Tori Bortman - The Bicycling Big Book of Cycling for Beginners: Everything a new cyclist needs to know to gear up and start riding

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Notice: The information in this book is meant to supplement, not replace, proper exercise training. All forms of exercise pose some inherent risks. The editors and publisher advise readers to take full responsibility for their safety and know their limits. Before practicing the exercises in this book, be sure that your equipment is well-maintained, and do not take risks beyond your level of experience, aptitude, training, and fitness. The exercise and dietary programs in this book are not intended as a substitute for any exercise routine or dietary regimen that may have been prescribed by your doctor. As with all exercise and dietary programs, you should get your doctors approval before beginning.

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Photography on by Thomas MacDonald.

Illustrations 2014 by Adam Wallenta

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ISBN 978-1-62336-164-8

eISBN 978-1-62336-165-5

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For my students, who remind me to live with the wonder, curiosity, and openness of a beginners mind and that true courage comes not from strength or knowledge, but from vulnerability and leaps of faith.

PART IV:

PART VIII:

THE CALL OF THE OPEN ROAD

THERE ARE MANY, MANY REASONS TO START ROAD CYCLING, but usually it comes down to something thats drawing you to it. It could be that youd like to regain some of the wonder of childhood in a more grown-up way. Maybe you get a jealous twinge hearing about your brother-in-laws epic weekend rides. Sometimes its the sit-down, dead-serious talk your doctor gives you about your health thats making you see the potential of pavement for the first time.

In reality, it doesnt matter what called you here, only that youve decided to heed it.

Welcome. Youre in for a fun ride.

Bikes havent really changed much since their inception. They are essentially still just two wheels, a chain, and our momentum keeping us in balance. Most of the big gains in cycling technology have come by way of making the bike more comfortable so we can spend more time in the saddle. Otherwise, its pretty much the same machine we learned on as kids, but easier and more comfortable to ride.

The beauty of the road bike is that it doesnt ask for much. It doesnt tell you why or when to ride. Its there waiting patiently if you decide to hop in the saddle and is not hurt when you walk by and hop in your car to head for work. It doesnt say youre not fast enough or give you guff for not being first to the top of the hill. It can be the perfect companion.

The simple motion of cycling has a funny way of making things clearer, less cluttered, a little slower, and a bit more real. Whether youre speeding toward a finish line or cruising on a weeklong bike tour, it connects you to the present momentthe here and nowin a way that most things in our fast-paced, high-tech world cant. It helps bring awareness to the small thingsthe temperature of the air, the subtle changes in terrainmaking real connections to the world around you.

For most of us, riding our first bike was a rite of passage: the electric rush of happiness when we rode on our own and really spread our wings for the first time. Bikes gave us the independence and courage to go around the block, to the store, and farther and farther away into our own adventures.

Now in our adulthood, were often just not convinced we can ever get that feeling back. The secret is, being on the road on your bike, listening to your breath, and pushing the pedals is pretty much the same as it was back then. Its a very low-tech getaway car.

Most road cyclists will describe sneaking away for a ride or letting it go on the pavement. Being on the bike is just you, the pavement, and ribbons of white and yellow lines. For the first time you can shake the day off and look upreally look upand see the beauty of the world around you.

Road cycling is a means to an end. Its one way we can ride away from the phone, the house, the bills, the TV, whats going on at work, how the kids are driving you bonkers. Getting on the bike is the antidote. Its a mini-vacation for your soul. Its a time to revamp and breatheeven if its just for an hour at a time.

Although getting on the bike is simple, were unlikely to have the grace or strength of a professional racer. Theres a lot to learn, and this book will help guide you.

The cool thing is that with every new skillfrom becoming a graceful descender to being able to easily grab your water bottle without bobblingyour confidence on the bike will grow. Confidence is a funny thing. Almost like a virus, it can affect your whole life, your wellbeing, and even those around you. Right now you may see yourself as someone who just wants to get into better shape. Its likely youll get there before you know it, and when you see how easy it is to reach one goal, it will be easier to set and accomplish anotherone that may not even be on the bike.

It starts with the hill you never thought youd be able to climb, which eventually becomes the hill you never thought youd be able to climb without stopping, which then finally becomes the hill that you conquer with ease. That kind of progression in the saddle can also help you wrap your mind around asking for that long overdue raise or realize that dream of starting your own business. Youll learn what its like to try, fall short of your goals, and keep trying again knowing youll eventually get where you want to go.