat. I had all the tools to fix the flat but I had never done it before so my advice would be to go ahead and save yourself some time and practice changing a flat before you're stuck on the side of a road trying to figure it out. 

It doesn’t happen overnight  

Just like any new hobby or sport, it takes time. Bike handling techniques don’t come naturally so head to a parking lot and do a few drills to build your confidence on the bike. Don’t feel silly when you're writing down goals or blocking out time to practice riding.

If you decide to risk it for the biscuit and try out clipless pedals practice in a safe spot before falling at an intersection trying to unclip (even though this will probably still happen to you because this happens to everyone once or twice). Remember to take a chill pill–every time you ride doesn’t have to be an all-out effort. Try out a heart rate strap to determine what each training zone looks like for you and how you can implement those into a sustainable riding plan. 

When the time comes

Start with a local club or check in with the local bike shop to find group ride options that somewhat match your skillset and pace. Group rides certainly look dreamy but make sure you know group ride etiquette before you're immediately disliked by the group for causing a crash.

Knowing how to ride in a group can save you energy, keep the other riders safe, and allow you to make some friends. While they look dreamy you have to be ready. You’ll want to call out hazards on the roads, show up on time, know the route, be prepared with food/water, keep your pace consistent, and never half-wheel. Know the unspoken rules of group riding before you join in.

Put your ego aside, there’s always gonna be someone a lot faster and stronger than you so don't be discouraged if you’re dropped…A LOT. Riding with people stronger than you will ultimately be what makes you a better and more accomplished rider in the long run. 

Fuel or flight?

If you thought sour patch kids weren't your thing, wait till you've been offered some mid-way through a cold, wet day on the saddle. You’ll think twice. Always pack a snack. You don't ever want to meet the bonked version of yourself, it’s scary. Stock up on bananas, sammies, bars, and gummies.

After a ride, eat some carbs or regular food. There’s no real secret to recovering from rides other than proper nutrition and sleep. Refuel and replenish, cycling is hard, don’t make it harder.

Sometimes you need to F*** the rules and training schedule to do what makes you happy. Don’t get too caught up in comparing yourself or your bike to others, it’ll take the joy out of riding.