New Riders

So, you think you want to get a bicycle and start riding it with some form of regularity, but you don't know where to begin. Well, we are happy you have chosen to visit Myrtlebeachcycling.com to learn a bit more about what it may take to start. By now, you probably have already realized that there are some significant challenges or “barriers to entry” when considering starting your personal cycling journey. Be assured, we have all gone through this realization and made it past them and are confident with a little guidance, you can too. The following will discuss the seemingly most daunting challenges

First, the financial commitment to the sport of cycling can be it’s own worse enemy. With technology pushing the cost of top-level bikes, gear and apparel through the roof, this perception is understandable, but not insurmountable. The best advice when beginning is to be honest regarding your aspirations and expectations. If money is no object, skip the remainder of this paragraph and restart reading at the beginning of the next. If not, here are a few pieces of advice:

1. Do your research by speaking to local cyclists, shops and online. Be candid with all of these resources and your chances of a better, more cost effective outcome greatly increase.
2. Do not be afraid to buy less than top level equipment. Quality has improved greatly with all levels of cycling equipment and apparel over the last decade, thus mid-level or lower-level equipment and apparel will serve most beginning cyclists well when starting out.
3. Do not be afraid to inquire about or search for used equipment. Of course, you will need to be careful when doing so, thus it would be smart to enlist the help of a shop’s expertise when doing this (even if you need to pay a little for their insight) and there are plenty of online resources when choosing this path. In short, you do not have to mortgage your home to start cycling and a smart approach can make the financial investment less onerous.

Second, the next “barrier to entry” to beginning cycling is fitting in to the unique cycling culture. All of us can remember showing up to a local ride to either have all the heads turn your way revealing “who’s the new guy” looks or feeling as if your choice of equipment or apparel has given you away as “newbie”. Again, we have all been through some variation of this and you will survive. The best way to overcome “the cultural challenge” is to:

• Ask about rides at one of the local shops. They will direct you to places to ride or group rides that are more appropriate for new riders.
• When you find yourself at a group ride, ask who is the ride leader and introduce yourself to them. They should take care of the rest.
• Remember, riding a bike is absolutely fun and most cyclists are too!

The last challenge to being a beginning cyclist is the actual physical and mental demands the sport presents. It does not take long to realize riding a bicycle as an adult can be dangerous and that's why Myrtlebeachcycling.com strongly recommends that all cyclists in the area wear proper cycling helmets. While we know we cannot force anyone to wear a helmet, it will be firmly frowned upon to show up to a ride without one. With the helmet issue aside, as a new rider you are at your most vulnerable to crashing and crashing makes cycling less fun! The best way to maximize your chances of remaining safe and avoiding crashing either with other cyclists in a group or with pedestrians or other vehicles when riding alone is to

• Be constantly vigilant (pay attention). When riding alone, especially in a high density tourist area like ours, keep your eyes forward and expect not to be seen by motorists and pedestrians.
•  In addition to that, when riding in a group of cyclists, stay in the back and watch how the more experienced riders negotiate the group.
• Also, do not be afraid to ask questions. Your fellow cyclists will appreciate your desire and willingness to learn.