Things I Have Learned

Taken from an original post in May 2012.

• Cycling is fun.
• Bikes cost a lot of money.
• Bikes are just the start of the money issue.
• Always inflate your tires before every ride.
• Keep spare cash in your bag.
• Keep a spare tube in your bag.
• CO2 cartridges are the greatest invention ever.
• There are a lot of historical markers out there.
• I’m not cool and that’s just fine.
• Learning to eat (and what to eat) while riding is important.
• Roads or mixed-use paths? There is no right answer; just pick your poison.
• There are as many bike types as there are reasons to ride a bike (they are much like cars in this regard). The trick – or fun, depending on your perspective – is to find the type of bike that suits your reasons for riding.
• Cycling has many rules of etiquette and dress. Some rules are based on practical reasons and others are just silly traditions. Good luck sorting them out.
• MapMyRide.Com can be trusted only so far.
• Assume every pedestrian/jogger has an iPod blaring and will shortly move into your path and you won’t be disappointed.
• Bicycle computers are fun.
• Before you have a flat, practice changing your tires.
• Don’t be afraid to fiddle with your bike; it’s not a rocket ship and probably won’t break. If you screw it up, your LBS can sort it for you.
• Take care of your bike and your bike will take care of you.
• Follow the rules of the road, no matter what others around you are doing.
• Helmets are good.
• Country roads are best, suburban roads are the worst.
• There is no better way to explore a new place than by bicycle.
• Cycling blogs are very helpful and entertaining, with the possible exception of this one.
• Don’t judge others you meet in the middle of your ride; you don’t know how far they’ve come or how far they’re going.
• Everyone has something to teach you.
• Pacelines are fun, unless you actually want to see what you’re cycling past.
• Take the time to study a new route in advance and plan your breaks/hydration/pace/nutrition accordingly.
• Dogs are out there – have a plan.
• You will fall at least one time in your clipless pedals. Sorry.
• Bend your elbows.
• If you haven’t crashed, you will.
• When making adjustments to seats and handlebars, millimeters matter.
• You can lose weight by cycling, but it works better when you eat properly as well.
• The biggest change to biking technology since I rode in the 80s? Brifters.
• Invest in good tires and you won’t be sorry.
• Clipless pedals, aren’t.
• Sunglasses are more important than you might think.
• You can ride in the cold if you have the right gear.
• In the end, it’s not that complicated; just hop on your bike and pedal. Everything else is only a detail.
• Eating the occasional bug is part of the deal.
• If you don’t want to run over it, don’t stare at it.