Every rider has a process from a novice to a veteran. When you are new to riding, there are always some uncertain situations that will make you highly nervous about going out for riding. Below are the 5 things that most newbies worry about the most. Is it happening to you? Maybe these little tips can ease your mental anxiety.
1. Worry about falling behind
It is estimated that being surpassed by the peers is the nightmare of many people. But who doesn't come from a rookie? Doing what you can is the key. To solve this worry, the most important thing is to understand your own strength and decide whether you can participate in an activity according to your ability. If the maximum distance you have ridden is 50km, then don’t go to participate in 100km. activity.
1. Plan a route yourself and test your riding ability. Set a return time, say 2pm, and start going back and forth no matter how far you've ridden. Doing this is a simple test to know where your limits are.
2. Familiar with cycling routes
If you go out for a ride with your teammates and they are going fast and you have a hard time keeping up, then stop following and ride at your own pace, provided you are not a road idiot and are familiar with the route in advance.
2. Worry about crashing
"It doesn't matter if the car falls, as long as the car is not broken." Well, it's also very relevant when people fall.
A crash may ruin a person's riding career, not only referring to physical damage, but also psychological, which may leave a psychological shadow. In order to avoid crashes as much as possible, people and vehicles walk in two steps.
First of all, make sure that your car is in normal working condition: replace worn parts, adjust the brakes and transmission system, and learn how to use the brakes correctly.
Also, improve your riding skills: you can make an appointment with someone who is experienced in cycling or attend a dedicated cycling camp. Finally, find a suitable venue to hone your balance and control skills. After all, falling on soft grass is much less harmful than falling on the road.
In addition, be sure to wear protective gear, helmets and gloves, etc., if it is a mountain off-road with a higher risk factor, you also need to wear knee pads and elbow pads.
In the end, nine times out of ten accidents, don't ride that fast if you're not racing.
3. Worry about unforeseen failures
Although the mechanical structure of the bicycle is quite simple, and there are usually many signs in advance before it is damaged, black swan events still occur during riding.
The best way to avoid roadside repairs is to have your bike and parts inspected regularly. Replace or adjust components as needed, especially overly worn tires. This will also help you familiarize yourself with basic repairing common sense. For example, in the comfort of your home, you can safely change tires, cut chains, or make small adjustments.
Usually riding is more common is the tire puncture, or some problems with the shift brake.
You can find some videos to learn how to adjust these. When you learn to repair the car simply, these problems are naturally not a problem.
4. Worry about road traffic conditions
Obviously a lot depends on where you live, and the most concerning reason people don't choose to ride or commute by bike is traffic safety concerns.
Riding conservatively, predicting the driver's next move and strictly obeying traffic laws can greatly reduce the risk. Installing headlights and taillights, wearing bright, reflective clothing and accessories also helps a lot.
5. Worry about sudden bad weather
When the weather conditions are not ideal, it is natural to have concerns when riding. There are some little tricks to help you.
If it rains or snows
1. Decrease the pressure of your hard tires. Lower pressure tires can get more grip on slippery roads.
2. Use the rear brake more, which will reduce the chance of the front wheel slipping.
3. Try to keep the center of gravity in the center of the car, which will give your tires better grip.
4. When cornering, it must be lowered in advance to avoid sideslip.
If there is a strong wind
1. Goggles are very necessary equipment. If you can't see the road conditions, you don't need to talk about anything.
2. The strong wind will take away more heat from the body, so it is necessary to keep a windbreaker.
3. Lie down and reduce the windward side.
If the bad weather is only for a short period of time, you can also quickly find a shelter and wait for the wind and rain to pass.