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As I have been riding for just over a year, I felt I could teach her everything in a day. "Everything" being all the tips I have had to draw out of fellow male cyclists. Tricks I have stumbled across by accident. Knowledge that is privy only to men.
Humour me as I generalise, but it seems boys have spent so much time riding bikes, that cycling is second nature to them. They assume we know what they know. But riding basics continue to elude us. Here are some pointers that should make your riding safer and more fun.
Uphills: When you approach a hill, transfer your weight to the back of your saddle. Relax your arms. This way you channel your energy to your legs and don't waste it holding on for dear life.
Downhills: Pick a line and stick to it. Don't stare at the ground right in front of you, rather look further ahead. DO NOT watch what you want to miss, instead look where you want to ride, because that is where the bike will go.
Corners: Once again, hold your line. When riding with men, they will try and bully you out of the way. DO NOT budge. It's your line and you stick to it. Push down on your outside hand and foot when cornering to keep your bike steady through the bend.
Stopping at red lights: On training rides, do not expect men to do this. They often look for a gap in the traffic and go (an interesting phenomenon as they are not being timed). Just remember, they have to wait for you further on anyway. However, do remember to unclip from your pedal BEFORE stopping if you want to be taken seriously as a rider.
Pulling off from red lights: When you approach a red light, and everyone plans to stop, remember to change down in to an easier gear (bigger sprocket at the back). That way, when the light changes, you'll be in a gear that's not so hard that everyone has to wait for you.
Drinking: It is vital to drink while riding to prevent dehydration. If you are nervous about taking your hands off the bars to get your bottle, invest in a hydration pack, which you wear like a backpack. This way it's easier to stay hydrated on the ride.
Once your confidence builds up, you can switch to a bottle.
Bunch riding: Always be alert. Never be lulled in to a false sense of security. Chat to fellow riders, but be aware of what is happening around you.
And, most importantly, HOLD YOUR LINE. It's not a good thing to take a fellow cyclist off his bike because "last night was so funny..."
There are loads of other "tricks" to discover. But those are learned by riding regularly.
The most important information I can give you is: Ride your bike as often as you can, experiment, learn it, love it, and most importantly, just have fun!
Jo McLeod learns something new every time she rides her bike. To pick her brain, e-mail questions to bicycling@touchline.co.za and write "Maiden Voyager" in the subject field.
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