Want to start cycling? Avoid these common mistakes

If you are just starting to cycle, you may have already read up on things such as what kind of bike you need and how to set it up. Yet there are things that almost all novice cyclists forget to take into account. We've already made the mistakes so you don't have to again. Therefore chosen symbolically; the thirteen biggest rookie mistakes in a row. 

1. On the road with an empty stomach

It is true that it is better not to exercise on a full stomach, because your body is still busy digesting the food. This can lead to cramps and nausea. However, what is also dangerous is exercising on an empty stomach. Especially because cycling is an outdoor sport where you are far away from home (and therefore cannot just walk to the kitchen), it is important to have a good meal before you start. Wait an hour after eating before cycling.

2. Not enough food to take with you on the road

It is therefore important to go out with a good foundation in your stomach. But especially if you are driving a longer ride, it is important to also take food with you. A muesli bar is not enough to give you energy when you exercise for three hours. So make sure you take some sandwiches with you, for example, for a strong appetite along the way. Of course, no heavy meals, so you don't have to take a break for too long before you can continue cycling. 

3. Don't take a spare tire with you

Nothing is more annoying than a flat tire. And a racing bike is not the same as a city bike, a flat tire is unfortunately slightly more common. Zorg daarom dat je wat extra bandjes meeneemt, zodat je niet nog uren terug naar huis hoeft te lopen. It can also save you an expensive taxi ride or an uncomfortable phone call. 

4. Go cycling with the wrong cycling clothing

It is important to keep the... proper clothing to wear. Choose quality so you are comfortable. It is also important to keep an eye on the temperature. Below 18 degrees it is strongly recommended to wear arm warmers. If it is too hot for you, you can always take it off again. 

5. Not cleaning your bike properly

A good racing bike is an investment. And although you may not feel like cleaning your bike after hours of cycling, it is advisable to do this regularly (every ten rides). You want to prevent wear and tear as much as possible so that you can enjoy your bicycle for longer. When it rains, for example, it is important to to clean the bicycle chain. Saves you a lot in the long run. 

6. Braking too hard on your racing bike

It may sound logical, but a new bicycle always takes some getting used to and as mentioned earlier, it is not the same as a city bike. Your racing bike is much lighter and your brakes may also work a little more sensitively than you are used to. The center of gravity of your racing bike is at the back, so it is generally better to use your front brake just a little more than your rear brake to prevent skidding. However, use both brakes and not just the front brake, because if you only press that one you run the risk of falling over. And of course we want to prevent that. 

7. Cycling without a helmet

If you do fall off your bike, it is extremely important to wear a helmet. You drive fast, so unfortunately you also fall hard. It may take some time to get used to such a helmet, but nothing is worth risking your health. It is not (yet) mandatory to wear a helmet on your racing bike, but we strongly recommend it. Make the helmet part of your cycling outfit and always cycle safely. 

8. Not taking the sun into account

To continue on the subject of safety; don't forget to wear sunscreen on summer days. You are active outside for long periods of time, so you can easily burn. Even if you have naturally dark skin, it is always important to apply sunscreen when you are out in the sun for a long time. The advice is to apply every two hours, so be sure to take a small bottle with you on a really sunny day. 

9. Start too fanatically 

You're probably really looking forward to starting cycling. That's great of course, but take it easy when building up your ride. Trying to set the fastest time every time is not the best way for your body to get in shape. In fact, you can actually only cause injuries. The best advice we can actually give you here is to use a training schedule and... build up your training gradually. Don't forget the wind, because although the outward journey may go smoothly, the return journey can be disappointing.

10. Cycling in the wrong gear

 Although (or perhaps precisely because) the Netherlands is generally nice and flat, many cyclists still ride in too heavy a gear. This causes unnecessary exhaustion, so you get tired more quickly and may be inclined to stop sooner. Therefore, always check whether you feel comfortable cycling in a lower gear.

11. Wearing underpants under cycling shorts

Maybe very normal, maybe completely surprising; you should not wear underpants under your cycling shorts. This is not comfortable because the fabric of your underpants will chafe. And we've mentioned it before, comfort is important. So leave the underpants at home! 

12. Forgetting to click off when getting off

The first few times it always takes some getting used to having to click off when you want to get off your racing bike. The Dutch are of course so used to cycling that dismounting is done unconsciously. However, if you do this when your feet are still attached to the pedals, you will fall sideways very quietly. Therefore, keep it in mind when you see the traffic light coming in the distance. 

13. Consuming alcohol before (or during) cycling

Alcohol and sports don't go together. You are much less fit, which means you will perform worse, and your reaction time will also deteriorate, which means you are more likely to get into an accident. So save the beer for afterwards! And although a beer after cycling should be fine, alcohol also hinders your recovery. Therefore, think about your progress and drink in moderation.