Hello, fellow cyclists! Today, I’m going to be posting another article in the “Ask Bart Haynes” category of this blog inspired by my experience on the road as of late.
Recently, I’ve been cycling along the coast through Encinitas, Leucadia, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, and Olivenhain. In my opinion, this ride is one of the most beautiful in all of San Diego. On this stretch of road, there are cyclists of all types and levels of experience. Due to the tourism, many beginner bicyclists have been cruising along the coast taking in the sights and rolling down to the beaches on sunny afternoons. However, many are making common cycling mistakes.
Today, I will be answering the question:
“What are some of the most common cycling mistakes and how can I avoid them?”
Let’s dive right in.
Mistake #1: The bicycle doesn’t fit!
Many people ride around on bicycles that simply don’t fit their bodies. Honestly, this might be the most important game-changer in your rides because a bike that doesn’t fit means that you’re uncomfortable, strained, and encouraging unnecessary injury. The top sign that your bike doesn’t fit is that you don’t spend much time in the saddle. You’re most likely bobbing up and down, not staying stationary, and working much harder than you should. The seat height of your bike should be high enough to give you a slight bend in the knee when your foot is on the pedal. Also, your arms and torso should make a 45 degree angle over the bike. Bicycling.com has a great article titled “Fine Tune Your Bike Fit” to aid you in seeing whether or not your bicycle is a good fit for you.
Mistake #2: You don’t use your gears.
Many people don’t use their gears because they don’t know how. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen amateur cyclists huffing and wheezing up steep hills in 80 degree weather just because they’re not in the correct gear! Your life in the saddle will be changed as soon as you know how to control your gears and use them like a friend. They help you use your muscles in the right way as well as allow you to reach high levels of speed. Here’s a great post called “How to Use Your Gears Efficiently” for a more in-depth look into utilizing gears on a bicycle.
Mistake #3: You’re not maintaining your bike.
Bicycles are like any other mode of transportation that you use frequently. Cars, trucks, motorcycles, busses, airplanes, you name it; they all require tune-ups, refueling, cleaning, and maintenance in order to function properly. Check out the “Bicycle Maintenance” page on this site to see a full list of articles detailing how to maintain your bike. I’d recommend starting with “Clean Your Bike in 4 Steps” and “How to Troubleshoot Your Bike.”
Mistake #4: You’re not prepared with a spare or a patch kit.
I see it too often on the road: someone’s stranded in the middle of the highway because they don’t carry the right emergency supplies with them while cycling. The sound of a hissing tire is the worst when you’re hitting a stride and enjoying a beautiful ride. The best advice when going on any ride, long or short, is to always be prepared! Take a look at the article titled “How to Fix a Bicycle Flat” for information regarding how to patch your tire when this does happen.
Mistake #5: You don’t eat the right foods before hitting the road.
Many cyclists who attempt to take on longer distances poop out prematurely because they don’t have the fuel they need to persist on a long ride. Many people don’t eat the right kinds of food when they’re just starting out. Before a ride, make sure you have a meal that’s packed with carbohydrates and protein. Also, during your ride, make sure you have fuel packed with you. A granola bar is a great thing to carry in your cycling pack. For some pre-cycling recipe ideas, take a look at my posts “4 Protein-Packed Recipes with Peanut Butter” and “Diet Tips for Cyclists.”
My hope is that highlighting these common mistakes will help beginner cyclists happening across my blog realize some of the easiest oversights they can avoid. Cycling is the best sport in the world if done right!
Many thanks for reading, followers, and best of luck to you on the road!
Photo Credits:
- http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_C1XrRVl3W8k/TB-ESYGolYI/AAAAAAAAKc0/jHQV4DxAZbE/s1600/bike+fit+2.jpg
- https://coresites-cdn.factorymedia.com/rcuk/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/07-IMG_9141.jpg
- http://beagreencommuter.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/fix-it-bike-maintenance-course-03111.jpg
- https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0383/1945/files/patchpoke.jpg?5356903016945824377
- https://www.skedaddle.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/cycling-breakfast-tips-1-672×372.jpg