{"id":173504,"date":"2019-04-24T11:27:57","date_gmt":"2019-04-24T11:27:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.welovecycling.com\/wide\/?p=173504"},"modified":"2021-10-18T14:31:23","modified_gmt":"2021-10-18T14:31:23","slug":"what-i-wish-someone-had-told-me-when-i-started-cycling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.welovecycling.com\/wide\/2019\/04\/24\/what-i-wish-someone-had-told-me-when-i-started-cycling\/","title":{"rendered":"What I Wish Someone Had Told Me When I Started Cycling"},"content":{"rendered":"

As we become more comfortable on our bikes, it can be hard to identify with that struggling newbie riding with their front wheel and forks the wrong way around. Once padded Lycra has become like a second skin, the initial trepidation we felt when faced with this unforgiving material can seem like a distant memory. Nevertheless, it is important to remember that everyone starts off as a beginner. In order to celebrate a new season, we gathered some humbling memories from cyclists about obstacles they encountered when starting out.<\/strong><\/p>\n


\n10 cycling must-knows<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Whether you\u2019re new to cycling and can learn from their experiences, or just want to enjoy commiserating with your fellow cyclists about the misadventures of learning to ride\u2014here are a few of our top picks for things we wish someone had told us!<\/p>\n

The (no) underpants conundrum<\/strong><\/h4>\n

We heard this from many of you, because it can definitely be a delicate question to raise in the sometimes-intimidating environment of a bike shop. As A. Lansley recalls, \u201cI remember wondering for ages whether I should wear pants underneath my cycling shorts! I was too embarrassed to ask the men in the shop. It\u2019s the first thing I tell women cyclists now. No pants needed!\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Chamois padded shorts by Rapha.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Embrace that excuse to go commando<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Speaking of bike shorts, although everyone needs to find what feels best for them to ride in, F. Radomska advises that \u201cthere\u2019s a reason for Lycra-padded bike shorts, they\u2019re comfy as hell. Lycra tops, however, are non-essential. Feel free to give them a miss if they make you self-conscious.\u201d Do what works for you, but don\u2019t dismiss padded shorts until you\u2019ve tried them for yourself.<\/p>\n

Not all pit stops belong mid-ride<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Many responses had to do with discovering the joy of cake and coffee stops, and as C. Paterson declared, \u201cthe best excuse for eating cake is \u2018I cycled here.\u2019\u201d Beer was also high on the list of motivating rewards after a long ride. But it\u2019s a good idea to be strategic when it comes to treating yourself, as C. Drake said, \u201ccake & coffee are great, but hills can be a nightmare after a pint of cider.\u201d She reassured us she was \u201crelaying this information for a friend \u263a.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pay attention to where it hurts<\/strong><\/h4>\n

When it comes to how much pain is normal in cycling, E. Haigh says, \u201cI wish someone had told me that it shouldn\u2019t be hurting so much in the saddle, I figured it was just part of cycling and then became convinced I had a kidney infection because I was in so much pain while peeing. It turns out it was simply just having the wrong saddle. If your position is hunched or more upright, it might be because you are protecting the front of your lady parts! A simple saddle change can fix a lot.\u201d Moral of the story, your sitting bones might hurt a bit and that takes some getting used to, but it is not normal for the front end to be in pain. You could be causing serious damage, so go see a bike fitter or saddle specialist.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Carrying a repair kit you know how to use is crucial if you\u2019re going to set out for a long ride. \u00a9\u00a0Profimedia, Stock Budget<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Make friends with your tyres<\/strong><\/h4>\n

H. Wilson advises all to pay attention to those tyres. \u201cI wish someone had told me about tyre pressure! I was pumping my tyres up once every six months or so, but pumping them up to the maximum pressure on the sidewall\u2014so it was often really uncomfortable or it was basically flat, and I got SO many punctures!\u201d Lesson learned here? Tyre pressure is important and should rarely be pumped to maximum. You\u2019d be well-served to check it before every ride and adjust for the surface you\u2019ll be riding on.<\/p>\n

Practice those repairs at home<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Carrying a repair kit you know how to use is crucial if you\u2019re going to set out for a long ride, so it\u2019s better to brush up on your skills without the stress of being stranded on the road. As J. Richards smartly advises, \u201cpractice taking tyres & inner tube on\/off at home before your first puncture, and always carry a bit of cash, it\u2019ll come in handy for coffee stops and repairing a split tyre (can be used to stop the tube bulging out). Learn the maintenance basics and you\u2019ll be able to ride anywhere you like and take care of yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t be afraid of sore legs (or to walk it on up)<\/strong><\/h4>\n

There were also a lot of comments regarding the reality that cycling is hard! L. Wambui says she had to learn to embrace sore legs, \u201cdon\u2019t stop when you feel the pain, that\u2019s where the unlocking really starts. When I was new, I would get off the bike whenever my legs started hurting.\u201d Not a lot of progress being gained with that approach, but you also need to be patient with your body, and as F. Ridley said, \u201cremember you can get up anything, as it\u2019s ok to walk!\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Ribble Valley Cycling Club Group outing in Lancaster, UK.\u00a0\u00a9 Profimedia, Alamy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

You will make progress if you stick with it<\/strong><\/h4>\n

That being said, as K. Granger reminds us, \u201cit really does get easier. My first club ride nearly killed me and now I do that distance twice a week for fun!\u201d<\/p>\n

Find your own style of riding<\/strong><\/h4>\n

There is no right way to develop your relationship with cycling. What A. Bird wishes someone had told her? \u201cYou don\u2019t have to have an expensive bike or kit, a certain look, minimum mileage, or even join a group or get Strava. You just have to do exactly what you want. I started focusing too much on the details last year and it really started sucking the fun out of it. I\u2019ve gone back to basics and am feeling good on my bike again.\u201d<\/p>\n

You won\u2019t know until you ask<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Of course, these are just a few of the many issues that might come up as you get used to being in the saddle. Remember that there are no silly questions and, as L. Hurley reassures, \u201cif there\u2019s one thing cyclists like to talk about, it\u2019s bikes and anything bike-related. Don\u2019t hesitate to ask if you\u2019re unsure about something.\u201d<\/p>\n

All in all, keep in mind that one of the best parts of cycling is the community that surrounds it. Talk to other cyclists, build your confidence, learn about your bike, and most of all\u2014have fun!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

As we become more comfortable on our bikes, it can be hard to identify with that struggling newbie riding with […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":99,"featured_media":173536,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[334],"tags":[2938,2071,1850,538],"global-categories":[],"class_list":["post-173504","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-socialising-and-culture","tag-10-cycling-must-knows","tag-learning-to-cycle","tag-padded-underwear","tag-women-cycling"],"yoast_head":"\nPadded Bike Shorts and Other Gear \u2013 What I Wish Someone Had Told Me<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"As we become more comfortable on our bikes, it can be hard to identify with that struggling newbie riding with their front wheel and forks the wrong way\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, 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