6 Important Lessons I Learned In My First Year of Cycling

It's that time of year again, and Mama's ready to clip in.

Last year during prime lockdown, my Specialized bike was one of the things that kept me sane. I got it back in April. Heading out on a road bike was intimidating at first, for sure. This is the second one I’ve ever owned (fun fact: I did a triathlon a few years back) — which means I definitely have experience clipping in outside of a Spin studio.

Still, it took time to feel comfortable speeding downhill again, and I indulged in many rides including steep climbs that resulted in a (non-COVID related) cough afterward. Whether I’m riding in Central Park, adventuring to Coney Island, or cruising up 9W, I I feel so grateful for the opportunity to travel farther than my two legs alone can take me as a New Yorker without a car.

And back during the pandemic? The space felt like such a luxury, escaping the confines of my apartment in a safe way that empowered me to discover new areas. It didn’t hurt that my go-to escape was also low impact on my body, too.

For this week’s newsletter, I’m offering up six lessons I learned in my first full year of cycling. I’ve received handfuls of DMs over the past year with cycling questions. If you have anything specific after reading this, feel free to click the “Leave a comment” button below and ask (I’ll make sure to chime in and answer).

Leave a comment

1. Don’t go too far without friends: While I’ll ride anywhere in the New York area (mostly Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn) solo, my personal rule is that if I can’t walk to a bike shop or call an uber to get home fairly quickly — friends have to be involved. This means that whenever I ride my bike over the George Washington Bridge, I’m not doing it alone. I’m grateful that I’ve found a few good eggs who love riding as much as I do. This rule is partly about safety (I’m still working on nailing the tire-changing thing, more on that in a second). It’s also about enjoyment. I love sharing the experience with others. Plus, riding with buds keeps me accountable to push when inclines pick up and my legs get tired. Plus, helpful for those photo pit stops. 

2. Always have a roadside kit with you: Before you go anywhere on your bike, make sure you have an extra tire tube (if your bike isn’t tubeless) , a hand pump or CO2 cartridge, and whatever other tools you may need if you get a flat tucked in a small bike bag. This way, even if you’re still in the I’ve-watched-50-YouTube-videos-and-still-can’t-change-a-flat-well camp (raises hand), you’ll have the necessary stuff should you get a flat and someone happens to ride by who can give you a hand.

3. Fuel is your BFF: Depending on where you’re going and what kind of terrain you’re covering, you may not feel as though you’re working all that hard on your bike. Still, fuel is very important, especially if you’re going to be in the saddle for a while. Think of this like running in the winter: Just because you aren’t dripping buckets a la a summer sprint, that doesn’t mean nutrition is less important. My go-to cycling fuel includes two bottles of LMNT (their watermelon flavor is to die for), Picky Bars (the Smooth Caffeinator is my jam), and the occasional Gatorade Energy Chew

4. Padded shorts are a MUST (so is sunscreen): If you’re going on a ride that will last you more than an hour, then I cannot recommend a pair of shorts with a good chamois enough. Chamois is the padding inside a pair of shorts/bibs that helps to protect your nether-regions (and keep you comfortable). A big misconception: The squishier a chamois feels, the better. Actually, the density is key. My favorite cycling shorts are Rapha Women’s Classic ShortsMachines for Freedom Essential Cycling Short, and Lululemon City to Summit Cycling Short (only XL in stock). I like shorts over bibs, but everyone’s different. I also love a short with a pocket. Harder to find, for sure.

Also, I mentioned sunscreen. If you don’t want ridiculous shorts (and short sleeve) tan lines, don’t forget to lather up before heading out. I miraculously avoided an awful one last year despite a whole lot of sunny day cycling, and I was really grateful. 

5. Prepare to look … like a cyclist: This is something that took me a while to fully embrace. There’s no two-ways about it: Cycling gear can make you look like a Spandex warrior. Cyclists are all about function, and although sometimes there’s a fashionable intersection — not always. For example: I would never wear a pair of my go-to cycling sunglasses running errands, but I can’t imagine going on a long ride without them. Trust me: Get over it, wear the fingerless gloves, and enjoy your ride.

Also, a caveat here: Cycling is definitely one of the more expensive sports to get into. Remember this: Although individual pieces may cost a pretty penny, they last a ~long~ time because you’re wearing them so sporadically. I recently advised my college roommate on a pair of Rapha bike shorts, and she couldn’t believe the difference she felt from a $65 pair she bought at REI. The phone call I got after her first ride was along the lines of “how did I ever cycle before I had these?”

6. Use. All. Of. Your. Gears. Another “this takes a while to get used to” thing. When I started cycling, I had no clue how many gears my bike had or how to use them properly. Learning this information will completely revolutionize your experience. Here’s a helpful article from Cycling Weekly with more info. 

Want to learn more? Listen to my podcast on 8 Essential Lessons I Learned As A New Cyclist.

Emily Abbate