{"id":36558,"date":"2022-05-13T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-05-12T22:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/?post_type=purple_issue&p=36558"},"modified":"2022-05-17T10:39:51","modified_gmt":"2022-05-17T08:39:51","slug":"rites-of-passage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/2022\/05\/13\/rites-of-passage\/","title":{"rendered":"Rites of passage"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Entering the cycling world can be daunting, but we\u2019re here to help. Here\u2019s our guide to those inevitable things that every rider will experience…<\/p>\n\n

Words <\/em>CHRIS MCGUIRE Illustrations RICCARDO GUASCO<\/p>\n\n

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1 <\/span>GOING CLIPLESS<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n

Riding \u2018clipless\u2019 means riding \u2018clipped-in\u2019 to your pedals. Yes, we know that makes no sense, but it all becomes clear when you consider pedals used to have \u2018toe clips\u2019 that you slid your foot into, then tightened the straps over the top. The trouble was that you had to loosen the strap to take your foot out. But why attach your feet to the pedals?<\/p>\n\n

Clipping into cleats, like cycling with your toes strapped in, makes you cycle more efficiently. You\u2019ll transfer power to the bike as you pull up on the pedals as well as when you push down, and your feet can\u2019t slip off. However, once you\u2019ve got the knack, you can release your feet more easily with cleats than toe clips. Got it?<\/p>\n\n

There are two main types of clipless shoes, cleats and pedals. Firstly, the three-bolt system commonly referred to as SPD-SL, which is the set-up most road cyclists favour. There\u2019s also a two-bolt version, known as SPD, usually preferred by mountain bikers and tourers. You just need to decide which system suits you and coordinate pedals, cleats and shoes. Bear in mind that it\u2019s a lot easier to walk in SPDs.<\/p>\n\n

Before you hit the road using clipless pedals, practise clipping in and out while your bike is static. Make sure someone\u2019s holding the bike or you\u2019re leaning against something as you do this as gravity and the clipless cyclist are not friends. If your bike stops moving forwards, it will fall over. If you\u2019re clipped-in, and can\u2019t steady the bike with your feet, you\u2019ll fall with it. Look ahead for things that might cause you to stop, such as traffic lights and release one of your feet well before you plan to brake to help avoid disaster. This will give you a few extra seconds if there\u2019s an issue with unclipping.<\/p>\n\n

It\u2019s all part of the rite of passage of the new rider finding their feet. You\u2019ll have to learn to take these pratfalls on the chin, often literally.<\/p>\n\n

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Try to keep your zen and don\u2019t respond to aggressive drivers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

2 <\/strong><\/span>ROAD RAGE<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n

Most cyclists have experienced aggression from drivers. Even if you\u2019re the most careful rider, the likelihood is it\u2019s going to happen to you. Some drivers get territorial, think you\u2019re invading their space, then become aggressive. Often the mere sight of a bit of Lycra is enough to set them off.<\/p>\n\n

We all have opinions about these drivers (and most people have some \u2018colourful\u2019 words to describe them), but knowing the basics of The Highway Code should keep you as safe as possible. We can\u2019t promise this will totally protect you from road rage, though. And don\u2019t try waving a copy at an irate driver \u2013 personal experience tells us this inflames the situation.<\/p>\n\n

If a car is driven aggressively around you, protect yourself by moving out of the driver\u2019s way. Change road position or reduce speed so you get behind the car.<\/span> Be aware you may need to take emergency action to evade the vehicle. It\u2019s tempting, but don\u2019t engage.<\/span><\/p>\n\n

Don\u2019t respond to an aggressive driver with insults or gestures as this\u2019ll only escalate things. Remember you\u2019re dealing with someone who\u2019s being aggressive to a total stranger, which means they\u2019re not acting in a rational way.<\/p>\n\n

Many cyclists wear a video camera so that they have the necessary details if action needs to be taken. Try to get the registration number of the vehicle involved, talk to any witnesses and contact the police about any incidents.<\/span> Cyclists love sharing stories about road rage. Having a good tale to pass on to other riders is all part of being a cyclist. Don\u2019t let the truth get in the way of your story \u2013 the juicier the better!<\/p>\n\n

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Entering a sportive will give you a goal to train for and challenge you to push yourself<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

3 <\/span><\/span>YOUR FIRST SPORTIVE<\/span><\/h4>\n\n

You won\u2019t be cycling long before the idea of completing a sportive drifts onto your radar (see page 23 for an introduction). Finishing one of these mass-participation distance events is something no new rider will forget in a hurry.<\/p>\n\n

It\u2019s impossible to do too much training for a sportive. Build up to comfortably completing two thirds (at least) of the event distance in your training runs. Most newbies realise at the start line that they haven\u2019t done enough training, so do put in the hours if you can.<\/p>\n\n

Riding in a big group of hundreds of cyclists can be scary, so once the event starts, find a sub group that matches your pace. We recommend joining your local club to learn the basics of group riding before you head to an event.<\/p>\n\n

Sportives are not intended to be races so don\u2019t set off at a sprint, or you\u2019ll regret it very quickly. We know from bitter experience that it\u2019s easier said than done, but try to keep something in the tank for the end of the race instead.<\/p>\n\n

We don\u2019t want to sound like your mother, but make sure you eat and drink consistently throughout the event \u2013 it\u2019s surprisingly easy to forget to do this. Make the most of food stops and ensure you carry snacks and drinks too. Just watch you don\u2019t nervously drink too much before the sportive starts, only to have to stop to relieve yourself in the first stages. It\u2019s a common problem. Whatever your experience, we guarantee that completing a sportive will give you the biggest sense of satisfaction you\u2019ve ever had in Lycra, probably. Let\u2019s leave it there.<\/span><\/p>\n\n

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4<\/span> LEG SHAVING<\/span><\/h4>\n\n

We\u2019re aware this isn\u2019t a new thing for most female cyclists, but the fellas may need a little help getting their head around this idea. Serious cyclists really do take the razor to their legs, though. Why? It\u2019s more aerodynamic, it makes post-race massage easier and it helps deal with \u2018road rash\u2019(grazes resulting from falls), more easily.<\/p>\n\n

Before you shave your legs for the first time, clean and moisturise. It\u2019s probably not part of your usual routine, but it helps. How high up the leg should you shave? Many people choose just above the seam of their bib shorts. But remember that if you do this and don Speedos you\u2019ll look like you\u2019re wearing Chewbaccastyle hairy undershorts.<\/span><\/p>\n\n

Use a beard trimmer to cut long hair down to stubble length. Just make sure you do this somewhere you can easily sweep up \u2013 getting leg hair all over the carpet won\u2019t go down well. As with your face, make sure you shave against the growth of hair. Never shave sideways as it\u2019s a quick way to cut yourself. Be careful around the knees and ankles too, and don\u2019t worry if you miss a bit: that\u2019s bound to happen.<\/p>\n\n

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If you fall, get off the road before you start cleaning that road rash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

5 <\/span><\/span>FALLING OFF<\/span><\/h4>\n\n

Fact: cyclists fall off bikes. Here\u2019s our advice to making it a bit less painful. First off, wear a helmet. Having protection for your head is generally regarded as a good thing.<\/span><\/p>\n\n

Our next tip is to try to fall onto something soft. Grass verges are a lot softer than tarmac! One rider we know of cushioned the blow by falling into a pile of horse manure. While it wasn\u2019t ideal, it was more forgiving on the skin and bones than concrete.<\/span><\/p>\n\n

If do you fall in the road, get off the tarmac as soon as you can: while you\u2019re still on the road, you\u2019re vulnerable to traffic, and drivers won\u2019t be looking out for a prone cyclist plus bike.<\/p>\n\n

And don\u2019t forget to inspect your helmet post crash. If you\u2019ve damaged it, you may have sustained a head injury. Ask yourself a few simple questions: What\u2019s the date? What\u2019s your address? If you\u2019re in any doubt, get medical assistance and don\u2019t get back on your bike.<\/span><\/p>\n\n

Once you\u2019re sure you\u2019re okay, getting a good shot of the injury is the next priority. Sharing photos of \u2018road rash\u2019 is a must. Extra kudos is given for those who\u2019ve managed to rip through Lycra. Photos should be accompanied by statements about how, unlike footballers, cyclists are as tough as old boots, and it\u2019s time for a great yarn about the circumstances of said crash..<\/span><\/p>\n\n

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\u2018Bonking\u2019 may sound fun, but this kind really isn\u2019t, so keep snacks to hand on long rides<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

6<\/span> BONKING<\/span><\/h4>\n\n

\u2018Bonking\u2019 on a ride isn\u2019t half as much fun as it sounds. You\u2019ll \u2018bonk\u2019 if your body\u2019s reserve of glycogen runs out. Glycogen is stored carbohydrate and without it you\u2019ll become hypoglycaemic which, as diabetics will tell you, is not a good thing.<\/p>\n\n

People bonk in different ways. You may experience headaches, nausea, blurred vision and even shaking. Everyone gets a dramatic loss of energy though, as they are running on empty.<\/span><\/p>\n\n

To overcome it, foods and drinks that return glycogen quickly to the body are essential. Things such as sugary sweets (Jelly Babies and the like), fizzy drinks (not diet versions) or energy gels work well. It\u2019s important to get off your bike and make sure you\u2019ve fully recovered before you continue, which may take some time. Bonking can leave you disorientated, which is not a good state to ride in.<\/p>\n\n

You can prevent it by preparing before your ride by eating plenty of carbohydrate-rich food, which will give you a good base reserve of glycogen in your system. It\u2019s a great excuse to eat lots of pasta, for example. During your ride, top up your glycogen levels throughout and not just when you feel hungry. You\u2019ll soon discover which foods work best for you.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Entering the cycling world can be daunting, but we\u2019re here to help. 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