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Starting out in cycling can be a wild ride—literally and figuratively. Here are 10 tips I wish someone had told me before I wobbled onto my first bike. Learn from my (painful) mistakes, and maybe your initiation will be a little less bumpy!

1. Wear Whatever You Want (But Padded Shorts Are a Game-Changer)

Sure, you can cycle in jeans if you really want to, but once you experience the cloud-like comfort of padded shorts, you’ll never look back. Pro tip: Bib shorts may look like a wrestling uniform, but they keep everything in place and are surprisingly comfy. Give them a whirl!

2. Sweets Are for Cycling, Not Just Trick-or-Treating

Fizzy fish? Jam sandwiches? Chocolate bars? All fair game on a bike ride. Snacking while cycling keeps you fueled and helps you avoid the dreaded “bonk” (runner’s wall but on two wheels). Forget calorie counting—bring snacks and eat often.

3. Mountain Bike Shoes: The Comfy, Practical Choice

Those sleek road shoes might look pro, but they’re about as walkable as ice skates. Mountain bike shoes, on the other hand, are comfy, grippy, and won’t leave you waddling like a penguin at coffee stops. Bonus: the cleats last longer!

4. Spare Inner Tubes > Patches

Patching a punctured tube by the side of the road? No, thank you. Spare tubes are your best friend—compact, easy to carry, and a real lifesaver when disaster strikes. Leave the glue and patches at home.

5. Master the Art of Layering

Cycling weather is like British weather: unpredictable. One moment you’re overheating on a climb, the next you’re freezing on a descent. Forget thick winter jackets—opt for thin layers and a windproof gilet. Zippers are your thermostat.

6. Time, Not Distance

Stop obsessing over kilometers! A hilly 50k can feel like Everest, while a flat 100k might be a breeze. Instead, plan rides by time and focus on effort rather than comparing Strava stats. You’ll be saner for it.

7. Clean Your Drivetrain (Yes, Every Ride)

Neglect your chain, and your wallet will suffer. A quick wipe-down after every ride saves your drivetrain—and your bank balance. Soap, water, and a bit of chain lube are all you need. No excuses!

8. Refuel Fast After Rides

Within 15 minutes of finishing a ride, get those calories in! Regular food is fine—bananas, sandwiches, or even leftover pizza (no judgment). Recovery isn’t rocket science; it’s about replenishing glycogen, repairing muscles, and not passing out in the shower.

9. Drafting Is the Ultimate Cheat Code

Want to save 30% of your energy? Ride behind someone else! Drafting is the legal way to cheat on a bike. Work in a group, take turns at the front, and enjoy the free speed. Just don’t get too close on your first try.

10. No Rules, Just Ride

At the end of the day, cycling is about fun. Wear what you want, ride what you want, and ignore the gear snobs. The only rule? Enjoy yourself. Because let’s face it: nobody looks good in Lycra anyway.

Go forth, pedal warriors, and may your rides be smooth, your snacks plentiful, and your bib shorts snug!