You’re not alone. We asked around (and dug deep into our own awkward beginnings) to bring you 10 lesser-known, candid tips to help you actually start riding this spring—with confidence, comfort, and a little joy too.
1. Start with a ritual, not a route
Forget about distance or Strava records for now. What helps you build a habit is not a perfectly mapped 20 km loop—it’s the act of preparing to ride. Lay out your clothes the night before. Fill your water bottle. Put your keys and helmet in the same spot. Treat it like brewing a morning coffee: small, repeatable actions that slowly wire your brain to expect the ride. Even just rolling around the block counts. And every time you do it, the inertia gets smaller.
2. Use your ears, not just your eyes
Most beginners are so focused on the mechanics—”Am I doing this right?” —that they forget to just be present. One powerful hack? Tune into your surroundings. Let the hum of your tires, the clicking of the chain, and the ambient sounds of spring guide you into a flow state. This shifts your attention from fear to feeling. And it makes every ride a little sensory adventure.
3. Pick a time when the city is still sleeping
If traffic makes you nervous, reclaim the roads by choosing off-peak hours. Early mornings (especially weekends) are ideal: minimal cars, mellow vibes, and beautiful light. It’s not about performance—it’s about peace. Think of it like getting the whole park to yourself before the crowds arrive.
“I always thought I had to join a group ride to get started. Then I discovered the 6:30 am solo ride. Game-changer.”
— Luis, Madrid
4. Know where you’ll stop before you start
A surprising secret to motivation? Pick a destination that delights you. It could be a sunny park bench, your favourite cafe, or a quiet spot with a view. Giving your ride a joyful purpose makes it easier to start and way more fun to finish. And yes, you are absolutely allowed to plan your ride around baked goods.
5. Practice “micro-mounting” and “mini-dismounts”
Getting on and off your bike smoothly is an underrated skill. Practice in a park or driveway: try slow stops, unclipping a foot (if you use clipless pedals), or putting your foot down quickly and safely. These little drills help build the kind of muscle memory that saves you from wobbles or awkward tumbles at intersections.
“The first time I tried to stop at a traffic light, I fell over. My foot just didn’t know what to do. Practising that changed everything.”
— Sarah, Amsterdam
6. Forget pace. Focus on posture.
You’re not training for a race—you’re learning to enjoy moving. One of the biggest contributors to a great ride is how you feel in your body. Check in: Are your shoulders tense? Are you white-knuckling the handlebars? Loosen your grip. Drop your elbows. Breathe into your belly. Little tweaks can make a huge difference in comfort and energy.
7. Set a “turnaround rule” that’s just for you
A great mental trick for hesitant days: give yourself permission to turn around at any point. Five minutes in? Totally fine. You’re not quitting—you’re practising agency. Some days, you’ll surprise yourself and keep going. Others, you’ll prove to yourself that starting was enough. Either way, you win.
8. Name your bike (No, really)
This might sound like fluff, but stay with us: naming your bike turns it into a partner. It softens the pressure and brings in a little fun. It’s easier to forgive a gear slip when it’s “just Charlie acting up again.” It creates a bond. And honestly? You’ll start smiling before you even roll out.
“My bike’s name is Thelma. I talk to her when I’m nervous. Don’t judge me—she’s helped me ride over 200 km in one day.”
— Katie, UK
9. Watch the wind (Not just the sky)
Sunny skies don’t always mean a good day to ride. Wind is the sneaky villain that can turn a pleasant spin into a slog. Pro tip: If it’s breezy, start your ride into the wind. That way, when you turn around, you’ll have a tailwind bringing you home like a cycling hero. It’s one of those little things that makes a big difference.
10. Let go of the ‘real cyclist’ myth
You don’t need matching gear, a team jersey, or fancy gadgets. You don’t need to know how to fix a flat tire on day one. You just need to ride. Everyone starts somewhere. Everyone was once the wobbly person in sneakers. You belong. Ride your way.
“For a year, I rode in jeans and a backpack, and I still got fitter and happier than I ever did in the gym.”
— Emily, UK
Your first rides won’t be perfect—and that’s the point. They’re for finding your rhythm, your routes, your reasons to keep riding. Be gentle with yourself. Be proud of small wins. And remember: even the most seasoned cyclists once wobbled at a red light and called it a day after 3 km.
Spring is here. The road’s waiting. You’ve got this.
