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Are you considering taking up road cycling as a new hobby? If so, congratulations! You're in for a world of good times and adventure. But before you hit the roads, there are a few things you should know. Becoming a beginner road bike cyclist is a great experience, but it can also be a bit of a learning curve. From falling in love with lycra to becoming a pro at fixing flat tyres with frozen fingers you can no longer feel, here are the 10 things they don't tell you about starting out as a road cyclist.
You're welcome.
You will fall in love with lycra. Yes, it's true. You may have never thought you'd be caught dead in stretchy, skin tight material that looks as though it's been painted on, but once you start cycling, you'll find that it's the most comfortable and practical thing to wear. Embrace it. You'll be fine... Even if people can guess your religion from 20 steps away.
Your butt will hurt. Quite a bit to begin with. But don't worry, it will get better with time (and lots of padding). Just don't be tempted to get a padded gel seat cover. It'll slip and slide around all over the place and drive you mad. Trust me, for road bikes at least, they're best left well alone.
You will become obsessed with your bike. You'll spend hours on end cleaning and maintaining it, and you'll probably start talking about it in a way that makes non-cyclists roll their eyes /yawn /shake their head /all of the above. But hey, at least you'll have a new hobby that keeps you fit.
You'll feel like you're part of a secret club. When you see other road cyclists out on the roads, you'll feel like you're part of a special fellowship. Just don't forget to wave. Heck, I even wave at bikes just if they're going passed on the roof of cars! (too much???)
You'll become a pro at fixing flat tyres. It's a rite of passage for any beginner road cyclist. Just remember to always carry a spare tube and tire levers with you. It's also advisable to practice replacing them in the warmth of your home. NOT on the side of a country lane in near-zero temperatures.
You'll start talking in metric measurements. Miles? What are those? You'll start thinking in kilometres and talking about your rides in terms of distance, elevation gain, average power and cadence.
You'll become a master at multitasking. You'll need to be able to drink, eat, and change gears all while navigating traffic and avoiding potholes. It's like a circus act, but on two wheels. And at least you'll already be wearing the tight, brightly coloured outfit.
You'll discover a whole new world of gear and gadgets. From helmets, cycling computers, apps, and cameras to power meters to fancy cycling shoes, there's a never-ending list of gizmos to add to your cycling arsenal. Start schmoozing your other half... Seriously!
You'll become a weatherman. You'll start obsessively checking the forecast before every ride, and you'll become an expert at predicting when it's going to rain and how to plan journeys with no head-winds (hint: it's always going to rain... And you'll always be riding into a head wind! [whimper!]).
You'll have more fun than you ever thought possible. Sure, there will be tough days and challenging rides, but the sense of accomplishment and the feeling of freedom you get from cycling is superb. Not to mention the new people you'll meet and the coffee and cakes you'll consume!
So there you have it. 1 0 things they don't tell you about becoming a beginner road bike cyclist. But don't let that deter you – the benefits of cycling far outweigh any temporary discomfort or challenges. Plus, think of all the cool gear you'll get to buy and how fit and fabulous you'll look in your lycra. Happy cycling and as always - Ride safe.
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