Basic cycling rookie mistakes

60-90g of carbs per hour
no duct tape allowed
pump air in your tires more than once a month

a whole lot more over here too!

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Not every ride has to be fast, or hard, or intense.

It’s so easy to think that being fast or getting faster is only going to happen if you do all of your riding and training in top gear. In fact, I’m willing to bet that most of us have made this mistake.

Don’t lose sight of those long(er), slow(er), endurance rides. The ones where you can actually look around, take in the scenery and stop for a coffee at that lovely little cafe you’ve shot past on countless other days.

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I always wear full fingered gloves on my outdoor rides even if its sweltering outside as my hands are very important to me as a machinist. I need my fingertips intact for my job.
I’ll also add to check the weather and temps for the day if starting early and learn to under dress for rising temps. Nothing worse than suffering with too much clothing that you can’t take off. I try to get away with arm/leg warmers and a thin wind vest as much as possible.

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I have duct tape on my bike :grimacing:

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I’m glad he didn’t say “nor tie wraps”.

Our entire civilization hangs on duct tape and tie wraps.

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Don’t even dream of touching the brakes in the middle of a pack.

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Not necessarily rookie but if you can “buy a Garmin Varia” and pair with your favorite compatible bike computer. This one little gadget makes riding outside more enjoyable and would never ride without it.

Also never assume a car sees you.

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Still have a scar on my left calf :expressionless:

And hold your &$@%ing line!

Had a guy come out tonight with headphones on during a training crit… pretty sure he took them out, but then he would sweep out before his turns rather than holding a line. I was proud I didn’t yell at him, instead just gave him a calm, “You gotta hold that line, man, you’re going to take someone out.” He was pretty strong, but really sketchy.

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Dates are the bomb dude. So good!

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That isnt universal though. I’m 185lbs. On a big downhill, even if I completely sit up, theres going to be a crash if I dont drag brakes a bit.

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Drag the brakes != hit the brakes. But I did say « touch », so there’s that.

Take and make the time to look after your bike(s).

If you’re going to ride in all weathers, simply putting the bike back in the garage after two or three hours of pedalling through winter grime is as good as throwing your money in the air.

You don’t need to be a mechanic to give everything a hose down, wipe clean and a visual ‘once over’. If something looks amiss, better to find out in your garage than 30 miles from home or at 40MPH downhill.

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And (depending where in the world you’re riding at the moment), a mask in case you need to go into a cafe/shop etc to spend the cash on food/drink.

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Do not mistake embrocation for chamois cream! :hot_face:

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Not neccessarily a mistake but my No1 rule is to break for dogs and children (on bikes or foot) - for my safety and health as much as for theirs as both are unpredictable.

unclicking at least one pedal before breaking/stopping has to be near the top of the list.

also did an unpleasant salto by breaking too much while turning towards my house.

didnt happen to me but saw people riding on a freshly asphalted bike road which isnt the smartest thing for your tyres (they melted)

beware tar lines between road lanes which can become treacherously slippery in summer

with regards of new bike parts / stuff to wear - you dont need everything you like, but you really want everything you like! :smiley:

always have some cash and medical ID card with me just in case…

Shaved legs isn’t necessary, but it is sexier. :wink:

If you’re in a paceline and turn to look behind you, don’t turn the bars as well. Practice rotating your head independently of your hands.

Don’t ride with jerks. If the people you’re riding with are blasting through red lights and drop you on the no-drop ride without someone hanging back to check on you, you don’t have to ride with them. Better to ride solo safely.

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Focus on your own performance and achievements.

Don’t compare yourself to others on Strava etc.

‘To compare is to despair’

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Clean your bike. A lot of people dont follow this simple rule (like THIS guy).
But cleaning your bike often (specially after a wet ride) and at least wipe the sweat its good form.
Also, make sure you keep your chain lubed. It will perform so much better. Also, make sure you pick the right lube for your primary bike usage.

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