The Signs that your Cycling Is Progressing
If you have been riding for a while you may be wondering if you are making progress. With this in mind take a look back at where you were when you started and where you are now. If you are a regular cyclist you'll probably realise a distinct improvement.
Here are signs that you’re improving as a rider.
You’re More Comfortable in a Peloton
Rather than being unsure and watching the other cyclists for guidance you instinctively know how to ride in a group, even when riding with strangers. When it comes to your turn to lead you simply maintain the pace and no longer have the urge to blaze a trail to prove your riding credentials.
You may even find yourself giving advice to new riders.
You are starting to Look Forward to Climbs
Climbs that used to fill you with dread are now relished as you prove yourself time and again, feeling good rather than exhausted when you get to the top.
You Clip in and out without Thinking
The days of panicking as you approach a traffic light are well and truly over. Now you can clip in and out without thinking about it as it has become second nature. Instead of wondering if you were going to be falling into the road or sitting in the passenger seat of a convertible car, now you’re looking cool, feeling cool, waiting for the light to go green.
You even know about the trick of holding the front brake to adjust pedal position ready to get going once more.
Food and Drink
Working out how to fit your food and tools into your jersey used to take half the day. Now, this is a five-minute job and your cycling friends are astonished at how much gear your jersey can hold. Not only that but you’ve become so confident that you can take your water bottle and replace it without thinking or looking.
You know what Gear you’re in Instinctively
All those miles are paying dividends as now you can determine what gear you are in by the feel of the bike. No need to look anymore, you simply select the correct gear to suit the terrain you’re riding.
You’re no Longer Self Conscious in Spandex
How you look in spandex no longer plays on your mind. Instead, it is part of the kit that true cyclists wear. The ‘tattoo’ left by the chain on your leg, the ‘Cat 5 tattoo’ actually pleases you as this is a sign you have big muscular calves.
Submitted: 21/01/2018