Avoid being cheap and stupid. I recently was both. I have a road bike and a gravel bike. I made the mistake of sharing the same tool pouch for both bikes. I recently had a flat on my road bike, but had the tube for my gravel bike. My CO2 cartridge didn't work properly and I didn't have a back-up (that second cartridge is so heavy). The whole thing put me in a bad spot. I'll never again be an ill prepared cyclist. I immediately went out an purchased a separate bike specific kit. Signed the now "prepared cyclist". Thanks for another great video Leonard. It all sounds so simple. We have a tendency to make silly mistakes in the name of saving time, or weight. Many of us need to hear this.
Hi James Social Cycling....Hello from South Texas!!! A good headlight and taillight can work wonders for any cyclist. A cyclist should never be invisible to motorists it is just asking for trouble. But now I am looking for advice. For a year and a half I had a Roadmaster bike bought at Wal Mart. It was not good. Part of the sprocket broke after four months of riding. I got a Trek 4300 in December 2000 and rode that bike for fifteen years. It finally got a crack in the rear fork so I donated my bike to a good cause. I now have a Trek Marlin 5 and it has been wonderful. I would love to hear from other cyclists and the brand of bike they ride. Live well and be safe everyone!!!!
Even in bright day-light, a lot of times there are dark shadows and lights help drivers see you in those places. So, yes, I always ride with blinky front and rear light.
Avoid not enjoying the ride. When I am tired, I just take it very easy at the start and normally after 5-10 minutes the fatigue disappears. These days I try to enjoy my rides rather than getting better results on Strava.
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE YOUR CHANNEL SIR! I started cycling 3 months ago, at age 48 ,going for 49 in August. I got myself a mountain bike and go for ( short) rides as often as I can. I can relate 100% too you as I am also a FAT cyclist. I struggle with depression and anxiety and cycling is a HUGE help. I feel a different person when I am on my bike.
Don't run out of water! On one of my first mountain bike trail rides I took ONE full water bottle, and it was nowhere near enough. Hong Kong. Summer. Lots of carrying. You get the idea. Getting back to the trailhead was absolute misery. Lesson learned.
I always think about not pushing too hard on the way out, and pay for it on the way back home. I like to do the head-wind out and tail-wind back. So, a look at the weather before my (solo) rides sets the route or general direction I'm going to head out into.
Sound advice, as always. Pre ride bike check, tyre pressure, brakes are adjusted correctly (use the open/close lever on the calipers to fine tune) and finally I like to be sure the skewers are still tight.
Something that has been a great help to me has been Tannus solid tyres. It means I never have to worry about punctures on the way to work or on longer rides. Also I don't have to worry how much shopping I'm carrying. The extra load used to raise the risk of getting a puncture. I've had the solid tyres about 6 months and they don't feel much different to normal tyres fully inflated. I think if they were more widely used, it would remove one of the main things that put people off cycling, getting punctures and knowing how to fix them or replace inner tubes properly.
I've heard that solid tyres (Tannus is only one manufacturer) can be subject to flat-spotting should you need to make an emergency stop. Once that's happened, they're useless. Can't speak from experience though. I chose Schwalbe Marathon Plus instead after research.
@@trek520rider2 I don't know about riding through sand. If they're inflated high enough I think the rolling resistance is negligible. Where Schwalbe Marathon Plus let me down the most is in traction. I've never had an accident with them (yet!) because I only use them for commuting, which is why I need the puncture resistance/reliability. I've felt them slip on numerous occasions when all other types that I've used would not. Only tiny slips, but I wouldn't recommend them for more aggresive riding.
When I was young I was taught to "not do intensive sporting within 90 minutes after a meal". I still keep that rule. The things I'd like to avoid: 1/ Collisions with cars, other cyclists, pedestrians and animals. 2/Weather which is not appropriate to my clothes (having clothes in layers is a good idea but I don't have where to put them when I'm not wearing them) 3/ Getting lost (on off-road/mountain-bike routes when suddenly there are no signs anymore) 4/ Riding in the dark. It's already a problem to avoid holes in the road surface at bright daylight. When it's dark, you don't see them at all. 5/ Running out of food and/or drink.
I do 5000 kms a year. I do my morning one hour commute ride on empty stomach and never had the slightest problem. Also it is a recommended way to get the body to use fat for energy. Also punctures are fairly rare I use some liquid in the inner tubes. Mechanical problems 1-2 minor things a year. So I think these things are manageable fairly easily. Bikes these days are really good.
I'm a novice, 3 months in on 75 year old legs, the effort/distance seems very pertinent as you mentioned. I stay on an asphalt bike trail that winds thru the forest with no cars, it's low rolling hills and goes for 50 K full loop. I love your show, thanks so much.
melbman43 100% agree. I used to use elcheapo maxxis refuse tyres and I’d puncture at least every 100kms. I’m now using schwalbe Durano DD’s and I’m 2300kms in without a single puncture. A beautiful tyre to ride too. It’s like riding on a cloud.
Hey Leonard, it’s not what you say, although there is wisdom, it’s what you do ! Your enthusiasm for pedalling is infectious although you’re unfortunate when it comes to punctures 🤪
Found your vids a few weeks ago (bigger guy thinking of getting into cycling) and really enjoying your content. Your explanations are great and content is excellent!
Hi Scott I hope you don't mind me giving you my 2 cents but I was never a cyclist in the past but after breaking my back at age 40 I gained over 60lbs (I was 260lb @ 5'10). Once I started therapy I was swimming at first but soon that got boring but it gave me strength and confidence to try something else. I started mountain biking with my buddies and loved the descents but hated the climbing with a passion and realized that I wasn't riding enough to justify the risks I was taking mountain biking with a mending back :). So I figured that I could use road cycling to get out and ride easier and more often and to get better at mountain biking. After just few rides and a much needed bike fit (a professional fit is very important IMO) I fell in love with road cycling. I lost over 40lbs in a little over 4 months with just riding for fun. Of course everyone's goals are different but I think that if you just go out and ride for fun focusing on fun and comfort over the speed and distance of your ride then everything else will fall into place. It will hurt and it can suck at times BUT it really does pay off. I didn't start cycling until I was 42yr old and am so glad that I did and I hope that you decide to take that first step to getting on the bike. It very well may be the best decision you ever made for yourself. Take care
@@Jarvis_aka_UgunnH8This thanks for the advice! I'm actually 42 myself and sitting at 6ft 250lbs so very similar to your situation. I actually started walking earlier this year and dropped 35 lbs and tried expanding to running, but I have pretty bad knees so running just isn't an option. Most people say biking is a bit easier on the body. I suspect I'll take the plunge very soon.
@@trek520rider2 I think the hardest about bike fits are, who to use. I went to specialist for people with back trouble and was good but I didn't get any details or anything so when both my bikes got stolen the details went with them. So how do you choose who to go with.
Solid advice! I have an addendum to your gearing tip: Be mindful that if you switch from one bike to another your cadence sweet spot will change. Also, learning your route can be a big help. Avoiding traffic on different days or changing roads to do so can only be done effectively by getting a feel for the place in advance. Great refresher course video!
Good advice here! I have Conti 4 season tires on my road bike and had only a couple of punctures over the last 10 years. However, I don’t ride that often, but here’s a ‘funny’ story! I rode an off road sportive last year on my MTB, and passing a chap fixing his puncture, I mentioned that I’d been lucky and never had a puncture on a Sportive ride. He must of thought ‘Twat’! Anyway, a couple of minutes later, I deservedly had a front wheel flat! I had a pump but no tube, doh! Then the Heavens opened, temperature dropped with sleet and direction signs ran out. Fortunately I was able to ride slowly as the tire stayed on the rim. Ended up riding an extra 10 miles in totally unfamiliar territory and arrived back to base soaked, head to toe in mud and shivering. Lesson learnt? Probably not, hahaha!
I ride a lot of miles/year and therefore have had a lot of flats and some mechanical issues over the years. The best thing any serious cyclist can do is learn basic bike maintenance (GCN, Oz Cycling etc, feature good info) and for God's sake, learn to fix a flat! Also, add a quick link (appropriate chain sized of course) to the things you always carry. Things I avoid? Thunderstorms (if possible). If you have ever been caught in one, you know what I mean.
A helpful video Leonard, thanks. FYI, to date, I've never had a puncture when out cycling.....ever, and I've been cycling for donks (casual and sport/fitness). I do carry a spare tube with me just in case though.
Today is new bike day for me. Dialing in the setup I decided to do loops that had good bailouts, passing freinds and family homes, and figure eights that crossed back home.
When you are living in a big urbanized area and you cannot avoid to go out of and back into a busy towns traffic each time you want to go for a ride than you should avoid the rush hour and Saturdays completely. I experienced the most dangerous situations then and I can ride much more safely when avoiding this space of time. One accident can destroy years of training in a second.
I bent my head down like an idiot to see if the tyre was deforming. When I looked up, I was heading straight for a kurb. I did an emergency abort and jumped off the bike rolling on the pavement. Thankfully, got away with scarred wrist cartilage and a lot more sense when cycling afterwards...
I took my bicycle out first time yesterday afternoon. Rear Derailleur came loose went into the back wheel , couldn't get chain to rethread, gear cable was coming apart, wires poking out, it's in the bike shop now , £70 for repair job Big mistake was taking a route without researching the hills , I had to walk up a particularly steep hill at one point, other mistake was frantically changing gears while riding as the chain felt too loose with no resistance when peddaling at some points which caused the previously mentioned damage . But I'm learning, I enjoyed it.
Bring a positive attitude. If it rains and you're unequipped or you take a spill, don't be afraid to laugh it off. Fake it til you make it, if you must, but stay positive. The rain won't be as cold, the scrapes won't be as painful and you just might enjoy the ride despite it all.
Thanks for taking the time to post this video! After riding about 2 years, I decided I'd focus on riding gravel, since central Oklahoma has a lot of it! Your advise on training and what to expect in spot on, and your insight is refreshing.
Gravel is the main ingredient in rural road rash!lol I'm in Kansas we have a lot of gravel here too, the best roads to ride on are the ones that have not had new gravel applied in a while the rock is more rounded and much easier on tires and skin!
Great video Leonard, plenty of common sense. I too suffer from the wrong type of clothing for the conditions at the time, my biggest bugbear is the price of wet weather gear for cycling but that’s another topic altogether. Keep up the good work, look forward to your videos.
I'm on a single speed, I'm a novice on my first bike really. I like the simplicity, and I feel the hills for sure, I get a good work out, maybe in time I'll move up to a multi speed. I'm new to riding so I've got a world of learning to do.
As always, good solid advice. I must thank you for improving my attitude towards cadence. I admit I’m not a mountain goat but after rethinking my attitude and technique after watching your films I have noticed improvements on climbs even when I wasn’t aiming for them. Yes, my fitness has improved from my own riding but I do think taking what you have said about cadence and adjusting it to my style has been very beneficial. Cheers! (BTW it’s festival season here in Japan so I’m a tad merry!)
I try to avoid crashing. Not terribly successful with that recently, which is quite expensive. But at least i didn't have a puncture yet, and i would love to go tubeless anyway, which means sealant in the tire and everything up to 1,5mm punctures will seal themselves. That said, quite helpful tips in this video. Eating is still something i struggle with, up to 75 km at least i do not need to eat anything at all, but two full bottles of water are essential. However, the post-ride cravings can be somewhat brutal.
If an oncoming cyclist shouts "hedge cutting" at you it's not the tractor you need worry about it's what they left on the road, my advice turn round if you can! cheers
Mix up the cadence and it will prepare you for those steep hills, also riding up out of the saddle on some hills and changing hand positions often to avoid any stiffness (no I’m not going to mention Helen Mirren ). Also always take a chain link or two. Just in case you find yourself or someone else with a broken chain.
Leonard, excellent video. On a humorous note number six in my particular case, avoiding skinny bikers. I'm still dealing with a conscientious appearance on my part but weight is slowly going down.
Where I live, wind is an issue. The previous day of a long ride, I decide where to go based on the weather reports for the next day. I usually plan to ride against the wind for the first half of the ride and then enjoy a tailwind on the way back.
No such thing as a tailwind not in my experience anyway. The wind just switches round so it's against on the way back as well. The UK is such a shite hole.
When wind is likely to be an influence I always refer to the Windy app, online or phone, rather than general weather reports and plan a route accordingly.
Where do you put your extra kit on longer rides? A handlebar bag? Perhaps a back rack and trunk bag or a saddlebag? Some may even use the dreaded backpack.
I've cycled for years, and the only thing that I always try and avoid when planning a route is the 'psychopathic motorists delight', otherwise known as the ROUNDABOUT!!!!! Please don't think that being in the correct lane and giving the correct signals will keep you safe; once you're in their crosshairs, LOOK OUT.
Leo , I've been cycling for decades and used a rear view mirror for most of that time. It's my experience that it helps assess what's coming up to me.Consider a commentary on the subject .
@@jollygoodvelo Most anyone killed by a car in our area is hit from behind. Favor the mirror attached to my glasses. Thanks for all your hard work Leonard.
I have plenty of fat. Even though I am not overweight. The bonk is that transition from using glycogens to using fat. It is resisted. But by NOT using special food then the body can "get used to" the switch. It gives a lot less trouble then. The plus side is that if you are using fat it helps to keep your weight under control.
Like always we got a good glimpse of your legs in motion and feet on pedals. Your knees are not that close to your top tube and your feet are slipping of the pedals laterally. It's called bull legged. Happens as we age. I suggest shims on your pedal attachments. Inexpensive 1/2 or 1 inch shims corrects the alignment of your knee in relation to your pedals and feet. Easy to install, I think you'll find "OMG" that changes everything. If concerned for stand up riding and breaking the shim (weight, pressure on pedals) I have not and I'm also a big guy.
I encountered the bonk or wall once, and that was on a 42 mile ride I took while not having eaten for about 48 hours prior. These days I only eat during a ride if I'm doing over 50 miles, and even then it's just an apple or banana, nothing heavy.
Being over 70 yrs I have tried to adjust my style. When younger person passes me I must try not to catch up. In the past I could catch up but now if I do that I wear myself out and must either slow down or have a rest stop. I do find stopping along the way and downing some chocolate milk helps. I stay away from soda, only puts more weight on which I don't need. As far as air pressure in my tires, I ride 25cc tires and could ride with less air but too low and I feel every bump. .So I run 100 psi in front and 150 psi in the rear. As far as losing weight, it seems no matter how hard I try can't make a difference. Because of my age can't average more than 16 to 18 mph. There are times I am able to do 20 to 24 for a short lengths. Basically must find another way to lose some weight even though I watch what I eat but it's so hard when your not real active anymore. .
I avoid hitting the wall as best I can. It's just a case for me of managing my speed/heart rate so I don't pop too soon and can save my legs for some Strava KOM attempts when they pop up.
In a Idyllic scenery I would say; cars. To the essentials I would add one or two CO2 cartridges and some puncture patches - I just carry one spare tube. One time I had been working on the bike and to check if everything was right I went for a spin with just the phone - for music not counting to stray too far, 15km from home I puncture both tires at the same time and at the same time that start pouring, the end result was "Sophiaaaa can you come and pick me up,...pleaaaase!?"
I consider myself lucky; zero flats in over 6000kms with road bike. That doesn’t mean my tyres didn’t suffer. Some cracks are there. But the conti’s do very well. When i rode my mtb flats were there almost each ride... Biggest ‘mistake’ i keep doing is using summer cycling shoes in winter.. cold does hurt your toes. It really does.. note to self; buy right shoes this coming winter..
Any advice for those who prefer riding during late afternoons, evenings and nights ? I find there is way less traffic, more peacefulness and less sweating. [ As far as safety goes, already wear glasses, helmet, reflective vest and two reflective bands for each ankles, two tail blinkers (one vertical, one horizontal), two front blinkers (vertical and horizontal), at least one main, front light with medium to high beam options. Blinkies for helmet would be ideal, for those time and emergencies, when we are off the bike. Sadly, fellow cyclists die on the road. We have to be as responsible and pre-emptive as we can be]
My first thing: Don't be a road hog! 0:03 Aren't you taking a bit more of the roadway than you need? Us bicyclists need to be mindful that we SHARE the road, not block it. I know the laws in UK give you that right, but I personally try to hug the edge and allow traffic to pass. Doesn't create motorist bike haters as much... 0:32 is how I try to ride. 1:04 You force a car to go on opposite lane while you are in the middle of the lane. In seriousness, I do think you are cognoscente of sharing the road, but I have seen some cyclists who a militantly not so. 7:06 Yep, CADENCE is key for Clydes. 7:22 This is where the eBIKE motor helps us up and over... Good list! Stay safe!
@@LuddersWorld You shouldn't be "forcing" anyone to do anything. That's tantamount to bullying. He was closer to the central white line than he was to the verge. Meandering all over the place. Maybe if a person has that little road sense and awareness they should not be riding a bike.
mascara snake ; at that 1:04 you seem to forget leonard wasn’t the only cyclist there at that moment. There’s also a cyclist (or more?) behind him. You only see that moment through camera. Maybe leonard passed the cyclist filming? Or the where riding next to each other and he passed etc. You don’t know...
“If you’ve never had a puncture , chances are you haven’t cycled that long” Gotta be honest I’ve been cycling for 1 year 3 months and 3 weeks ago I walked 8 miles back home . I could’ve called my dad but damn that was a good exercise
Never got a puncture on continental races nor in the the training up to it, it’s true it’s true mechanical are a fact of life but not getting one does not reflect no bring a regular cyclist especially is you spend time looking after your bike.
In my old age I am riding gradients up to 14% in local mountains. Thank heavens for compact chain-rings and wide ratio cassettes and the interchangeability of road/mountain bike components in the old 9 speeds. Good luck trying it with later kit.
I got a flat the other day and did no damage to the tire. I must have caught the edge of the tire on a rock or curb just enough to pop out the bead on the tire and expose the inner tube. Nasty crash with road rash. Ouch!!!
My number one thing to avoid is falling off. With the amount of riding I do you can expect to fall every couple of years if you are a performance rider. I do have to say that having a tire exploding and being flung into the middle of Broadway is a bit embarrassing what with 4 lanes of traffic stopping and everyone jumping out to help you up. Good thing that was on the more posh end of Broadway. At the other end they'd more likely run you over. And of course, coming to in an ambulance is a really bad sign. So be sure to adjust your riding to not just let conditions but the traffic. In the case of the Broadway incident, I was trying to pass a couple of other riders off of a stop light. If I hadn't accelerated to 20 mph the tire flat would not have been a problem. Live and learn (after the skin heals).
All basic common sense stuff.... and we generally don’t get common sense until we screw up at least once..Have to have the tool kit, pump, tubes.wrench sets for each bike as we never switch them from cycle to cycle. I always avoid high traffic roads and roads without shoulders.must have phone, cash, credit card , and drivers license. Have to be safe... don’t want to die young and leave a rich widow and make it easy for the next guy!
I got fed up with occasional flat tires when commuting. So now I have Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires -- I ride on roads and semi-paved cycles paths, and go tens of thousands of kilometres without a flat -- see bicycles.stackexchange.com/questions/40542/when-does-a-marathon-plus-tire-not-need-replacing
Great content in your video's mate. Good listening too. I'd add, for piece of mind over long distances, I filled both tubes on my bike with puncture proof slime sealent from Halfords. So far so good and I don't notice any difference whilst riding. Keep your content coming. Love the 30 day challenge. 👍
Hi. I dont fully agree with your fueling pre-ride strategy - a massive bowl of porridge isnt ideal as it will leave you feeling bloated and lead to cramps during your ride. Unless you are eating 2 - 3 hours before your ride. And eating along the ride as well, unless its a very long one. I often ride without eating before the ride - in a fasting state from the night before - and I find that I perform WAY BETTER on an empty tummy than a full one. I often ride for 1 - 2 hours on an empty tummy and only eat after the ride is over. However, for longer rides more than 2 hours, i would then fuel along the ride. For example, last week Friday (16/8/2019) I cycled 100km and only fueled myself with a single energy bar after 70km. (just over 2 hours) and no breakfast. I completed my 100km in 3 hours 19 minutes (you can see this on Strava if you follow me, which you havent yet). I then had a nice lunch after a shower when I get home. The reason i dont believe in fueling before the morning ride is because we all eat the night before and that energy is still floating around in out systems, waiting to be used. Also, by fasting, we force out bodies to use THAT energy and also to use FAT as energy - which leads to weight loss. I weigh 71kg right now and am trying to get down to 68 or 69kg, so weight loss isnt my main focus, because I am already at my ideal weight. But I do still want to be a bit lighter so I can be a bit faster on my bike, but I firmly believe that being LIGHTER before a ride benefits me (personally) rather than having a tummy full of food before a ride, which will slow me down and give me stomach cramps. So, I'm just saying that I dont fully agree with you - not trying to start a dispute, but just telling you what works for me, and what I think will work well for most people trying to get fitter and lose weight, through cycling. The bottom line is that we all have energy left over in our system from dinner the night before, so why not use THAT energy for a morning ride? Train our bodies to burn fat and left over energy. Just my two cents :)
I think the need to fuel up before a ride depends very much on your current level of fitness. In my experience working with novice riders trying to get fit without proper fueling beforehand leads to a disappointing experience on the bike. Unless the ride is short (1 hour) I always advise riders to show up for rides well-nourished, have a nutritious meal afterward, and then spend the time in between rides cutting calories, if desired. Having the best experience possible on the bike is the best way to develop a life-long, healthy cycling habit. It’s a shame to have someone fail because they ran out of energy, and leave thinking they’re just not up to the challenge. Cycling is a fun, easy sport that many can enjoy into extreme old age.
@@connieback7577 Sometimes, and only sometimes - i really mean RARELY - I fuel up before a ride... but then I have a breakfast 30% of the size I usually would on a day i wasnt riding. That way, I ensure I cannot feel bloated and full, and also, i have this "smaller" breakfast at least 2 hours before I go ride, so there is no way I can feel even a bit "bloated". But that is just me.... I am sure others may feel the same. I am quite fit however, and this strategy of not eating probably works for me because I have trained my body to function without that immediate energy from a meal consumed hours before a ride.
@@connieback7577 I am very much a novice @42yr old and in my first year of cycling and I agree with you. I can totally see what Dean is saying but for me personally I do have to eat an hour or two before a longer ride or else I just don't feel strong and feel like I run out of energy no matter what I consume during the ride. Eventually I feel as though I catch a second wind sooner or later but it seems as though I catch that pickup sooner rather than later when I eat before a ride. But once again I am a novice who is just now transitioning from just riding for fun and a little bit of cardio, To really looking forward to every ride as my me time and preparing for my first event in October. Sorry for throwing in my two cents but I still learn so much by reading about other riders habits. Take care
I like to avoid frosty fingers, but I don't always do it successfully. I might install some sort of wind shields in front of my brake levers and handlebar grips to lessen the icy winter wind blowing on my fingers that are still cold in double gloves. That and warmer gloves too. Much better than the five to ten minutes of shaking my hands in the pockets to warm the now intensely tingling fingers and exclaiming "TTTHHHH AAAAAHHH! TTTTTHHHH AAAAAHHHH!" Family Guy style.
Things to avoid ... 1/ hills 2/ pot holes 3/ wet white lines 4/ singing silly songs out loud in a super villain voice to entertain yourself while riding around the Brighton Esplanade thinking you’re on your own only to look up and see 2 very confused fishermen looking at you strangely ... Ummmmm I mean yeah, who would do that?
I calculate distance when every i do cycling i do it with googles maps. Sometime when i feel that it is difficult to go all the way i take a rest of 1-2 min then start again. Started using starva app to keep track of my progress. I keep little cash and mobile in case any problem so far have non. Still learning and improving my performance currently doing 10-15 km easily daily.
Try website brouter.de . You can plan any ride, any road on it. All over the world. With setting point-to-point pins you can plan your route, and it will give distance information etc. You can save the route and load it into a cycling computer.
My biggest mistake is, that I always floor it. Slow driving is not my thing, I always have to go full throttle .... Of course I do not reach great distances. I also drive a very aggressive position on all bikes, even on my commuter bike. If I did not dress properly, my only solution is to drive faster.
2000km on my bike no punctures, watched Leonard's latest and 2 hours later get a double puncture 20 km from home. Tyres were like bishop from aliens, spewing white crap all over the place. Luckily had two spare tubes and the necessary accoutrements. Not saying you're a Jonah Leonard, not saying that at all😎😉
number 1 thing to avoid......people. the occasional hiker on a trail or the odd car passing on a country road is fine, but I dont like worrying about whether a pedestrian is going to cross in front of me while playing a mobile game, or stopping for street lights every 100m, or worrying if some asshole driver is paying attention. People(cycling partners excluded) = distractions, and I prefer to focus on and enjoy my ride
Free ride! I have strava as I like to keep track of my miles, speed and climbs, but I don't have the strava pro or whatever it is. I just enjoy riding. Go out and pedal, have fun, challenge yourself. I have some set loops and mountain bike areas I take my pup with me, but I just bought a gravel bike and am excited to explore. Listen to your body. You'll know if you push to hard or not hard enough. Have fun pedal like hell for awhile then cruise for awhile and take in the sites. If your on a gravel bike or road bike your on some sort of road. It's hard to get lost. Explore! Give friend or loved one a general idea of where your going. Get your tool kit, food, water. Take your phone for pics, maps and an emergency. That's all you need. If you training or on an exercise routine it is different, but don't forget to have fun and just get out there!
Put tire sealant in your inner tubes to avoid most flats Don't eat on or before rides or when bonking, it feels crap at first but after a few weeks your body will adapt to burning fat for energy instead of glucose
Avoid being cheap and stupid. I recently was both. I have a road bike and a gravel bike. I made the mistake of sharing the same tool pouch for both bikes. I recently had a flat on my road bike, but had the tube for my gravel bike. My CO2 cartridge didn't work properly and I didn't have a back-up (that second cartridge is so heavy). The whole thing put me in a bad spot. I'll never again be an ill prepared cyclist. I immediately went out an purchased a separate bike specific kit. Signed the now "prepared cyclist". Thanks for another great video Leonard. It all sounds so simple. We have a tendency to make silly mistakes in the name of saving time, or weight. Many of us need to hear this.
I don’t like leaving home without lights, I just feel naked and venerable. Always like to know I am giving drivers the extra chance to see me👍
👍 Seeing and being seen is being safe, smart and fun. Even during the day lights help.
Not even other people seeing you but you seeing road hazards
Hi James Social Cycling....Hello from South Texas!!! A good headlight and taillight can work wonders for any cyclist. A cyclist should never be invisible to motorists it is just asking for trouble. But now I am looking for advice. For a year and a half I had a Roadmaster bike bought at Wal Mart. It was not good. Part of the sprocket broke after four months of riding. I got a Trek 4300 in December 2000 and rode that bike for fifteen years. It finally got a crack in the rear fork so I donated my bike to a good cause. I now have a Trek Marlin 5 and it has been wonderful. I would love to hear from other cyclists and the brand of bike they ride. Live well and be safe everyone!!!!
Fit a dynamo hub and lights, then you never need to think about it, they are always there when you need them.
Even in bright day-light, a lot of times there are dark shadows and lights help drivers see you in those places. So, yes, I always ride with blinky front and rear light.
Avoid not enjoying the ride. When I am tired, I just take it very easy at the start and normally after 5-10 minutes the fatigue disappears. These days I try to enjoy my rides rather than getting better results on Strava.
Never worry about the time it takes.I'm not abroad biker.
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE YOUR CHANNEL SIR! I started cycling 3 months ago, at age 48 ,going for 49 in August. I got myself a mountain bike and go for ( short) rides as often as I can. I can relate 100% too you as I am also a FAT cyclist. I struggle with depression and anxiety and cycling is a HUGE help. I feel a different person when I am on my bike.
I avoid roads with lots of cars with a minimum road sides. It's scary when I can't avoid these roads.
Damn right about that.
Good luck with that, there are assholes in the road & there is hit & run. I was a victim of hit & run. Less dealing with cars, the better.
@Sir Scofferoff no. some collisions result in permanent injury or death
@Sir Scofferoff You are the type of cyclist that gives the rest of us a bad name.
Yeap, low traffic volumes, being a kiwi, milk tankers are particularly scary.
Don't run out of water!
On one of my first mountain bike trail rides I took ONE full water bottle, and it was nowhere near enough.
Hong Kong. Summer. Lots of carrying. You get the idea. Getting back to the trailhead was absolute misery.
Lesson learned.
I always think about not pushing too hard on the way out, and pay for it on the way back home. I like to do the head-wind out and tail-wind back. So, a look at the weather before my (solo) rides sets the route or general direction I'm going to head out into.
Sound advice, as always. Pre ride bike check, tyre pressure, brakes are adjusted correctly (use the open/close lever on the calipers to fine tune) and finally I like to be sure the skewers are still tight.
skewers.. yeah.. I picked up my MTB once and a wheel fell out... yikes.. luckily that didn't happen during the ride.
Something that has been a great help to me has been Tannus solid tyres. It means I never have to worry about punctures on the way to work or on longer rides. Also I don't have to worry how much shopping I'm carrying. The extra load used to raise the risk of getting a puncture. I've had the solid tyres about 6 months and they don't feel much different to normal tyres fully inflated. I think if they were more widely used, it would remove one of the main things that put people off cycling, getting punctures and knowing how to fix them or replace inner tubes properly.
I've heard that solid tyres (Tannus is only one manufacturer) can be subject to flat-spotting should you need to make an emergency stop. Once that's happened, they're useless. Can't speak from experience though. I chose Schwalbe Marathon Plus instead after research.
@@AlmostBipedal I find Schwalbe Marathon Plus like riding through sand. You pay a price for that puncture proofing IMO.
@@trek520rider2 I don't know about riding through sand. If they're inflated high enough I think the rolling resistance is negligible. Where Schwalbe Marathon Plus let me down the most is in traction. I've never had an accident with them (yet!) because I only use them for commuting, which is why I need the puncture resistance/reliability. I've felt them slip on numerous occasions when all other types that I've used would not. Only tiny slips, but I wouldn't recommend them for more aggresive riding.
When I was young I was taught to "not do intensive sporting within 90 minutes after a meal". I still keep that rule.
The things I'd like to avoid:
1/ Collisions with cars, other cyclists, pedestrians and animals. 2/Weather which is not appropriate to my clothes (having clothes in layers is a good idea but I don't
have where to put them when I'm not wearing them) 3/ Getting lost (on off-road/mountain-bike routes when suddenly there are no signs anymore)
4/ Riding in the dark. It's already a problem to avoid holes in the road surface at bright daylight. When it's dark, you don't see them at all.
5/ Running out of food and/or drink.
Riding in the dark, I have 2 battery lights forward. One I angle down, to see the road surface condition. Riding at twilight in summer very pleasant.
I’ll tell you Leonard, I find every one of your videos interesting and really well done. Thank you.
I do 5000 kms a year. I do my morning one hour commute ride on empty stomach and never had the slightest problem. Also it is a recommended way to get the body to use fat for energy. Also punctures are fairly rare I use some liquid in the inner tubes. Mechanical problems 1-2 minor things a year. So I think these things are manageable fairly easily. Bikes these days are really good.
Your videos are crisp and motivating. Thanks.
Thank you again for sharing. Keep up. The good work, and keep Pedaling.
Great video m8 at the moment doing training rides on my own I avoid cafe stops and pre eating just do 21 mile loop and eat something when I get home
I'm a novice, 3 months in on 75 year old legs, the effort/distance seems very pertinent as you mentioned. I stay on an asphalt bike trail that winds thru the forest with no cars, it's low rolling hills and goes for 50 K full loop. I love your show, thanks so much.
Sounds like you are doing great.
Best Way to avoid punctures is to have good tyres. Always found the Contis perfect.
melbman43
100% agree. I used to use elcheapo maxxis refuse tyres and I’d puncture at least every 100kms. I’m now using schwalbe Durano DD’s and I’m 2300kms in without a single puncture. A beautiful tyre to ride too. It’s like riding on a cloud.
Swalbes every time, or contis for a livelier ride. Never use cheap tires.
Much useful ! Pls go on posting this kind of videos
2,500 miles on my road bike and not a single puncture.
Plenty on the mountain bike though.
Reverse for me. New road bike 3 years ago. Flats and cracked rim (defect). Nothing on the MTB
4,894 mi no puncture yet.
Go tubeless on the mtb
petef15 proper inflation helps avoid flats.
11.000+ km on my Schwalbe Marathon plus tires (6800 miles) God I love those tires.
Hey Leonard, it’s not what you say, although there is wisdom, it’s what you do ! Your enthusiasm for pedalling is infectious although you’re unfortunate when it comes to punctures 🤪
Found your vids a few weeks ago (bigger guy thinking of getting into cycling) and really enjoying your content. Your explanations are great and content is excellent!
Hi Scott I hope you don't mind me giving you my 2 cents but I was never a cyclist in the past but after breaking my back at age 40 I gained over 60lbs (I was 260lb @ 5'10). Once I started therapy I was swimming at first but soon that got boring but it gave me strength and confidence to try something else. I started mountain biking with my buddies and loved the descents but hated the climbing with a passion and realized that I wasn't riding enough to justify the risks I was taking mountain biking with a mending back :). So I figured that I could use road cycling to get out and ride easier and more often and to get better at mountain biking. After just few rides and a much needed bike fit (a professional fit is very important IMO) I fell in love with road cycling. I lost over 40lbs in a little over 4 months with just riding for fun. Of course everyone's goals are different but I think that if you just go out and ride for fun focusing on fun and comfort over the speed and distance of your ride then everything else will fall into place. It will hurt and it can suck at times BUT it really does pay off. I didn't start cycling until I was 42yr old and am so glad that I did and I hope that you decide to take that first step to getting on the bike. It very well may be the best decision you ever made for yourself. Take care
@@Jarvis_aka_UgunnH8This thanks for the advice! I'm actually 42 myself and sitting at 6ft 250lbs so very similar to your situation. I actually started walking earlier this year and dropped 35 lbs and tried expanding to running, but I have pretty bad knees so running just isn't an option. Most people say biking is a bit easier on the body. I suspect I'll take the plunge very soon.
@@scottcorbin1255 Scott I second Jarvis's advice about a bike fit. I had a bike for about a year and then had a professional fit, it was worth it.
@@scottcorbin1255 hope you are still riding bro.
@@trek520rider2 I think the hardest about bike fits are, who to use. I went to specialist for people with back trouble and was good but I didn't get any details or anything so when both my bikes got stolen the details went with them. So how do you choose who to go with.
Solid advice! I have an addendum to your gearing tip: Be mindful that if you switch from one bike to another your cadence sweet spot will change. Also, learning your route can be a big help. Avoiding traffic on different days or changing roads to do so can only be done effectively by getting a feel for the place in advance. Great refresher course video!
Good advice here! I have Conti 4 season tires on my road bike and had only a couple of punctures over the last 10 years. However, I don’t ride that often, but here’s a ‘funny’ story! I rode an off road sportive last year on my MTB, and passing a chap fixing his puncture, I mentioned that I’d been lucky and never had a puncture on a Sportive ride. He must of thought ‘Twat’! Anyway, a couple of minutes later, I deservedly had a front wheel flat! I had a pump but no tube, doh! Then the Heavens opened, temperature dropped with sleet and direction signs ran out. Fortunately I was able to ride slowly as the tire stayed on the rim. Ended up riding an extra 10 miles in totally unfamiliar territory and arrived back to base soaked, head to toe in mud and shivering. Lesson learnt? Probably not, hahaha!
I ride a lot of miles/year and therefore have had a lot of flats and some mechanical issues over the years. The best thing any serious cyclist can do is learn basic bike maintenance (GCN, Oz Cycling etc, feature good info) and for God's sake, learn to fix a flat! Also, add a quick link (appropriate chain sized of course) to the things you always carry. Things I avoid? Thunderstorms (if possible). If you have ever been caught in one, you know what I mean.
great advice indeed - i would also add to the list of avoidance - onion bhaji ,never have one or two before you ride ..
Onion bhaji. Yum.
Nice vid, I used to despatch ride in London and I gave up with waterproof very soon and just got used to being wet
A helpful video Leonard, thanks. FYI, to date, I've never had a puncture when out cycling.....ever, and I've been cycling for donks (casual and sport/fitness). I do carry a spare tube with me just in case though.
Today is new bike day for me. Dialing in the setup I decided to do loops that had good bailouts, passing freinds and family homes, and figure eights that crossed back home.
Jeff Page HUGE CONGRATS, as the children of the previous decade would say “so jelly”.
Have a blast with it for the rest of the summer and BE SAFE
Have fun on your new bike!
I avoid anything that begins with "Storm". Another engaging video Leonard, your so nature in front of the camera. I have yet to get there.
When you are living in a big urbanized area and you cannot avoid to go out of and back into a busy towns traffic each time you want to go for a ride than you should avoid the rush hour and Saturdays completely. I experienced the most dangerous situations then and I can ride much more safely when avoiding this space of time. One accident can destroy years of training in a second.
One thing I learned the hard way, don't check if your tyres are flat while going 20mph. When in doubt, pull over, check and continue.
How on earth can you check the WITHOUT stopping??
I bent my head down like an idiot to see if the tyre was deforming. When I looked up, I was heading straight for a kurb. I did an emergency abort and jumped off the bike rolling on the pavement. Thankfully, got away with scarred wrist cartilage and a lot more sense when cycling afterwards...
I took my bicycle out first time yesterday afternoon. Rear Derailleur came loose went into the back wheel , couldn't get chain to rethread, gear cable was coming apart, wires poking out, it's in the bike shop now , £70 for repair job
Big mistake was taking a route without researching the hills , I had to walk up a particularly steep hill at one point, other mistake was frantically changing gears while riding as the chain felt too loose with no resistance when peddaling at some points which caused the previously mentioned damage . But I'm learning, I enjoyed it.
The key is to change down just before you need to!
Bring a positive attitude. If it rains and you're unequipped or you take a spill, don't be afraid to laugh it off. Fake it til you make it, if you must, but stay positive. The rain won't be as cold, the scrapes won't be as painful and you just might enjoy the ride despite it all.
Thanks for taking the time to post this video! After riding about 2 years, I decided I'd focus on riding gravel, since central Oklahoma has a lot of it! Your advise on training and what to expect in spot on, and your insight is refreshing.
Gravel is the main ingredient in rural road rash!lol I'm in Kansas we have a lot of gravel here too, the best roads to ride on are the ones that have not had new gravel applied in a while the rock is more rounded and much easier on tires and skin!
@@alvinmorris5404 Gotta love those flint hills and roads! I've secretly been planning a trip up there for a few days of riding!
Great video Leonard, plenty of common sense. I too suffer from the wrong type of clothing for the conditions at the time, my biggest bugbear is the price of wet weather gear for cycling but that’s another topic altogether. Keep up the good work, look forward to your videos.
I avoid potholes, busy roads and low cadence.
True dat. I had a couple of fellow riders lecture me about my mashing up hills, now I try to spin on hills - much better.
Another quality video.
Your UA-cam stuff is always full of great info.
Thanks for posting
Always go for a ride expecting a puncture, that way your'e covered.
I'm on a single speed, I'm a novice on my first bike really. I like the simplicity, and I feel the hills for sure, I get a good work out, maybe in time I'll move up to a multi speed. I'm new to riding so I've got a world of learning to do.
Interesting that you are starting out in a Dixie.
As always, good solid advice. I must thank you for improving my attitude towards cadence. I admit I’m not a mountain goat but after rethinking my attitude and technique after watching your films I have noticed improvements on climbs even when I wasn’t aiming for them. Yes, my fitness has improved from my own riding but I do think taking what you have said about cadence and adjusting it to my style has been very beneficial. Cheers! (BTW it’s festival season here in Japan so I’m a tad merry!)
I try to avoid crashing. Not terribly successful with that recently, which is quite expensive. But at least i didn't have a puncture yet, and i would love to go tubeless anyway, which means sealant in the tire and everything up to 1,5mm punctures will seal themselves.
That said, quite helpful tips in this video. Eating is still something i struggle with, up to 75 km at least i do not need to eat anything at all, but two full bottles of water are essential. However, the post-ride cravings can be somewhat brutal.
@soordhin... no punctures either since changing to tubeless but, know where your coming from with the crashes two in a year and two wrecked bikes.
If an oncoming cyclist shouts "hedge cutting" at you it's not the tractor you need worry about it's what they left on the road, my advice turn round if you can! cheers
Mix up the cadence and it will prepare you for those steep hills, also riding up out of the saddle on some hills and changing hand positions often to avoid any stiffness (no I’m not going to mention Helen Mirren ). Also always take a chain link or two. Just in case you find yourself or someone else with a broken chain.
Leonard, excellent video. On a humorous note number six in my particular case, avoiding skinny bikers. I'm still dealing with a conscientious appearance on my part but weight is slowly going down.
Where I live, wind is an issue. The previous day of a long ride, I decide where to go based on the weather reports for the next day. I usually plan to ride against the wind for the first half of the ride and then enjoy a tailwind on the way back.
Wind is indeed a factor. Riding into the wind on the outward leg is a great strategy.
No such thing as a tailwind not in my experience anyway. The wind just switches round so it's against on the way back as well. The UK is such a shite hole.
When wind is likely to be an influence I always refer to the Windy app, online or phone, rather than general weather reports and plan a route accordingly.
Some great tips there thank you
As always Leonard a great video.
Where do you put your extra kit on longer rides? A handlebar bag? Perhaps a back rack and trunk bag or a saddlebag? Some may even use the dreaded backpack.
Unless I am carrying an extra camera, it all goes in my jersey pocket
I've cycled for years, and the only thing that I always try and avoid when planning a route is the 'psychopathic motorists delight', otherwise known as the ROUNDABOUT!!!!! Please don't think that being in the correct lane and giving the correct signals will keep you safe; once you're in their crosshairs, LOOK OUT.
It’s pretty bad in a car.
Buy tires that more puncture resistant. Continental Gatorskins for example are very hard to puncture. Specialized Armadillo also.
Leo , I've been cycling for decades and used a rear view mirror for most of that time. It's my experience that it helps assess what's coming up to me.Consider a commentary on the subject .
It’s not something I’ve personally used but it’s worth exploring.
@@jollygoodvelo Most anyone killed by a car in our area is hit from behind. Favor the mirror attached to my glasses. Thanks for all your hard work Leonard.
I have plenty of fat. Even though I am not overweight. The bonk is that transition from using glycogens to using fat. It is resisted. But by NOT using special food then the body can "get used to" the switch. It gives a lot less trouble then. The plus side is that if you are using fat it helps to keep your weight under control.
Like always we got a good glimpse of your legs in motion and feet on pedals. Your knees are not that close to your top tube and your feet are slipping of the pedals laterally. It's called bull legged. Happens as we age. I suggest shims on your pedal attachments.
Inexpensive 1/2 or 1 inch shims corrects the alignment of your knee in relation to your pedals and feet. Easy to install, I think you'll find "OMG" that changes everything. If concerned for stand up riding and breaking the shim (weight, pressure on pedals) I have not and I'm also a big guy.
Thanks for the tips.
I’ve been driving all day listening to Brexit , Brexit,Brexit . Thank you for the calm Leonard 👍
Brexit is so depressing.
I encountered the bonk or wall once, and that was on a 42 mile ride I took while not having eaten for about 48 hours prior. These days I only eat during a ride if I'm doing over 50 miles, and even then it's just an apple or banana, nothing heavy.
You can get by doing it wrong, but there's more to gain doing it correct.
Being over 70 yrs I have tried to adjust my style. When younger person passes me I must try not to catch up. In the past I could catch up but now if I do that I wear myself out and must either slow down or have a rest stop. I do find stopping along the way and downing some chocolate milk helps. I stay away from soda, only puts more weight on which I don't need. As far as air pressure in my tires, I ride 25cc tires and could ride with less air but too low and I feel every bump. .So I run 100 psi in front and 150 psi in the rear. As far as losing weight, it seems no matter how hard I try can't make a difference. Because of my age can't average more than 16 to 18 mph. There are times I am able to do 20 to 24 for a short lengths. Basically must find another way to lose some weight even though I watch what I eat but it's so hard when your not real active anymore. .
Sadly it all comes down to what we eat.
If you run out of gears on a climb,get off before you damage your knees!
I won’t let the climb beat me of in an help it.
That' right ! A good mechanical state and enjoy the ride !
@@jollygoodvelo stay of the red wine
I could never run out of gears on my bike, i could climb everest and still have a cadence of 150
I prefer the comment made by Bob Rolls during one Tour de France to describe "The Bonk" as the felling like you're "peddling squares."
I avoid hitting the wall as best I can. It's just a case for me of managing my speed/heart rate so I don't pop too soon and can save my legs for some Strava KOM attempts when they pop up.
I wish I can find a biking friend IRL just like you!
In a Idyllic scenery I would say; cars. To the essentials I would add one or two CO2 cartridges and some puncture patches - I just carry one spare tube. One time I had been working on the bike and to check if everything was right I went for a spin with just the phone - for music not counting to stray too far, 15km from home I puncture both tires at the same time and at the same time that start pouring, the end result was "Sophiaaaa can you come and pick me up,...pleaaaase!?"
I consider myself lucky; zero flats in over 6000kms with road bike. That doesn’t mean my tyres didn’t suffer. Some cracks are there. But the conti’s do very well. When i rode my mtb flats were there almost each ride...
Biggest ‘mistake’ i keep doing is using summer cycling shoes in winter.. cold does hurt your toes. It really does.. note to self; buy right shoes this coming winter..
The problem with Conti tyres is that you get so used to being puncture free that when it does happen you're not equipped properly to fix it
Any advice for those who prefer riding during late afternoons, evenings and nights ?
I find there is way less traffic, more peacefulness and less sweating.
[ As far as safety goes, already wear glasses, helmet, reflective vest and two reflective bands for each ankles, two tail blinkers (one vertical, one horizontal), two front blinkers (vertical and horizontal), at least one main, front light with medium to high beam options.
Blinkies for helmet would be ideal, for those time and emergencies, when we are off the bike.
Sadly, fellow cyclists die on the road. We have to be as responsible and pre-emptive as we can be]
Either that or early mornings.
Dogs!!
I like to avoid getting rear ended by wearing a reflective vest. The vest I made is also reversible so I can flip it round when I arrive.
Anything to make yourself more visible.
My first thing: Don't be a road hog! 0:03 Aren't you taking a bit more of the roadway than you need? Us bicyclists need to be mindful that we SHARE the road, not block it. I know the laws in UK give you that right, but I personally try to hug the edge and allow traffic to pass. Doesn't create motorist bike haters as much... 0:32 is how I try to ride. 1:04 You force a car to go on opposite lane while you are in the middle of the lane. In seriousness, I do think you are cognoscente of sharing the road, but I have seen some cyclists who a militantly not so. 7:06 Yep, CADENCE is key for Clydes. 7:22 This is where the eBIKE motor helps us up and over... Good list! Stay safe!
@ 1:04 Leonard did nothing other than force the driver to overtake in the correct manner...which should take no prompting whatsoever
@@LuddersWorld You shouldn't be "forcing" anyone to do anything. That's tantamount to bullying. He was closer to the central white line than he was to the verge. Meandering all over the place. Maybe if a person has that little road sense and awareness they should not be riding a bike.
mascara snake ; at that 1:04 you seem to forget leonard wasn’t the only cyclist there at that moment. There’s also a cyclist (or more?) behind him. You only see that moment through camera. Maybe leonard passed the cyclist filming? Or the where riding next to each other and he passed etc. You don’t know...
A car cant pass you safely without going on the opposing lane anyway. Hugging the edge is inviting a dangerous squeeze by.
“If you’ve never had a puncture , chances are you haven’t cycled that long”
Gotta be honest I’ve been cycling for 1 year 3 months and 3 weeks ago I walked 8 miles back home . I could’ve called my dad but damn that was a good exercise
8 miles?? That’s not fun.
Never got a puncture on continental races nor in the the training up to it, it’s true it’s true mechanical are a fact of life but not getting one does not reflect no bring a regular cyclist especially is you spend time looking after your bike.
Probably stating the obvious, but a few extra minutes on the loo before you go. 💩🤭
Jonathan Sapier I had that problem on a jog a few weeks ago. Had to waddle the last 500m while clenching HARD. let’s just say it was a close call!
I find it better to go after , one time I had congestion and after a long 100km ride it just was back to normal
TheMerkat55 unless you have food in it and you go up and down and over every single hill in your area
@@trufflemonster5399 Always best to go before you go so that you don't find yourself going at an inconvenient time.
@@trufflemonster5399 Jog Log
hello, what helmet did you ride with? the white one. Thanks
In my old age I am riding gradients up to 14% in local mountains. Thank heavens for compact chain-rings and wide ratio cassettes and the interchangeability of road/mountain bike components in the old 9 speeds. Good luck trying it with later kit.
I got a flat the other day and did no damage to the tire. I must have caught the edge of the tire on a rock or curb just enough to pop out the bead on the tire and expose the inner tube. Nasty crash with road rash. Ouch!!!
Ouch indeed.
My number one thing to avoid is falling off. With the amount of riding I do you can expect to fall every couple of years if you are a performance rider. I do have to say that having a tire exploding and being flung into the middle of Broadway is a bit embarrassing what with 4 lanes of traffic stopping and everyone jumping out to help you up. Good thing that was on the more posh end of Broadway. At the other end they'd more likely run you over. And of course, coming to in an ambulance is a really bad sign. So be sure to adjust your riding to not just let conditions but the traffic. In the case of the Broadway incident, I was trying to pass a couple of other riders off of a stop light. If I hadn't accelerated to 20 mph the tire flat would not have been a problem. Live and learn (after the skin heals).
All basic common sense stuff.... and we generally don’t get common sense until we screw up at least once..Have to have the tool kit, pump, tubes.wrench sets for each bike as we never switch them from cycle to cycle. I always avoid high traffic roads and roads without shoulders.must have phone, cash, credit card , and drivers license. Have to be safe... don’t want to die young and leave a rich widow and make it easy for the next guy!
I usually try to avoid rocks and sticks but cool
I got fed up with occasional flat tires when commuting. So now I have Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires -- I ride on roads and semi-paved cycles paths, and go tens of thousands of kilometres without a flat -- see bicycles.stackexchange.com/questions/40542/when-does-a-marathon-plus-tire-not-need-replacing
I fit Mr Tuffy's on all my wheels. They might add a bit of weight but I cant remember my last puncture!
Great content in your video's mate. Good listening too. I'd add, for piece of mind over long distances, I filled both tubes on my bike with puncture proof slime sealent from Halfords. So far so good and I don't notice any difference whilst riding. Keep your content coming. Love the 30 day challenge. 👍
I use the Roadid.com bracelet to have my emergency contact info on me. Just a thought. Tony
Over 8000km and no punctures! I told you already sealant in your tubes!
Exactly the same experience. 6000 km in 3 years on Espoir Blackbelt tires, 2000 km on Continental GP 5000, no sealant. No puncture yet (knock knock).
U mean tubeless sealant in tubes?
Helen Mirren dreams???....I must bonk most evenings....🤭
Who the heck is Helen Mirren?
Oh her... Never heard of her.. Why you dreaming bout her?
I’m, obviously a lot older than you....
She was very hot for us old guys....
I have fantasized about pepperoni pizza on a long ride. Extra naughty since I gave up meat!
What about those of us who always carries along emergency energy storage in our bellies & hips? Do we still Bonk?
Sadly, yes we do.
Seems not fair, if we got the trouble of storing all that extra energy, and be able to use it.
Hi. I dont fully agree with your fueling pre-ride strategy - a massive bowl of porridge isnt ideal as it will leave you feeling bloated and lead to cramps during your ride. Unless you are eating 2 - 3 hours before your ride. And eating along the ride as well, unless its a very long one. I often ride without eating before the ride - in a fasting state from the night before - and I find that I perform WAY BETTER on an empty tummy than a full one. I often ride for 1 - 2 hours on an empty tummy and only eat after the ride is over. However, for longer rides more than 2 hours, i would then fuel along the ride.
For example, last week Friday (16/8/2019) I cycled 100km and only fueled myself with a single energy bar after 70km. (just over 2 hours) and no breakfast. I completed my 100km in 3 hours 19 minutes (you can see this on Strava if you follow me, which you havent yet). I then had a nice lunch after a shower when I get home.
The reason i dont believe in fueling before the morning ride is because we all eat the night before and that energy is still floating around in out systems, waiting to be used. Also, by fasting, we force out bodies to use THAT energy and also to use FAT as energy - which leads to weight loss. I weigh 71kg right now and am trying to get down to 68 or 69kg, so weight loss isnt my main focus, because I am already at my ideal weight. But I do still want to be a bit lighter so I can be a bit faster on my bike, but I firmly believe that being LIGHTER before a ride benefits me (personally) rather than having a tummy full of food before a ride, which will slow me down and give me stomach cramps.
So, I'm just saying that I dont fully agree with you - not trying to start a dispute, but just telling you what works for me, and what I think will work well for most people trying to get fitter and lose weight, through cycling. The bottom line is that we all have energy left over in our system from dinner the night before, so why not use THAT energy for a morning ride? Train our bodies to burn fat and left over energy.
Just my two cents :)
I agree with you Dean
I think the need to fuel up before a ride depends very much on your current level of fitness. In my experience working with novice riders trying to get fit without proper fueling beforehand leads to a disappointing experience on the bike. Unless the ride is short (1 hour) I always advise riders to show up for rides well-nourished, have a nutritious meal afterward, and then spend the time in between rides cutting calories, if desired. Having the best experience possible on the bike is the best way to develop a life-long, healthy cycling habit. It’s a shame to have someone fail because they ran out of energy, and leave thinking they’re just not up to the challenge. Cycling is a fun, easy sport that many can enjoy into extreme old age.
@@connieback7577 Sometimes, and only sometimes - i really mean RARELY - I fuel up before a ride... but then I have a breakfast 30% of the size I usually would on a day i wasnt riding. That way, I ensure I cannot feel bloated and full, and also, i have this "smaller" breakfast at least 2 hours before I go ride, so there is no way I can feel even a bit "bloated". But that is just me.... I am sure others may feel the same. I am quite fit however, and this strategy of not eating probably works for me because I have trained my body to function without that immediate energy from a meal consumed hours before a ride.
@@connieback7577 I am very much a novice @42yr old and in my first year of cycling and I agree with you. I can totally see what Dean is saying but for me personally I do have to eat an hour or two before a longer ride or else I just don't feel strong and feel like I run out of energy no matter what I consume during the ride. Eventually I feel as though I catch a second wind sooner or later but it seems as though I catch that pickup sooner rather than later when I eat before a ride. But once again I am a novice who is just now transitioning from just riding for fun and a little bit of cardio, To really looking forward to every ride as my me time and preparing for my first event in October. Sorry for throwing in my two cents but I still learn so much by reading about other riders habits. Take care
Jarvis thanks for chiming in. It sounds like you’re on the right track. Good luck with your upcoming event.
Traffic of any kind as there’s to many mongs waiting to put me back in hospital
I like to avoid frosty fingers, but I don't always do it successfully. I might install some sort of wind shields in front of my brake levers and handlebar grips to lessen the icy winter wind blowing on my fingers that are still cold in double gloves. That and warmer gloves too. Much better than the five to ten minutes of shaking my hands in the pockets to warm the now intensely tingling fingers and exclaiming "TTTHHHH AAAAAHHH! TTTTTHHHH AAAAAHHHH!" Family Guy style.
Things to avoid ...
1/ hills
2/ pot holes
3/ wet white lines
4/ singing silly songs out loud in a super villain voice to entertain yourself while riding around the Brighton Esplanade thinking you’re on your own only to look up and see 2 very confused fishermen looking at you strangely ... Ummmmm I mean yeah, who would do that?
I’ve an idea who might.
Hallucinations about Helen Mirren. 😂 actually I don’t need fatigue for that.
Another one.. Geez.. lol😀
I try not to go too soon after my porridge because I become sick, so I have my porridge the 45minutes later I head out.
Every 15min eating and a Cafe stop is way too much eating I think...
Absolutely. That's insane. I would burst eating that much.
I think he meant taking on fluid
I'm thinking to take an energy gulp every 30 min. Also before and after a ride.
What was your time up the gorge?
Helen Miren!!! I'm thinking of her and 'bonk' every 6 seconds!!
I calculate distance when every i do cycling i do it with googles maps. Sometime when i feel that it is difficult to go all the way i take a rest of 1-2 min then start again. Started using starva app to keep track of my progress. I keep little cash and mobile in case any problem so far have non. Still learning and improving my performance currently doing 10-15 km easily daily.
Good luck with it. Google maps is fantastic.
Try website brouter.de . You can plan any ride, any road on it. All over the world. With setting point-to-point pins you can plan your route, and it will give distance information etc. You can save the route and load it into a cycling computer.
Stevenafoe Do you’ll have ridewithgps in your country? If so, you plan routes and load them in your computer with turn by turn directions.
My biggest mistake is, that I always floor it. Slow driving is not my thing, I always have to go full throttle .... Of course I do not reach great distances. I also drive a very aggressive position on all bikes, even on my commuter bike.
If I did not dress properly, my only solution is to drive faster.
trace up your cadence & try to find a good sparing cyclist with much experience
2000km on my bike no punctures, watched Leonard's latest and 2 hours later get a double puncture 20 km from home. Tyres were like bishop from aliens, spewing white crap all over the place. Luckily had two spare tubes and the necessary accoutrements. Not saying you're a Jonah Leonard, not saying that at all😎😉
I’m watching!
A chain splitter and a spare link(imo)
number 1 thing to avoid......people.
the occasional hiker on a trail or the odd car passing on a country road is fine, but I dont like worrying about whether a pedestrian is going to cross in front of me while playing a mobile game, or stopping for street lights every 100m, or worrying if some asshole driver is paying attention. People(cycling partners excluded) = distractions, and I prefer to focus on and enjoy my ride
I’d add that it’s ok to leave the heart rate monitor and bike computer at home every now and then and simply ride on feel and enjoy it for what it is
No doubt. Sometimes you just have to enjoy riding!
Catrike & The Flaming Eyeball yeah, too easy to fall into the trap of obsessing over the numbers.
Free ride! I have strava as I like to keep track of my miles, speed and climbs, but I don't have the strava pro or whatever it is. I just enjoy riding. Go out and pedal, have fun, challenge yourself. I have some set loops and mountain bike areas I take my pup with me, but I just bought a gravel bike and am excited to explore. Listen to your body. You'll know if you push to hard or not hard enough. Have fun pedal like hell for awhile then cruise for awhile and take in the sites. If your on a gravel bike or road bike your on some sort of road. It's hard to get lost. Explore! Give friend or loved one a general idea of where your going. Get your tool kit, food, water. Take your phone for pics, maps and an emergency. That's all you need. If you training or on an exercise routine it is different, but don't forget to have fun and just get out there!
The biggest thing I fear is riding on roads with cars , call me old but my trust of car drivers is practically nil..one day I suppose,little by little
I distrust car drivers but I still ride on the road.
Put tire sealant in your inner tubes to avoid most flats
Don't eat on or before rides or when bonking, it feels crap at first but after a few weeks your body will adapt to burning fat for energy instead of glucose
How about a water enema every three hours on longer cycle trips ? Some should try
You first!
@@jollygoodvelo i did once in a long cycling 100 km ride .. it worked