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Building Better Riding Skills |
| Getting into cycling involves learning a myriad of skills, techniques and conventions that can be overwhelming and can dampen the enthusiasm of many new cyclists. From clipping into pedals and changing gears, to riding in traffic and bumping shoulders in a bunch, cycling can be an intimidating sport. Mastering the art of a few basic skills can go a long way in improving your safety, enjoyment and performance. People often overlook the most basic skills when starting cycling and jump straight into improving their strength and speed. In my opinion, taking a small amount of time to focus on the fundamental building blocks first will help you become a safer, more competent and more all-round bike rider. It is vital to remember to relax, unlock your arms and stay calm while learning any new skill on the bike. This will dramatically improve your ability to react quickly and handle the bike as you want to. Once a rider is proficient in the basic skill sets such as clipping into their pedals on flats and hills, being aware of their surroundings while riding, learning to safely look over their shoulder while maintaining a straight line and taking one or both hands off the handlebars to get a drink or point out obstacles, they should feel significantly more confident and comfortable on their bike. Once feeling confident with themselves, it's time to move on to more advanced techniques with other people such as cornering and riding in bunches and traffic. Regardless of your ability level and what you are trying to learn on the bike, the basic concepts remain the same, keep your upper body relaxed, head calm, take advice from more experienced riders and always fall back on your base of fundamental skills and knowledge. Bike riding is all about confidence and relaxing on your bike and regardless of whether you need to work on your absolute basic techniques or your high speed descending, it can all be improved with practice. And most importantly, it's all about having fun and enjoying yourself while on the bike. Happy riding!! Hannah Banks is a member of the ValueAct Capital Cycling Team. A resident of Australia, Hannah has been a member of the AIS program, and, at the "ripe old age" of 21, has already gained experience racing in the European women's Peloton. |