What is it about cycling that drives many of us to measure our performance, either against ourselves or other riders? How fast should I be riding? Who has the latest QOM up my local climb? Is my heart rate too fast, or too slow? Another basic measurement we hear readers ask is, “When am I no longer a beginner cyclist?”
Contributor Cait Giddings explored that question in her popular story published this month “5 Signs You’ve Graduated from Beginner Status.” Cait has led multiple cycling trips across the country, guiding new and experienced riders to seemingly impossible feats and her story is packed with some of the most rewarding achievements we’ve all hit (or are striving to achieve), like fixing your own flat tire and knowing how to dress for cold-weather rides.
Bill Strickland and Tom Messina discuss Giddings’ story in the latest episode of Bicycling’s Bike Show About Bikes and bring their own perspectives and breakthroughs to the topic. Tom got deep into riding two years ago and has been racking up the miles. What made him feel like when he was no longer a beginner? For him it was planning and leading his first group ride, developing preferences for cycling jerseys and when he started bringing his bike on vacation, among others. (Tom also recently knocked out a couple century rides; our Master the Century series is a surefire way to help you hit that milestone if it’s on your list.)
But progress isn’t always linear. “If you’re doing it right, you’re going to feel like you’re a beginner several times in your riding life,” Bill says, and reflects on how gear choices, routines, and even conversations with other cyclists become more nuanced as you gain experience.
We’d love to know what milestones you were excited to cross and what you’re still aiming to get better at. Let us know in the comments.
Get Exclusive Training Programs and Digital Issues
Louis Mazzante is the Test Director at Hearst’s Enthusiast Group, overseeing product testing and expert reviews at Popular Mechanics, Runner’s World, and Bicycling; he has more than 20 years of experience testing bikes, skis, cars, tools, and cool gadgets—and he is always searching for new gear that looks good, solves problems, and has a fair price. Prior to his current role, he wrote for or led several product-focused consumer and trade magazines. He’s a former ski instructor, bike racer, trail builder, and, thanks to the demands of a 2005 Nissan X-Terra with 208k+ miles, amateur car mechanic.