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Your First Bicycle Season

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I wasn’t a born athlete. I stumbled through track, and although I had a few moments of success, truthfully, in my younger years I preferred to go dancing than go to the gym. When I hit my mid-20’s, my body started to shift and my metabolism of yesteryear faded. To keep in shape, I started going to spin classes. It didn’t take long before I was drinking the Kool-Aid and at the prompting of my spin instructor and husband, decided to take my newfound cycling legs onto the open road.
I joined the Velo Girls, an all-women’s cycling club in California, and had the butterflies each and every ride. I was worried that I’d be the last one in (I often was), that I’d konk out in the middle of the ride, or that my bike would fall apart. In short, I was freaked out. Freaked out about all of the match-matchy cycling kits, the intensity of the sport, and everyone’s fancy bikes. I didn’t know how (or what) to eat or wear, and was thankful that the Velo Girls took me under their wings and showed me the cycling ropes. If I was to start it all over again, I would offer myself the following pieces of advice:

Get adopted

Most of us have a story about one special girlfriend that encouraged us to get out and ride. Find someone within your community (or reach out to meet up groups, cycling clubs, etc.) to ‘sponsor’ your newfound love of cycling by teaching you basic cycling skills, riding with you, and schooling you on the ins and outs of riding. I recommend a girlfriend because we’ve all been in the place where you stand today, and it’s our job to mentor one another on (and off) the bike. Plus, the cycling community loves to pay it forward.

Make it Official

Tell the world through Facebook, Twitter, and email that you are getting into cycling. Keep your community appraised to your training, invite them to ride with you, and verbalize your goals. It will keep you accountable.

Goals

Set them. If it’s doing a mile loop around your neighborhood or riding a 25-mile fundraising ride, just set your weekly or monthly goals, and stick to them as best you can. Training Peaks is a great place to keep track of workouts and find a similar solution. Life often gets in the way, so make sure that the goals you set are the ones you can accomplish. Set yourself up for success!

Psychology

For many of us, riding on the open roads is scary, not to mention potential falls from childhood that have forever scarred us. If you’re feeling like this is a hindrance, consider working with a Sports Psychologist. You may think this sounds odd for a first-timer, although I hired one when I trained for my first marathon, and it made a world of difference in my running (and attitude.)

Celebrate

Your successes along the way, and don’t compare yourself to other riders. Check your ego at the door and enjoy the open air. By doing that, a whole new world will open up to you.

Teresa Robbins
An avid cyclist, Teresa also knew she wanted to create something to encourage women to get outside on their bikes and support a meaningful cause – Venus de Miles was born. Since its inception, Colorado’s first all-women’s road ride, which is orchestrated by and benefits Greenhouse Scholars, has raised $380,981 for the organization. 

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Comments

  4. Jenna Wood says

    I think it’s great to find a niche or group to bicycle with, having a partner can really help you get into the groove.

  5. Krista says

    That looks like a blast! I can’t wait to get my bike out!! Still a little too cold here…but soon!

  6. Amber says

    Never thought much about getting a friend to help get me motivated. That’s always a great idea. I need to get my bike fixed up so I can get back into cycling.

  7. Katy says

    I keep waiting for the last of the snow and ice to melt around here so I can pull my bike out of the basement, tune it up and get to riding again!! It’s going to be a great summer season. – Katy

  8. Ashley S says

    This is such an inspiring post! After a severe foot injury, I am thinking about getting into cycling. I have always enjoyed it. Now I think I just have an extra oomph to actually do it!

  13. Jenna Wood says

    I think it’s especially important to celebrate your own accomplishments and not try to compare them to those of others.

  15. Tiffany Cruz says

    I like the idea of finding someone in your life to encourage you. Everyone needs a friend like that.