5 Common Cycling Mistakes You Should Avoid
by Frank on October 31, 2009
in Basics, Riding the Road, Safety
As with everything we do, cycling too has its learning curve.
If you’re new to cycling, you may wonder about the things you should and should not be doing. To be truthful, most of these things will just have to be learned out on the road. A lot of them, however, can be avoided by riding with more experienced cyclists or reading about cycling.
In that vein, here are 5 common “mistakes” to look out for:
Using the Wrong Gears
Although gearing may seem like it’s mostly common sense, it’s more a less a mystery to most beginner cyclists. In fact, i’d say it’s safe to say that there are a lot of beginning and intermediate cyclists out there who still don’t use the correct gears at the correct times.
Here’s a quick rule of thumb: Keep pedaling as easy as possible. If it’s easy to pedal, you conserve energy by not using up your valuable fast-twitch muscles. Don’t worry about losing speed. You’ll find that as you increase your cadence that your speed becomes more consistent, while your endurance goes up.
Riding Against Traffic
This is perhaps one of the most dangerous (deadly) of beginner mistakes. When you are on a bicycle, you are a vehicle as well. You take up more room than a runner, and are meant to flow with traffic not against it.
Take your lane! Be visible!
Saddle Too Low
Your saddle should be high enough that your legs are nearly fully extended at the bottom of your pedal stroke. It may seem like it is more comfortable, but having your saddle too low greatly decreases your pedal efficiency.
Raise your saddle to take advantage of the full power your legs have to offer. This will noticeably decrease your fatigue and increase your endurance.
No Lights at Night
Although many would have you believe that reflectors can provide adequate visibility at night, they’re wrong. In fact, I prefer to ride with lights even during the day. Why?
Plain and simple: visibility. You have to be visible for cars to see you. Lights are needed for this, especially at night. Don’t take it for granted that they’ll just notice you, because chances are they won’t. It’s your responsibility to make sure they do.
Not Enough Water
You need a lot of water when you’re cycling, especially on long rides. Don’t get caught out 15 miles from home with no water! Riding dehydrated is not only dangerous, but very uncomfortable.
There are plenty of other mistakes that are easy to make, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Part of doing something includes making all the mistakes necessary to learn. I’m a firm believer, in fact, that making mistakes is the best way to learn.
What are some of the mistakes you see others (or yourself) make? Let us know in the comments!
The Simplicity of Cycling
Just You and the Road
photo by Noize Photography
One of the things I love about cycling is its simplicity.
Sure, there are some concerns you have to take into account. They are, however, mostly secondary.
Cycling gives you a chance to unwind, a chance to actually take in your surroundings. It is only as demanding as you want it to be.
It doesn’t matter what kind of gear you have. It doesn’t matter what kind of bike you ride.
Do you ride a road bike? Good. A mountain bike? Good. Do you have a utility bike? Good.
Cheap, expensive, new, old. It doesn’t matter.
What matters, is that you’re out riding and for a brief moment in time, it’s just you and the road.
Riding the Road: What to Bring on Your Ride
by Frank on July 16, 2009
in Basics, lifestyle, Riding the Road
I mentioned in my previous post Riding the Road: Simple Rules and Common Sense to be prepared on your ride, but didn’t go too far into what being prepared actually entails. If you’re new to the road (or getting back in the saddle), you may ask: “What should I bring with me?” How do you know what’s too much, and what exactly to bring to be prepared for what may happen? The list is actually quite small but full of things that can save you a lot of headaches when you’re 20+ miles away from home (or civilization).
