Do you want to start cycling? For novice cyclists, the 'rules' and 'etiquette' on the bike can come across as overwhelming and frightening. Everyone has an opinion on what you should and shouldn't do. At least we know what not to do, if you don't do the 24 things below when you want to start cycling then you'll come out on top against your new cycling friends.
1. Buying overpriced clothes
Appearances are important in cycling, at least as important as your legs. But make sure it's in proportion to each other. As a beginner cyclist, there is no need to buy terribly expensive clothes, but arriving as a beginner with the latest collection from Rapha looks a bit sad. Your looks are only as good as your legs. Your legs determine when you can step up in terms of looks. Always keep this in mind when buying cycling clothing and especially when you start cycling.
2. Clicking out of your pedals too late
The most hilarious, embarrassing and dangerous rookie mistake there is. Sure, it looks funny when yet another beginner lies in the ditch or topples over in front of a traffic light, but such a fall from a standstill can leave you with dastardly injuries and even broken bones. Although you don't really count in the peloton without a collarbone fracture, joining the club on your first ride is not the idea. If you are going to start cycling then this is probably very recognisable.
3. Riding at varying speeds
Don't turn your new odometer into a yo-yo, this device also needs a bit of getting used to your speed. If you are going to start cycling pick up a gentle pace where you have a low heart rate and slowly increase it to a pace you can maintain for a bit longer than two minutes.
4. Getting a chain tattoo
This is the only tattoo you don't have to go to the tattoo shop for. You will instantly recognise the novice cyclist by a pair of black links on your calf which are there because a road bike has no stand and so it can just lean against your leg.
5. Cycling with a camelbak
As tempting as it sounds, a cyclist is not a camel. We have to gulp our water from a water bottle. Such a crazy backpack with a water bag is allowed at most for mountain bikers. For budding wannabe cyclists, an absolute no-go.
6. Riding a 100-kilometre trip
Start with a 30-kilometre ride. See if you can do it within the hour. Probably not, but he who does not dare remains a virgin. An hour of cycling is long enough for the first time, the second time you can try 50 kilometres and then you can build up your average speed on 50-kilometre rounds. After a few months you can step up the kilometres and when you are ready (you know best when that is) get on your bike for a full day to cycle 100 kilometres.
7. Wear a helmet!
This goes without saying.
8. Wearing an outfit from an EPO-era pro team
Just like a snazzy expensive outfit, it is also not-done to put on a non-fitting (and thus flapping) shirt that you still have in your closet from the days when Michael Boogerd still won tour stages. The novice will be instantly recognised by this and no one will want to cycle with you. The best thing to wear is black trousers and a neutral shirt. With these, you don't have to prove anything.
9. Making unexpected moves
When you start cycling, it is great fun to explore your surroundings. For your fellow road users, it is nice if you just look ahead and don't turn your head at every windmill, estate or cow, causing you to cycle in the middle of the road. Or worse, driving yourself into a ditch. If you want to take a look at something, find a quiet place where you can get off your bike and take in the scenery.
10. Cycling without hands
Safety first. Without hands on the handlebars, your bike is uncontrollable, especially if you have just started cycling. So men who want to straighten their noble parts are best to stop by the side. Can you take a pee with it immediately.
11. Ear plugs in your ears
It's not like your team leader is shouting information about the course into your ears, earplugs in your head are therefore completely unnecessary! The only way we listen to music ourselves is with our Aftershockz headphones, with these headphones you can hear both your music and ambient noise. Ideal, then.
12. Riding in a group
Your first lap is best done alone. Doing a social lap with friends is indeed more sociable, but better not. The dynamics of riding in a group are enormous and the phenomena shelter from the wind and riding head-over-heels are difficult to master in one go.
Read the article on the rules of conduct of cycling in a group here
13. Enjoy the descent
A descent is the reward of climbing. Should you unexpectedly encounter one of those Dutch molehills on your first ride, make sure you enjoy it to the max while descending. Let the wind whistle past your ears and steer deftly past potholes and bumps. It is strongly advised against bunny hopping in a descent, you can fall very badly with it.
14. Braking on a descent
Not braking at all on a descent is perhaps the stupidest thing in the world. You may be going fast, but chances are you will fly out of the corner! Braking is best done before the turn and not in the turn. On long stretches, you can rope and, if necessary, axe.
15. Pants under your cycling shorts
The fact that Bauke Mollema took his first ride with his boxer shorts on really doesn't mean you can do the same. If you want to be laughed at, do this.
16. Don't forget your food and drink
When you first start cycling, you will be amazed at how exhausted you can get from an hour of cycling. Meanwhile, during the build-up to the season, I have more than once made the beginner's mistake of not bringing enough food and drink with me, causing me to stumble into a neighbourhood supermarket with hunger pangs in search of a coke and a chocolate bar. Since then, I always take a bar more than I think I need.
17. Being smart is not going to help
If cyclists hate anything it's a big mouth. So don't come with tough talk about your new (expensive) bike, your new (expensive) clothes, your (high) average speeds, your (low) heart rate and more. After all, most cyclists are not that easily impressed by that. First, try holding your predecessor's wheel. As things get better, you can let your legs do the talking once, then the bragging will come naturally. If you feel the need.
18. Switching to the wrong leaf
Hey, shit. An overpass. Maybe I should take this one on the inside leaf'. Just a thought that may surface during a first ride. In that case, make sure you don't accidentally shift to the outer sheet and fall over from inertia. Try shifting gears on a flat road. After a few rides, you'll soon get the hang of it!
19. Joining a group
In principle, you cycle your first tour alone, but if a group catches up with you and you can join them, ask one of them if it's ok for you to ride along for a bit. In no case will this be a problem, but it's nice to let them know you'll be joining them for a bit. hitchhike. Should you have the opportunity, it would be appreciated if you come along on the lead and make your contribution to the group.
Read our article with all etiqeutte on the road bike
20. A good bicycle pump
A good bicycle pump costs money. Set aside a good budget to buy a good bicycle pump. One from the HEMA will not suffice. One from your local bike shop will. Speaking of which, always buy as much as possible from your local bike shop. They can give you that extra bit of service and personal advice. More difficult to obtain parts or cycling clothing can be ordered online just as well.
21. A bell on your bike
If we want to overtake someone, we shout "Behind!" neatly and well in time so that the grandfather or grandmother cycling in the lane has time enough to move aside. In passing, we thank like again nicely by shouting "Thank you!". A bell only costs weight and scares people. So if you do want to mount a bell, the best way to do it is with a so-called HideMyBell.
22. Oils
Even if your bike is just new and everything should work perfectly, always remember that a squirt of WD-40 works wonders on all moving parts. If all goes well, your bike shop will have delivered the chain well-oiled, if not lubricate it and maintain it properly.
23. Knowing how far you can go
As mentioned, you do have to stop in time if you feel you can no longer get one leg in front of the other. The beauty of cycling is that you always have an excuse to make a coffee stop. So take advantage of that, the person giving you your coffee has no idea if it's your second or third stop already. Just coolly walk onto the terrace and order. That way, you will immediately get a good impression of the different coffee joints in the area!
24. Knowledge of cycling etiquette
Make sure you only get on your bike after you know the cycling etiquette.
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