10 Tips For The New Cyclist

Okay, The background of this blog post came from a friend who messaged me last night asking. (He has no background in cycling.)

"Do you think it's possible for me to train for lands end - John-O'Groats in a year?" 

In a nutshell, with a little hard work, I believe you can. I am a firm believer of if you have faith in yourself to enter something, you can finish it if you are mentally driven enough.

So here I'm going to write some of the biggest tips I was ever given when I first started cycling and some tips that I've picked up by myself. 

1. Don't get bogged down with all the flash kit. 

When starting out cycling I had a 1980s Bob Griffin frame with old Campagnolo down tube shifters, box-shaped Mavic Open Pros rims and no clip in pedals. Not a weave of carbon in sight. I still loved riding that bike. I loved the feeling of getting fitter and visiting new places armed with a bike, the world was mine for the picking. It was only 6-8 months later when I went cycling with Cheltenham & County Cycling Club that I got some Lycra shorts.    

2. Make friends who cycle. 

Making a little group of friends who cycle together, if for a common goal even better. Having a group of people you can go out for a spin with makes some days more bearable than others. What you will find is how in the little group one friend will climb better and one of the others can monster along the flat where the climber will be struggling to stay on.  Having this diversity will only make you a better cyclist.

3. Makes Goals.

If you are like me, sometimes you need goals to help push you along. Sometimes, as bad as it sounds, a reason to get out on the bike. It could be something simple like wanting to be able to cycle 20 miles to start off with, slowly building to wanting to ride with an average speed of 20mph. Having these little goals will make you go out. By following tip two you will also feel bad about bailing on the group!

4. Try a race!

As you get stronger and fitter put that new found speed to good use and try a race. Be it a road race or a local club time trial give it ago! Even if it's not for you at least you can say you put a number on your back and had a go! You never know you may love it and start training for something more than you set out for.

5. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

Everyone needs to start somewhere. Everyone knows this so if the questions are genuine the people you ask won't get annoyed and will be happy to help. I'm a firm believer in the fact there are no stupid questions.

6. Work out what you love.

Cycling is so diverse, so find out what makes you tick when it comes to throwing your leg over the bike. Is it in the adventure of where you are going? The feeling of the wind on your face as you frantically pedal down the descent? Could it be road biking doesn't float your boat? Mountain bikes, cross bikes, and gravel bikes allow you to venture into lush greenery that road bikes struggle to get to. 

7.  Always wear a helmet.

I know it feels good, the wind in your hair. The weightlessness not wearing a helmet can bring. Ask yourself this... Is it really worth the risk? 

8. N+1
This is simple really. The correct number is N+1, where N is the number of bikes currently owned. This may also be re-written as S-1, where S is the number of bikes owned that would result in separation from your partner. If no partner keep buying bikes. Simples. 

9. Go clipless.

Attaching yourself to the bike may seem like the most stupid idea for people out of cycling. "What happens when you stop? Don't you fall over?" These are things I've been asked, I also thought these when I heard about the concept. With a little practice, it's really simple to do and will increase your speed for such a relatively cheap upgrade. 

10. Just enjoy it.

Whatever you end up doing on a bike. Do it because you love it! 

Cycle for fitness!

Cycle for the challenge!

Cycle because you want to!

Cycle for that extra slice of CAKE! 

CAKE!!!