(An insiders guide to overcoming Beginners Mistakes)

      Cycling is simple, but also marvellously complicated.  There are hundreds of minor details, from the right clothing and body position to the proper tyre pressure and seat height that can make your ride better. 

      Usually knowledge is either passed down in whispered advice from experienced cyclists, or is learned in the School of hard knocks.  ! *ouch*

      Here are solutions to six all-too-common blunders.  Pass them on to your favourite newbie rider……and Welcome to the Club !

v  NAUGHTY ! – You have a panty line

ü  NICE ! – Do not wear bike shorts with underpants.  The extra layer of fabric can cause chafing and irritation.  Bike shorts are designed to be in direct contact with your skin, and the wicking fabrics pulls away excess moisture.  Only one word here…. Saddlesores !

Similar NO NO’s :  Cotton T-Shirts – no wicking, pockets or zips.  Tennis style socks – no wicking, which can cause blisters.

v  NAUGHTY ! – Dangling Helmet Straps

ü  NICE ! – Do this test:  Grab your lid and try to  move it back and fourth on your head.  If the helmet moves more than 3cm in any direction, tighten the straps.   A helmet protects your pip only if it stays put during a crash.

v  NAUGHTY ! – Stiff neck and shoulders

ü  NICE ! – Tension is the hallmark of a beginner.  Riding with locked elbows and a white-knuckle grip on the bar means you’re not in control.  Stay loose, Moose. Vary your hand position, taking deep breaths and relaxing your shoulders.

v  NAUGHTY ! – You lock up your rear wheel when braking.

ü  NICE ! – The issue here is fear of the front brake.  Your stopping power mostly comes from the front brake – so be sure to shift your weight back when you squeeze the front lever.  Remember, reduce speed with your rear brake, but you stop with your front brake.  (ooooohh…. I hear some of you say…)

v  NAUGHTY ! – You’re getting frustrated, and it’s holding you back.

ü  NICE ! – Trying something new takes guts.  Bad days happen to everybody and you won’t always stay with the group on climbs, or clear every obstacle on the route.  DON”T GIVE UP !.  Treat it as a lesson.  Ask for advice, then vow to approach the problem differently next time.  Maybe you’ll make it, and maybe you won’t.

The Fun is in the attempt.