Whichever way you turn it, there are a lot of things to think about when you decide to start cycling on a real road racing bike. This includes traffic rules and how you behave on your bike. Everyone has their own ideas about what you may or may not do on your bike. Here are a few things you shouldn’t do when you are just starting out.
Don’t change pace too frequently
If you are new to cycling, then start at a calm pace, with a low heart rate and gradually increase your pace, always making sure you can maintain that pace for longer than a few minutes.
Don’t buy expensive apparel.
Cyclists often say that what you wear is important, as well as having a good pair of legs. Your legs determine when you can/should consider upgrading your kit.
Don’t think you can ride 100 km the first time you venture out
Start with a shorter ride of 25 to 30 km. An hour really is enough the first time. Next time around ride 40 or 50 km and start by gradually increasing your average speed.
Music
In theory, you shouldn’t listen to any music as this may prevent you from concentrating on your breathing and on traffic when you are just starting out. So enjoy the nature, the landscape and the sounds around you instead.
Riding in a group
We recommend riding alone the first time. While riding with your friends may sound like more fun, we advise against it. The dynamics of riding in a group can be quite tricky and sport-specific terms such as drafting and relay-style riding are difficult to master if you are just starting out.
Don’t leave without food and drink
You will be astounded how exhausting an hour’s cycling can be the first time you venture out. So don’t underestimate the effort and take a sufficient amount of snacks and drinks with you because you may need them.
