Thanks! I'm getting into cycling at the minute, I'm a teenager who lost most of my strength after two feet operations where I was non weight bearing. I can't pedal very far but I'm determined to keep trying and improve. Currently saving for a proper road bike and thanks for the inspiration!
Just take your time and enjoy. One thing I have learned is log your rides. I have mine on a spread sheet even though there area a lot of sites that will do that for you. This is what I log. Date, time, who I rode with, mileage, time, speed (avg,max) cadence (avg,max), HR (avg,max), weather ( actual temp, real feel, humidity) wind (actual speed and gusts, direction). Route I took and comments on how I felt. What this does as when you plateau which we all do no matter how long we have been riding. It’s good to go back and look and you can see how you have come. By logging the route and weather you can how much that change your effort. I used to worry about speed and trying to maintain that whether going up hill or against the wind and would blow myself up. Now I concentrate on my cadence and tell myself I will get there when I get there. No time limit. Good luck and keep the rubber side down. P.S. I also log my trainer rides as well
Same!!! :D not for ankle reasons but for illness reason just the same. No strength or muscles what so ever xD it's a hard slog but I'm also determined! How are you getting on?
Just an idea for you to think about. Look into a recumbent trike or even a recumbent bike. I could go on and on about the benefits. Very comfortable for your feet I would think. You could even get the ones that have hand pedals or pedal assist electric to save your feet. Research recumbent trikes I think it is exactly what you need. Good luck and I hope you heal completely.
Great motivational videos for newbies Katie. The biggest deterrent to starting road cycling is probably fear of accidents. A cycle through a busy town scenario with a running commentary of why you are positioned where to are, what the hazards are, manoeuvres required etc will probably make a good video.
Great points Katie. The trouble with being a new rider is the only way you ever appreciate how bad bonking is is when you experience it. You'll never leave home without food again..
I still remember the first time I bonked. I was in college and rode 100 miles with the local riding club. My first century. I did not drink enough and the only food I remember eating was about halfway through the ride we stopped at a bar to have lunch. Somehow, I made it back, most likely because of my youth! Now at 63 years of age and thousands of miles of later, I still ride and am in better shape now than I was then. Any ride over an hour, I pack lots of food and drink. When I was 30, I rode the Seattle to Portland event. 200 miles in one day. I remember constantly eating and drinking. It seemed as if I couldn't eat enough. I was able to complete the event in 13.5 hours. Thanks for the videos. They are appreciated!
Great advice! I’ve been road cycling since 1995 and I know I’ve made all of these mistakes (and then some) over the years. My worst mistake is not clicking out of my pedals as I approach an intersection.i learned that lesson the hard way. Your ebook sounds great, I’ll check it out. Thanks.
From all the cycling videos I have watched I get the feeling I am one of a kind as cycling for me is about taking in the countryside, admiring the nature and having fun. I have been absent from cycling for many years but now inspired to get back on my bike and loose a few stones rather than changing my food I enjoy. I only had cycling bonk once and learnt my lesson, after that it was a mars bar every 10 miles and a roast dinner mid day. Lol. I still remember cycling from home to Edale at 16 years old. Happy days.
You forgot another important point: Hydrate and get comfortable drinking while riding. Alot of new riders are not adept at drinking and riding simultaneously because they haven't developed good bike handling skills. If you're riding with a group, you can usually tell who that individual is, because they are the ones chugging water every time the group stops at say an intersection.
Bought a beginner road bike of my neighbour as he heard I wanted to take up road cycling, at the same time he showed me how to change pedals, attach the seat post and of course change a tyre (however tyres still bother me until this day as they can be so hard to get the outer layer back around the wheel frame once the inner tube is in.)
I never really looked at watching speed as a 'basic mistake' so I followed your advice and stopped thinking about my speed while riding. And I'm so pleased to say it more than doubled the enjoyment and pleasure of the ride. And the ride was not any slower than previous rides. So here's a big THANKS!
I pick-up my new bike tomorrow so brand new to the sport and very excited albeit, a little nervous if I'm honest! I really have not got a clue what to wear or what to expect from my fellow cyclists, so look forward to watching your new videos. Great tip about what not to wear - thanks!
I think the most important thing is just to have fun and enjoy your new bike! As for what to wear - I'd say a helmet and cycling shorts are essential for safe, enjoyable rides. The rest can be improvised until you have a better idea what you'd like.
I've never understood people who wear underwear under leggings for anything let alone cycling. The mistake I made as a beginner that I still cringe about is taking a D-lock (attached to my bike) on my first club ride, and let m tell you I didn't need the extra 2 kilos on my hybrid because some of the people on that ride had Dogma Pinarello 😂 However, they were super kind to me and it's because of that I went as far as fast as I did in my first few years cycling.
I just bought RB 2 weeks ago and suprisingly bring back the joy when i was 6-17 years old riding my bmx to school. still learning and hopefully it will be utilized 3x a week.tq for the tips
Great video and tips Kookaburra. FYI - I always wear a g-string under my tights and never had any issues with chaffing or being uncomfortable. Undies would def cause a chafe but not a g-banger.
ive done 5-6 hours ride and just had water and bottle powerade with some sugar. I usually dont need to bring something to eat. I already eat oatmeal and banana and eggs that last me the entire ride.
The best thing I learned about cycling to this day is understanding cadence. Always pick a gear where you have to pedal quiet quickly (How fast is based on preference, so it takes time to find your personal cadence). In the beginning I always rode in the highest gear I could pedal in at all, which did not fair well in group rides. While the others rode at a consant speed, I would always speed up and slow down because I could not sustain the power output. The main reason why pedaling at a higher cadence is easier, is actually based on physics. Power is a function of Torque and Angular Velocity, therefore pedaling faster requires less Force. However pedaling to fast is also not sustainable.
Good tips...also for the newbie with clipless pedals practice clipping in & out & think ahead. I fell over 3 times before the penny dropped....once at a miniroundabout watched by a coach full.....fortunately my Mars bar was completely unscathed..
The flip side of gears is cadence. Cadence is the angular rate of the crank in revolutions per minute (rpm). On flats and rollers your cadence should be in the range between 80 and 100 rpm. If your cadence is too low, shift down a gear or two at a time until you get to a rate within the range that is comfortable for you. I seem to gravitate toward 90 to 95 rpm, but that's just me. If you feel little or no resistance in your pedals, shift up gear or two until you reach a level of effort that feels reasonable. On long, steep hills you'll likely shift down to your lowest gear. At that point cadence doesn't mean much, so just press on and remember to keep pedaling over the top.
Great tips. Saddle height go send the extra dollars for a bike fit, can help with knee pain if to high or low as well as numb hands, if it hurts you won’t want to ride. As for flats it not if I get a flat but when simple to learn you will find what works for you. One big thing about changing a flat is check the inside of the tire itself for burs or that little wire from vehicle tires. Another tip is keep a dollar bill with you cause if you blow a hole in the tire itself you can put the dollar in between the tube and tire and will be able to limp home or the nearest bike shop. Commando all the time. Chaffing isn’t fun.
I have been in the wrong gear when climbing a hill, shu it was so hard to get up the hill.. It was because I was always so scared to change gears while climbing a hill. I have learnt how now..
Did not noticed your bike is waving from behind you till mins later, just waiting what would be the next you will say😊 informative for newer cyclist. They would learn along the way .. been about 5 years now since I first watched your videos.. ride safe my/our. sister in cycling....
Great point about speed, I now train to my heart rate and try to keep it in optimum zone even if that means slowing right down. Other times i just go out for a ride and try to ignore my Garmin altogether.
The Bonk AKA The Wall is a serious and sudden moment when all the free sugars in the blood have been burnt-up and there is nothing left in the gut to replenish ‘em. This is more of a risk on the bike as the drop-off in physical performance may mean that getting over a hill to return home (even just staying upright) becomes impossible. Also, depending on how deep you go it may take more than a few raisins to turn things round. Don’t be surprised by a blinding headache and not feeling that much better until you’ve had a decent balanced meal and a night’s sleep. Well worth taking Katie’s advice and carrying plenty of food out on your rides…..
I been riding for over 8 years and use the underwear under my bib. Not the cotton ones but the dry fit ones that are made out of the same material as the bib. I Didn't have any chaffing at all on any of my rides. Crashing after a sprint and destroying your bib and having your jewels hanging is not a good feeling...🤣🤣🤣🤣. Been there done that. That extra layer of protection does wonders for me.
Good video. Agree with everything. The problem, other than vpl, with underwear is that it gets soaked with sweat. Ewww. One trick I use for saddle height is to lock the leg out with your heal on the peddle. This, when you move to the ball of your foot gives you enough bend. I also ride a mountain bike and there are a couple of things that I have noticed. Mountain bikers crunch bigger gears. Roadies have a higher cadence. This is board out by looking at the leg muscles. Mtb xc riders have bigger leg muscles. However, since getting back into road riding, my hills have improved off road, since I am able to turn a low gear, high cadence into an easier hill climbing technique. But mtb also helps with road work as you learn to adjust gears before you hit the hill, which again makes for smoother climbs. Lastly - bonking. When I was a lad we had another meaning for bonking. Anyway, down here we call it hitting the wall. It is though isn't it it? You hit this brick wall. All energy gone dead legs and your lying on the floor screaming for a taxi. I did that after running out of food on a 40 mile off road ride. It was cold and wet, so I burned more fuel than I planned for. So now if I am doing a trail quest I will use sis go. But usually I will drink squash, with 2 squidges of honey and a bit of salt. Jelly babies, flapjack and go jells. In addition to the munchies I have a spare tube, multitool, scabs, pump, chain breaker and power links, card, cash and phone. Oh yeah. Cut up toothpaste tube, needle and thread. Because I am used to riding in the middle of nowhere, I tend to take everything I need with me,. It makes things a bit heavier, but at least I can get myself out of trouble.
Back in 2007 or so I was on a 200km brevet and somehow broke a chain probably 100k in. I had spare tubes, patch kits, CO2, allen wrenches and pliers ... but no chain tool. But to my very good fortune, the very next person that passed by was carrying one, and we got my bike up and going within 5 minutes. I always carry a mini-chain tool now, but haven't needed it in the ~13 years since! As an aside, the guy that helped me was hit and killed while riding several years later. RIP Steve.
Could you do a video on how you clean or maintain your bike, for dummies !? Do you do it after every ride, once a week etc and what are the key things to do/not do? Thanks!
Yey! I’ve just started doing regular 10km rides and saving up for a nice road bike, currently riding a cheapie, but every ride there’s a new niggle or thing that needs investigating/adjusting/eliminating, bring on the vids Katie 🙂
I have never had that problem of flicking the gears the wrong way because I have only ever ridden with down tube shifters . Many times I have struggled up hill when in the wrong gear though and can't leave go of the hoods to change gear ! Lol I bought a good 2nd hand group set with the modern levers but just haven't got round to changing the old shimano 600 stuff . Maybe later this year .... I am just too old school I suppose
I have the spare tube, tire levers, multi-tool, and C02 cartrdige in my saddle bag. And I've watched a few videos on how to change a tube if I get a flat. Technically I'm prepared (in theory). BUT I've never actually done it. I sometimes cycle with my boyfriend who is an experienced cyclist and that's my crutch. But when I go out on my own, I have this fear in the back of my mind that I'll get a flat, screw up the changing of the tube, and end up taking a taxi home. I should probably go through the exercise of changing a tube at home just to have that practice under my belt.
Practise at home. Making mistakes in your living room is better than struggling outside in wind, rain, sleet, baking heat. Carry a pair of disposable gloves
Same! Minus the boyfriend so possibly even worse. I carry all the tools but never changed a tire. But yes, as it's supposed to rain for most of next week, I'll try to finally just try and practice at home.
Wrap some electrical tape around the C02 cartridges makes them not get so cold on your fingers if you ever need one. The tape around the cartridge also acts as some emergency fix tape if ever needed for something
A long time ago I bonked after a very hilly 40 mile ride (Stanhope) on a bike I had just bought thinking I was Miguel Indurain. Even had a yellow jersey on lol. I forgot what my levers did, eyesight went hazy and I had to hold back tears because I remembered there was a chocolate cake in the house and I was still 5 miles away from eating it! Last 5 miles took forever as I had to stop every mile or so, get off the bike and sit with my head in my hands for a bit with my eyes closed.
Some useful pointers Katie Funny thing about the underwear with bib-shorts is i too prefer to keep them on because they Help keep everything Male in place. the amount of times i been commando and felt so uncomfortable compare it to a female riding with a poorly fitting bra that doesn't keep it all in . I have tried many different makes of shorts and nothing yet can contain me All the best
I’ve only been riding for 3 years and most of my rides are under 50 k at this point due to joint problems .. I’ve only experienced bonking once but it was horrible! I was trying the keto diet( BIG MISTAKE!) and I was 35 km in with 17 to go. Within a 1 minute window all the energy literally left my body.. I could only turn the pedals with the weight of my legs and barely at that.. I had no other options but to ride the 15 k home but it took over an hour. Lol. Never again!
I played squash at a very high level and so I ignored all the 'bonking' warnings when I took up cycling. Little did I know that I would have a cycling induced existential crisis 😂.
Hydration is critical too, so take enough water and drink it. About the gears; try to keep a cadence of 70 to 80 revolutions per minute on the crankset. If you are climbing at a cadence 60 rpm or less, you are stressing your knees. Get properly fitted to your bike, because a poor fit causes a multitude of aches and pains. Enjoy your sport. Be safe.
Get a hold of a Ribble's road e-bike and do a long ride/review! To hear your impressions, especially with your style of delivery, would be good fun. And the bonk... yuk. The vid snippet just added to my viserial response while watching. Thanks for that.
Saddle height depends on cycling style. My one requires straight leg when a peddle is at the lowest position. Even little bending leads to discomfort and lose of power.
I wear these amazing slightly longer than usual sports boxers that are like thin cycling shorts under my cycling shorts. They sit tighter to skin than the shorts alone would with the padding in that area. It’s added support and comfort and I find totally eradicates chafing. It’s about the right underwear, which definitely isn’t your usual cotton variety.
I deliberately wore my undercrackers under my bib shorts the other day. But didn't notice any issues. I'll try it again in July, when it decided to stop raining all the time ;-)
I hit the wall on one occasion 20 miles from home on a really sunny day and ended up with sunstroke. My mate was on his orbit recumbent and he didn’t realise I was in trouble... suffered for 3 or 4 days afterwards.
Just found your channel Katie and loving it so much! I've recently started road cycling after only starting any cycling again for the first time in 20 years last year. Will definitely have a look at your book as well. Unfortunately I learned the hard way about the no undies for cycling. Now chamois cream and the bib shorts only are my best friend. Haha!
LOL I didn't know about the nothing under the cycling shorts when I was a beginner - also with the food, don't forget about hydration, more important if the weather is hot. Also high vis gear for road cycling if there is traffic. Keep up the good work :)
What would you do if you were to wear a base layer in winter? If you have a base layer on your padded trousers or shorts will be over the base layer. Thanks for the good tips Katie 👍🏻
Hi Katie have subscribed several days ago and am loving the vids and adventures and tips awesome. After a while it dawned on me who you were as I live in Bolsover and can remember some years ago before you went to Australia you came on some rides with B&DCC. On the subject of really brutal climbs have you checked out The Clough at Bamford turn left at the Anglers Rest Pub they have put some tarmac down recently I caught some vids on you tube about it. Anyway just a quicky as I have lots to watch on your channel thumbs up and keep them coming x
Katie u should get into MTB XC, try the Mary Towneley loop, not far from you, Burnley, Hebden Bridge....it's 50 miles of up and down not too technical, 9 hrs my record you'd love it.
Hiya Katie, yep have to fuel up or the ride is basically over before you start. I carb up the night before a planned ride and also do as you've stated, a wholesome breakfast. On the day depends on how I feel as to whether it is a training day [bit more pace then normal] or a grind day, anyways either is just fine by me, being out and about enjoying life + the additional bonus of some Vit. D:)
Another mistake some riders make. NEVER ride a bike on and off for years never getting really good at it. Stick to it Like Katie has and you will be rewarded for life. I learned this lesson after many years at last. 👍👍👍
I only cycle for my own enjoyment I used to record all my times and speed and distance. I stopped as I was getting obsessed. I have more fun now and other cyclists can’t understand why I don’t. It bothers them more than it bothers me lol
I know right? I’ve only experienced it once but I could hardly believe how bad it was.. I thought people were just exaggerating when they said they could hardly move but it’s true! Never again !
I use running lycra on the bike as am not a fan of huge blocks of foam wedged up my nether regions. So I'm basically wearing lycra briefs and a more substantial lycra over-skin. Comfortable, totally chafe-free and works for me. Maybe it's different for girls - dunno.
More emphasis on enjoyment and not data driven! I wonder if the seat too low aspect for newcomers is they think they have to touch the floor when sitting on the saddle, when its easy to just come off the saddle to do this?
It makes a huge difference in comfort NOT wearing underwear under your cycling shorts! I just learned that! Your videos are very helpful and I like your personal touch. Your legs look strong! I don't think I could keep up with you. Hi, from Greeley, Colorado!(US)
Hi Katie, a pereniel q for you please? What are your views on mudguards, an old favourite/essential for cycle club runs in the past and Audax rides. I am looking to start randonees when lockdown is over and there are "pros and cons" for their use...knowing something of the fiercely held views of cyclists I am guessing it could be a fiercely debated topic! Interested to hear what you think. 🚴👍
Good tips - know how to do stuff! Best thing is have a spare tube, riding in a group someone is bound to have a pump. Mini pumps are mostly junk, a couple CO2 make it a breeze to get back on the road and it feels like a dangerous science project when you use them.
I bought short with pads from REI. I did not like them very much. I feel uncomfortable and prefer riding with my regular shorts with no pads. I rode 200km straight. That was alright but I had to take one day off to ride another long ride. I have no problem with short rides like 60 km.
spares? sure-good advice. OR get some Schwalbe tires with V-guard, out ofr which you can pull 2 cms of nail after you got annoyed by a clacking noise and think: "ah F***! now i gotta change the darn tube" and then the tire simply doesnt care and you ride on. Arriving at home you think: "well, surely i will have to patch the tube after that-there MUST be some sort of puncture hole and it will lose some pressure " and then weeks pass and the tire still doesnt care^^ The Maraton supreme is easy the best summer tire i ever owned in 20 years of riding. Not one flat since i first got my first , which still amazes me.
Sugar and water, 2 separate bottles. Drink the sugar water then the other water bottle for clean teeth. This method of carbing will keep you going, no bonking!
I pulled my MTB out of storage after 20 years. Fixed it up. Bought a used road bike and bringing the kid back in me. Riding both by the way. Not at the same time though.
Hi Katie I really enjoyed this video. I very recently bought a bike and am very much a complete beginner. I have not had to change a tyre yet and I think I will be able to change the front wheel but the back wheel I am not too sure about since its got the cogs and things attached to it so that if it were to go flat might cause me some problems to start with.
Bonking and hitting the wall are two different things ,I think ,different depletion one muscular and one something else ,or something,it’s on you tube somewhere
After 40 years of cycling, sometimes I wear pants under bib shorts in really cold weather, never had a problem. Issues for some, not others. I know 1000km Audax riders who wear pants. On the spares thing, how can you not fix a flat???
bonking is a super personal thing some peapol get effected more than others i personaly dont realy get effected by it i guess i have a good fat breakdown system
#1 Weirdest 'bonk' ever. Biking the 'Rallarvegen' in Norway (highly recommended) - Bikepacking and a long, long high up gravel, and then hit an unexpected sketchy gravel hill after 10km crazy downhill, and just lost my energy totally. Fortunately, there was a planned stop (hotel at the top) - and there I noticed the unusual ammonia smell in the sweat (yeah, ew!) - so unusual I had to look it up. Apparently, I'd jumped over to protein burning (that marathon wall), helped by overcompensating for issues with lack of available protein for vegans by overheating protein drinks. Took a while to refuel and get the shakes away.
Thanks! I'm getting into cycling at the minute, I'm a teenager who lost most of my strength after two feet operations where I was non weight bearing. I can't pedal very far but I'm determined to keep trying and improve. Currently saving for a proper road bike and thanks for the inspiration!
sbdjsisudhebsksbd That’s awesome, good for you! Enjoy the journey
Just take your time and enjoy. One thing I have learned is log your rides. I have mine on a spread sheet even though there area a lot of sites that will do that for you. This is what I log. Date, time, who I rode with, mileage, time, speed (avg,max) cadence (avg,max), HR (avg,max), weather ( actual temp, real feel, humidity) wind (actual speed and gusts, direction). Route I took and comments on how I felt. What this does as when you plateau which we all do no matter how long we have been riding. It’s good to go back and look and you can see how you have come. By logging the route and weather you can how much that change your effort. I used to worry about speed and trying to maintain that whether going up hill or against the wind and would blow myself up. Now I concentrate on my cadence and tell myself I will get there when I get there. No time limit. Good luck and keep the rubber side down. P.S. I also log my trainer rides as well
Same!!! :D not for ankle reasons but for illness reason just the same. No strength or muscles what so ever xD it's a hard slog but I'm also determined! How are you getting on?
CyclingNoob you are the inspiration
Just an idea for you to think about. Look into a recumbent trike or even a recumbent bike. I could go on and on about the benefits. Very comfortable for your feet I would think. You could even get the ones that have hand pedals or pedal assist electric to save your feet. Research recumbent trikes I think it is exactly what you need. Good luck and I hope you heal completely.
Great motivational videos for newbies Katie. The biggest deterrent to starting road cycling is probably fear of accidents. A cycle through a busy town scenario with a running commentary of why you are positioned where to are, what the hazards are, manoeuvres required etc will probably make a good video.
Great points Katie. The trouble with being a new rider is the only way you ever appreciate how bad bonking is is when you experience it. You'll never leave home without food again..
Just wanted to say your videos are awesome! I’m new to cycling and overweight and your channel has been motivational and helpful.
"You need to whip those pants off!" Never thought I'd hear that line in a Kookaburra vid! 😆 All good tips anyway Katie... 👍
@Ignore what I’m about to say but ah yes.
"just get me a taxi pls!" one of your funniest moments too! 😂 And a learning experience.
Ahhhh honestly it’s so funny isn’t it. Couldn’t have liked that camera up better if I had tried 😂😂😂😂
@@KatieKookaburra Laughing With You, Not At You!
@Cane David eh?!?! Lol
I can logically presume you meant one of those chocolate/wafer 'taxi' bars? 🤔😝
I still remember the first time I bonked. I was in college and rode 100 miles with the local riding club. My first century. I did not drink enough and the only food I remember eating was about halfway through the ride we stopped at a bar to have lunch. Somehow, I made it back, most likely because of my youth! Now at 63 years of age and thousands of miles of later, I still ride and am in better shape now than I was then. Any ride over an hour, I pack lots of food and drink. When I was 30, I rode the Seattle to Portland event. 200 miles in one day. I remember constantly eating and drinking. It seemed as if I couldn't eat enough. I was able to complete the event in 13.5 hours.
Thanks for the videos. They are appreciated!
Great advice!
I’ve been road cycling since 1995 and I know I’ve made all of these mistakes (and then some) over the years. My worst mistake is not clicking out of my pedals as I approach an intersection.i learned that lesson the hard way. Your ebook sounds great, I’ll check it out. Thanks.
We all do it haha :)
That's one of the few things I figured out intuitively. It's not having to stop that will trip you up, but _suddenly_ stopping.
From all the cycling videos I have watched I get the feeling I am one of a kind as cycling for me is about taking in the countryside, admiring the nature and having fun. I have been absent from cycling for many years but now inspired to get back on my bike and loose a few stones rather than changing my food I enjoy. I only had cycling bonk once and learnt my lesson, after that it was a mars bar every 10 miles and a roast dinner mid day. Lol. I still remember cycling from home to Edale at 16 years old. Happy days.
You forgot another important point: Hydrate and get comfortable drinking while riding. Alot of new riders are not adept at drinking and riding simultaneously because they haven't developed good bike handling skills. If you're riding with a group, you can usually tell who that individual is, because they are the ones chugging water every time the group stops at say an intersection.
John Day I can only do it going slowly.
I know this is an old video, but you are: 1) an inspiration. and 2) Full of good advice. Keep it up, Katie.
Bought a beginner road bike of my neighbour as he heard I wanted to take up road cycling, at the same time he showed me how to change pedals, attach the seat post and of course change a tyre (however tyres still bother me until this day as they can be so hard to get the outer layer back around the wheel frame once the inner tube is in.)
I never really looked at watching speed as a 'basic mistake' so I followed your advice and stopped thinking about my speed while riding. And I'm so pleased to say it more than doubled the enjoyment and pleasure of the ride. And the ride was not any slower than previous rides. So here's a big THANKS!
See, exactly!! Get out to enjoy it!!! If you’re a pro then maybe look at speed but for me it sucks the joy out of it :)
Great tips. One of my essential spares has to be a chain speed link, they've saved me from being stuck in the middle of nowhere on a few occasions.
I pick-up my new bike tomorrow so brand new to the sport and very excited albeit, a little nervous if I'm honest! I really have not got a clue what to wear or what to expect from my fellow cyclists, so look forward to watching your new videos. Great tip about what not to wear - thanks!
And this one too yeah T Bear?
I think the most important thing is just to have fun and enjoy your new bike! As for what to wear - I'd say a helmet and cycling shorts are essential for safe, enjoyable rides. The rest can be improvised until you have a better idea what you'd like.
I've never understood people who wear underwear under leggings for anything let alone cycling. The mistake I made as a beginner that I still cringe about is taking a D-lock (attached to my bike) on my first club ride, and let m tell you I didn't need the extra 2 kilos on my hybrid because some of the people on that ride had Dogma Pinarello 😂 However, they were super kind to me and it's because of that I went as far as fast as I did in my first few years cycling.
I just bought RB 2 weeks ago and suprisingly bring back the joy when i was 6-17 years old riding my bmx to school. still learning and hopefully it will be utilized 3x a week.tq for the tips
Great video and tips Kookaburra. FYI - I always wear a g-string under my tights and never had any issues with chaffing or being uncomfortable. Undies would def cause a chafe but not a g-banger.
ive done 5-6 hours ride and just had water and bottle powerade with some sugar. I usually dont need to
bring something to eat. I already eat oatmeal and banana and eggs that last me the entire ride.
Just in time for my first road 🚲 it's coming Monday too
New bike day in t minus 48 hours 😬😬😬😍😍😍
Hope you guys didn't order from Evans Cycles !!
The best thing I learned about cycling to this day is understanding cadence. Always pick a gear where you have to pedal quiet quickly (How fast is based on preference, so it takes time to find your personal cadence). In the beginning I always rode in the highest gear I could pedal in at all, which did not fair well in group rides. While the others rode at a consant speed, I would always speed up and slow down because I could not sustain the power output. The main reason why pedaling at a higher cadence is easier, is actually based on physics. Power is a function of Torque and Angular Velocity, therefore pedaling faster requires less Force. However pedaling to fast is also not sustainable.
This, and learning to lift the trailing leg. Transformed my ride.
Good tips...also for the newbie with clipless pedals practice clipping in & out & think ahead. I fell over 3 times before the penny dropped....once at a miniroundabout watched by a coach full.....fortunately my Mars bar was completely unscathed..
Everything about clipless is really complicated when you´re new.
Still messing up my gears, but I'm still new.
The flip side of gears is cadence. Cadence is the angular rate of the crank in revolutions per minute (rpm). On flats and rollers your cadence should be in the range between 80 and 100 rpm. If your cadence is too low, shift down a gear or two at a time until you get to a rate within the range that is comfortable for you. I seem to gravitate toward 90 to 95 rpm, but that's just me. If you feel little or no resistance in your pedals, shift up gear or two until you reach a level of effort that feels reasonable. On long, steep hills you'll likely shift down to your lowest gear. At that point cadence doesn't mean much, so just press on and remember to keep pedaling over the top.
Great tips. Saddle height go send the extra dollars for a bike fit, can help with knee pain if to high or low as well as numb hands, if it hurts you won’t want to ride. As for flats it not if I get a flat but when simple to learn you will find what works for you. One big thing about changing a flat is check the inside of the tire itself for burs or that little wire from vehicle tires. Another tip is keep a dollar bill with you cause if you blow a hole in the tire itself you can put the dollar in between the tube and tire and will be able to limp home or the nearest bike shop. Commando all the time. Chaffing isn’t fun.
I have been in the wrong gear when climbing a hill, shu it was so hard to get up the hill.. It was because I was always so scared to change gears while climbing a hill. I have learnt how now..
Did not noticed your bike is waving from behind you till mins later, just waiting what would be the next you will say😊 informative for newer cyclist. They would learn along the way .. been about 5 years now since I first watched your videos.. ride safe my/our. sister in cycling....
Great point about speed, I now train to my heart rate and try to keep it in optimum zone even if that means slowing right down. Other times i just go out for a ride and try to ignore my Garmin altogether.
Great video Katie! I made pretty much all of these mistakes when I started!
Bonking.... yeah that’s a continuous problem 😂
The Bonk AKA The Wall is a serious and sudden moment when all the free sugars in the blood have been burnt-up and there is nothing left in the gut to replenish ‘em.
This is more of a risk on the bike as the drop-off in physical performance may mean that getting over a hill to return home (even just staying upright) becomes impossible. Also, depending on how deep you go it may take more than a few raisins to turn things round. Don’t be surprised by a blinding headache and not feeling that much better until you’ve had a decent balanced meal and a night’s sleep. Well worth taking Katie’s advice and carrying plenty of food out on your rides…..
I been riding for over 8 years and use the underwear under my bib. Not the cotton ones but the dry fit ones that are made out of the same material as the bib. I Didn't have any chaffing at all on any of my rides. Crashing after a sprint and destroying your bib and having your jewels hanging is not a good feeling...🤣🤣🤣🤣. Been there done that. That extra layer of protection does wonders for me.
Just purchased the ebook😀 just started cycling about a month ago. Really enjoy your channel😀😀
Good video. Agree with everything. The problem, other than vpl, with underwear is that it gets soaked with sweat. Ewww. One trick I use for saddle height is to lock the leg out with your heal on the peddle. This, when you move to the ball of your foot gives you enough bend. I also ride a mountain bike and there are a couple of things that I have noticed. Mountain bikers crunch bigger gears. Roadies have a higher cadence. This is board out by looking at the leg muscles. Mtb xc riders have bigger leg muscles. However, since getting back into road riding, my hills have improved off road, since I am able to turn a low gear, high cadence into an easier hill climbing technique. But mtb also helps with road work as you learn to adjust gears before you hit the hill, which again makes for smoother climbs. Lastly - bonking. When I was a lad we had another meaning for bonking. Anyway, down here we call it hitting the wall. It is though isn't it it? You hit this brick wall. All energy gone dead legs and your lying on the floor screaming for a taxi. I did that after running out of food on a 40 mile off road ride. It was cold and wet, so I burned more fuel than I planned for. So now if I am doing a trail quest I will use sis go. But usually I will drink squash, with 2 squidges of honey and a bit of salt. Jelly babies, flapjack and go jells. In addition to the munchies I have a spare tube, multitool, scabs, pump, chain breaker and power links, card, cash and phone. Oh yeah. Cut up toothpaste tube, needle and thread. Because I am used to riding in the middle of nowhere, I tend to take everything I need with me,. It makes things a bit heavier, but at least I can get myself out of trouble.
I cycle on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. 45 min or so. It's not too bad.
So do I ,but make sure porridge on bigger runs
I do it as well. 1.5h can be done; more than that is really problematic.
Back in 2007 or so I was on a 200km brevet and somehow broke a chain probably 100k in. I had spare tubes, patch kits, CO2, allen wrenches and pliers ... but no chain tool. But to my very good fortune, the very next person that passed by was carrying one, and we got my bike up and going within 5 minutes. I always carry a mini-chain tool now, but haven't needed it in the ~13 years since! As an aside, the guy that helped me was hit and killed while riding several years later. RIP Steve.
... Fig Newtons are a great fuel for bonking ... Figs are a great energy source ...
Could you do a video on how you clean or maintain your bike, for dummies !? Do you do it after every ride, once a week etc and what are the key things to do/not do? Thanks!
Ooo don’t worry I found you have one! I was looking in the playlists rather than scrolling the videos! 😊👍🏻
Brilliant down to earth advice
Cheers Wikky 😎
Yey! I’ve just started doing regular 10km rides and saving up for a nice road bike, currently riding a cheapie, but every ride there’s a new niggle or thing that needs investigating/adjusting/eliminating, bring on the vids Katie 🙂
I have never had that problem of flicking the gears the wrong way because I have only ever ridden with down tube shifters . Many times I have struggled up hill when in the wrong gear though and can't leave go of the hoods to change gear ! Lol I bought a good 2nd hand group set with the modern levers but just haven't got round to changing the old shimano 600 stuff . Maybe later this year .... I am just too old school I suppose
I have the spare tube, tire levers, multi-tool, and C02 cartrdige in my saddle bag. And I've watched a few videos on how to change a tube if I get a flat. Technically I'm prepared (in theory). BUT I've never actually done it. I sometimes cycle with my boyfriend who is an experienced cyclist and that's my crutch. But when I go out on my own, I have this fear in the back of my mind that I'll get a flat, screw up the changing of the tube, and end up taking a taxi home. I should probably go through the exercise of changing a tube at home just to have that practice under my belt.
Once you get the hang of it you can do it in minutes. Just try in the garden whipping the tube in and out and using tyre levers.
Practise at home. Making mistakes in your living room is better than struggling outside in wind, rain, sleet, baking heat. Carry a pair of disposable gloves
Yeah defo practice at home. But I’m including a roadside mechanics video in the beginner series so keep an eye out for that :)
Same! Minus the boyfriend so possibly even worse. I carry all the tools but never changed a tire. But yes, as it's supposed to rain for most of next week, I'll try to finally just try and practice at home.
Wrap some electrical tape around the C02 cartridges makes them not get so cold on your fingers if you ever need one. The tape around the cartridge also acts as some emergency fix tape if ever needed for something
A long time ago I bonked after a very hilly 40 mile ride (Stanhope) on a bike I had just bought thinking I was Miguel Indurain. Even had a yellow jersey on lol. I forgot what my levers did, eyesight went hazy and I had to hold back tears because I remembered there was a chocolate cake in the house and I was still 5 miles away from eating it! Last 5 miles took forever as I had to stop every mile or so, get off the bike and sit with my head in my hands for a bit with my eyes closed.
Some useful pointers Katie
Funny thing about the underwear with bib-shorts is i too prefer to keep them on because they Help keep everything Male in place.
the amount of times i been commando and felt so uncomfortable compare it to a female riding with a poorly fitting bra that doesn't keep it all in .
I have tried many different makes of shorts and nothing yet can contain me
All the best
I’ve only been riding for 3 years and most of my rides are under 50 k at this point due to joint problems .. I’ve only experienced bonking once but it was horrible! I was trying the keto diet( BIG MISTAKE!) and I was 35 km in with 17 to go. Within a 1 minute window all the energy literally left my body.. I could only turn the pedals with the weight of my legs and barely at that.. I had no other options but to ride the 15 k home but it took over an hour. Lol. Never again!
I’ve paid £20 2x due to punctures. This is definitely something I need to learn ASAP especially as I want to do longer trips
I played squash at a very high level and so I ignored all the 'bonking' warnings when I took up cycling.
Little did I know that I would have a cycling induced existential crisis 😂.
Hydration is critical too, so take enough water and drink it. About the gears; try to keep a cadence of 70 to 80 revolutions per minute on the crankset. If you are climbing at a cadence 60 rpm or less, you are stressing your knees. Get properly fitted to your bike, because a poor fit causes a multitude of aches and pains. Enjoy your sport. Be safe.
Get a hold of a Ribble's road e-bike and do a long ride/review! To hear your impressions, especially with your style of delivery, would be good fun. And the bonk... yuk. The vid snippet just added to my viserial response while watching. Thanks for that.
This is great, i have just signed up to do a London to Paris bike ride next September so I am eager to improve my fitness and bike skills
Saddle height depends on cycling style. My one requires straight leg when a peddle is at the lowest position. Even little bending leads to discomfort and lose of power.
How have I only just come across this channel. Great content. 👍🏾👍🏾
So true about the pants. First coast to coast I did with pants under bibs, I was raw by day 2, it ruined the ride
I wear these amazing slightly longer than usual sports boxers that are like thin cycling shorts under my cycling shorts. They sit tighter to skin than the shorts alone would with the padding in that area. It’s added support and comfort and I find totally eradicates chafing. It’s about the right underwear, which definitely isn’t your usual cotton variety.
I agree.
I deliberately wore my undercrackers under my bib shorts the other day. But didn't notice any issues.
I'll try it again in July, when it decided to stop raining all the time ;-)
I hit the wall on one occasion 20 miles from home on a really sunny day and ended up with sunstroke.
My mate was on his orbit recumbent and he didn’t realise I was in trouble... suffered for 3 or 4 days afterwards.
Just found your channel Katie and loving it so much! I've recently started road cycling after only starting any cycling again for the first time in 20 years last year. Will definitely have a look at your book as well. Unfortunately I learned the hard way about the no undies for cycling. Now chamois cream and the bib shorts only are my best friend. Haha!
LOL I didn't know about the nothing under the cycling shorts when I was a beginner - also with the food, don't forget about hydration, more important if the weather is hot. Also high vis gear for road cycling if there is traffic. Keep up the good work :)
What would you do if you were to wear a base layer in winter? If you have a base layer on your padded trousers or shorts will be over the base layer. Thanks for the good tips Katie 👍🏻
Hi Katie have subscribed several days ago and am loving the vids and adventures and tips awesome. After a while it dawned on me who you were as I live in Bolsover and can remember some years ago before you went to Australia you came on some rides with B&DCC. On the subject of really brutal climbs have you checked out The Clough at Bamford turn left at the Anglers Rest Pub they have put some tarmac down recently I caught some vids on you tube about it. Anyway just a quicky as I have lots to watch on your channel thumbs up and keep them coming x
Such a brilliant video. Learn something new every day 😎
Katie u should get into MTB XC, try the Mary Towneley loop, not far from you, Burnley, Hebden Bridge....it's 50 miles of up and down not too technical, 9 hrs my record you'd love it.
Yup, leaned the hard way too. Now I’d make a Cub Scout look unprepared. Still learning though.
Great informative vid Katie. Things we've all had to learn......
Hiya Katie, yep have to fuel up or the ride is basically over before you start. I carb up the night before a planned ride and also do as you've stated, a wholesome breakfast. On the day depends on how I feel as to whether it is a training day [bit more pace then normal] or a grind day, anyways either is just fine by me, being out and about enjoying life + the additional bonus of some Vit. D:)
Well done Katie ur always encouraging have a great weekend xx
Another top video Katie and sound advice! I also wear me pants under me shorts......must be a bloke thing 🤣🤣 xx
Another mistake some riders make. NEVER ride a bike on and off for years never getting really good at it. Stick to it Like Katie has and you will be rewarded for life. I learned this lesson after many years at last. 👍👍👍
LOL...I am so guilty of #2. I have always been obsessed with speed/pace.
Many cyclists are. I think right way is to be obsessed with % of intensity factor.
I am not new to cycling but I love your accent!
When on the saddle heel on the pedal, lowest point should be straight leg. Some people don't take spares because of weight, hate them 🙃
I only cycle for my own enjoyment I used to record all my times and speed and distance.
I stopped as I was getting obsessed.
I have more fun now and other cyclists can’t understand why I don’t.
It bothers them more than it bothers me lol
Another great video Katie, well done!
Cheers Mike :)
Im mew to road bike. Thanks for these pointers
First time bonked out I was shocked at how helpless I was.
Could hardly move until after a 30 minutes rest before continuing on.
I know right? I’ve only experienced it once but I could hardly believe how bad it was.. I thought people were just exaggerating when they said they could hardly move but it’s true! Never again !
I use running lycra on the bike as am not a fan of huge blocks of foam wedged up my nether regions. So I'm basically wearing lycra briefs and a more substantial lycra over-skin. Comfortable, totally chafe-free and works for me. Maybe it's different for girls - dunno.
More emphasis on enjoyment and not data driven! I wonder if the seat too low aspect for newcomers is they think they have to touch the floor when sitting on the saddle, when its easy to just come off the saddle to do this?
Yeah I think that’s it defo, feet on the floor. But you’re not riding to have your feet on the floor. Got to have proper seat height!!
such a pleasure to watch your videos, great content with no pretence, keep going.
Thank you!!!
It makes a huge difference in comfort NOT wearing underwear under your cycling shorts! I just learned that! Your videos are very helpful and I like your personal touch. Your legs look strong! I don't think I could keep up with you. Hi, from Greeley, Colorado!(US)
Thanks, Katie.
I went all day with not eating had the worst stomach pain ever had to leave my bike chained up at the park always eat and drink now when i cycle
Great tips Katie, thank you 😊
This is great Katie, many thanks👍
Hi Katie, a pereniel q for you please? What are your views on mudguards, an old favourite/essential for cycle club runs in the past and Audax rides. I am looking to start randonees when lockdown is over and there are "pros and cons" for their use...knowing something of the fiercely held views of cyclists I am guessing it could be a fiercely debated topic! Interested to hear what you think. 🚴👍
good question! I guess depends how long and how far each of your rides are and time of year, weather etc?
Good tips - know how to do stuff! Best thing is have a spare tube, riding in a group someone is bound to have a pump. Mini pumps are mostly junk, a couple CO2 make it a breeze to get back on the road and it feels like a dangerous science project when you use them.
It’s not junk if it somewhat does the job enough to get you out of a bind. I’ll take that over no pump
I bought short with pads from REI. I did not like them very much. I feel uncomfortable and prefer riding with my regular shorts with no pads. I rode 200km straight. That was alright but I had to take one day off to ride another long ride. I have no problem with short rides like 60 km.
spares? sure-good advice. OR get some Schwalbe tires with V-guard, out ofr which you can pull 2 cms of nail after you got annoyed by a clacking noise and think: "ah F***! now i gotta change the darn tube" and then the tire simply doesnt care and you ride on. Arriving at home you think: "well, surely i will have to patch the tube after that-there MUST be some sort of puncture hole and it will lose some pressure " and then weeks pass and the tire still doesnt care^^
The Maraton supreme is easy the best summer tire i ever owned in 20 years of riding. Not one flat since i first got my first , which still amazes me.
Sugar and water, 2 separate bottles. Drink the sugar water then the other water bottle for clean teeth. This method of carbing will keep you going, no bonking!
Take a means of payment with you to buy more food if required 🤪🚴🏼
KK telling me to whip my pants off is the stuff of dreams 😊🔥🔥LOL
😂😂
Thanks Katie! Great tips.
I pulled my MTB out of storage after 20 years. Fixed it up. Bought a used road bike and bringing the kid back in me. Riding both by the way. Not at the same time though.
Hi Katie I really enjoyed this video. I very recently bought a bike and am very much a complete beginner. I have not had to change a tyre yet and I think I will be able to change the front wheel but the back wheel I am not too sure about since its got the cogs and things attached to it so that if it were to go flat might cause me some problems to start with.
Thanks Katie . so important advises
Hi Katie, Great Vids. Im guilty of No5, sometimes there are other reasons for wearing underwear
What reasons for underwear? Keeping the package tight in place? 😆
Bonking and hitting the wall are two different things ,I think ,different depletion one muscular and one something else ,or something,it’s on you tube somewhere
So why not just have gel seats?
After 40 years of cycling, sometimes I wear pants under bib shorts in really cold weather, never had a problem. Issues for some, not others. I know 1000km Audax riders who wear pants. On the spares thing, how can you not fix a flat???
What if someone is used to fasted cardio? Would “bonking” be as big a concern?
bonking is a super personal thing some peapol get effected more than others i personaly dont realy get effected by it i guess i have a good fat breakdown system
I rode as a kid until I was 26 or so, never bonked then. I picked back up during quarantine, I'm now 37 and 3/4, I still have yet to bonk.
Hi Katie, In your list of things to consider in your ebook you have put 'plant' instead of 'plan'. : )
do you have a video on your bikepacking setup? thank you
Yeah search my channel :) quite a few
#1 Weirdest 'bonk' ever. Biking the 'Rallarvegen' in Norway (highly recommended) - Bikepacking and a long, long high up gravel, and then hit an unexpected sketchy gravel hill after 10km crazy downhill, and just lost my energy totally. Fortunately, there was a planned stop (hotel at the top) - and there I noticed the unusual ammonia smell in the sweat (yeah, ew!) - so unusual I had to look it up. Apparently, I'd jumped over to protein burning (that marathon wall), helped by overcompensating for issues with lack of available protein for vegans by overheating protein drinks. Took a while to refuel and get the shakes away.
Thanks so much! Good advice
Great video great tips 👍🏻