Tips for Happy Riding (Kinda Long)
06-09-07, 08:49 PM
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One Hep Cat
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Tips for Happy Riding (Kinda Long)
I was on the Rivendell website (https://www.rivbike.com) and re-read the "tips for happy riding" on the site. With all the attention we BF'ers devote to fashion, gear, carbon fiber bling and 400 watt output, I thought I would post this to remind us that it's really supposed to be about the fun and practicality. Feel free to add other points:
Thanks, Rivendell!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Learn right away that the front brake is the most effective one, and to never lock the front wheel in dirt.
Learn how far you can lean over without scraping a pedal.
Learn to keep the inside pedal UP when you corner, and learn to ride safely in all conditions. Signal your approach to pedestrians, especially if they’re old, and a bell is better than “On your left!” If no bell, try clacking your brake levers. If all you got is “On your left!” that’s fine.
At least one ride in 10, go without your sunglasses and gloves.
Sometime next month, put some double-sided cheap-style pedals on a good bike and ride in non-cycling garb.
Carry an extra tube you can donate to somebody with a flat tire and just a repair kit.
If you’re a guy, don’t try to be a mentor to every female cycler you meet.
Don’t ride in shoes you can’t walk through an antique shop in.
Don’t wear clothing that makes your sweat stink even more.
Don’t think you’ll go faster in a significant way if you and your bike become more aerodynamic.
Put a $20 bill inside your seat post or handlebar and hold it there, somehow.
Don’t ride until you’re confident you can fix a flat.
If you ride more than one bike, have a set of bring-along tools for each one.
Learn how to remove your rear wheel (put the chain onto the small cog, etc.).
If you ride in a group, bring food for you and somebody who forgot to.
Go for a one-hour ride underdressed sometime, because it’s good to be really cold on a bike every now and then.
Never blame your bike or your health or anything else if you’re the last one up the hill or in to the rest stop.
If your brake hoods are black, wrap your bars with a different color tape.
Never let your chain squeak.
If you pass another rider going up a hill, say more than “Hi,” but if it’s a woman and you aren’t, don’t assume she wants to chit-chat. If you’re a woman and it’s a guy, you can chit-chat all you like.
If you see another rider approaching you from the rear, trying to catch you, let it happen. Fun is more important than fast.
Don’t put any cycler up on a pedestal, except Lon and Freddie.
Sometimes, bring normal food on your ride.
Shoot photos on your rides and give them away.
Feel comfortable mixing high tech and low tech, old and new parts and technologies, and don’t apologize to anybody for it.
Compliment other people’s bikes, especially if they’re new.
Buy the cheapest helmet that fits well.
Try seersucker shirts for hot weather riding, and long-sleeved ones are best.
Don’t underestimate fig bars.
If you get a new widget and like it, don’t “swear by it.”
Don’t always shop by price and never ask for discounts at your local bike shop.
Every time you go into a bike shop, spend at least $2, and if you ask a question and get good advice, spend $5 (get a cable).
If you buy a rack, don’t ask for free installation.
Don’t assume your bike shop is making money.
Ride only when you feel like it.
If you know a fast new rider, don’t say, “You really ought to race…”
If you see a stocky woman rider, don’t suggest she race track.
Have at least one bike you feel comfortable riding in a downpour.
Ride in weather that keeps other cyclers indoors.
Never keep track of your pedaling cadence.
If you have a normal loop or ride, count the number of times you shift on it; then the next time you ride it, cut that in half and see if it makes any difference.
Learn to ride no-hands and to hop over obstacles, but not simultaneously.
Never hit a pedestrian.
In traffic, be visible and predictable.
If you have several bikes, set them up with different equipment…but always ride the saddle you like best.
Don’t try to keep up with faster descenders if you’re not comfortable descending.
Never apologize for buying something that’s not quite pro quality by saying, “I’m not going to race or anything.”
If you buy a stock bike, do something to it that makes it the only one exactly like it in the world.
Don’t think it’s important to match front and rear hubs or rims.
If you borrow somebody else’s bike, for a short test or a long ride, say something nice about it.
Always bring a pump.
Build at least one wheel.
Wear out something.
Don’t ever describe any bike, no matter how inexpensive or dilapidated, as “a piece of crap.”
If you get a fancy bike assembled by somebody else, allow them a scrape or two, especially if the bike is really expensive.
Thanks, Rivendell!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Learn right away that the front brake is the most effective one, and to never lock the front wheel in dirt.
Learn how far you can lean over without scraping a pedal.
Learn to keep the inside pedal UP when you corner, and learn to ride safely in all conditions. Signal your approach to pedestrians, especially if they’re old, and a bell is better than “On your left!” If no bell, try clacking your brake levers. If all you got is “On your left!” that’s fine.
At least one ride in 10, go without your sunglasses and gloves.
Sometime next month, put some double-sided cheap-style pedals on a good bike and ride in non-cycling garb.
Carry an extra tube you can donate to somebody with a flat tire and just a repair kit.
If you’re a guy, don’t try to be a mentor to every female cycler you meet.
Don’t ride in shoes you can’t walk through an antique shop in.
Don’t wear clothing that makes your sweat stink even more.
Don’t think you’ll go faster in a significant way if you and your bike become more aerodynamic.
Put a $20 bill inside your seat post or handlebar and hold it there, somehow.
Don’t ride until you’re confident you can fix a flat.
If you ride more than one bike, have a set of bring-along tools for each one.
Learn how to remove your rear wheel (put the chain onto the small cog, etc.).
If you ride in a group, bring food for you and somebody who forgot to.
Go for a one-hour ride underdressed sometime, because it’s good to be really cold on a bike every now and then.
Never blame your bike or your health or anything else if you’re the last one up the hill or in to the rest stop.
If your brake hoods are black, wrap your bars with a different color tape.
Never let your chain squeak.
If you pass another rider going up a hill, say more than “Hi,” but if it’s a woman and you aren’t, don’t assume she wants to chit-chat. If you’re a woman and it’s a guy, you can chit-chat all you like.
If you see another rider approaching you from the rear, trying to catch you, let it happen. Fun is more important than fast.
Don’t put any cycler up on a pedestal, except Lon and Freddie.
Sometimes, bring normal food on your ride.
Shoot photos on your rides and give them away.
Feel comfortable mixing high tech and low tech, old and new parts and technologies, and don’t apologize to anybody for it.
Compliment other people’s bikes, especially if they’re new.
Buy the cheapest helmet that fits well.
Try seersucker shirts for hot weather riding, and long-sleeved ones are best.
Don’t underestimate fig bars.
If you get a new widget and like it, don’t “swear by it.”
Don’t always shop by price and never ask for discounts at your local bike shop.
Every time you go into a bike shop, spend at least $2, and if you ask a question and get good advice, spend $5 (get a cable).
If you buy a rack, don’t ask for free installation.
Don’t assume your bike shop is making money.
Ride only when you feel like it.
If you know a fast new rider, don’t say, “You really ought to race…”
If you see a stocky woman rider, don’t suggest she race track.
Have at least one bike you feel comfortable riding in a downpour.
Ride in weather that keeps other cyclers indoors.
Never keep track of your pedaling cadence.
If you have a normal loop or ride, count the number of times you shift on it; then the next time you ride it, cut that in half and see if it makes any difference.
Learn to ride no-hands and to hop over obstacles, but not simultaneously.
Never hit a pedestrian.
In traffic, be visible and predictable.
If you have several bikes, set them up with different equipment…but always ride the saddle you like best.
Don’t try to keep up with faster descenders if you’re not comfortable descending.
Never apologize for buying something that’s not quite pro quality by saying, “I’m not going to race or anything.”
If you buy a stock bike, do something to it that makes it the only one exactly like it in the world.
Don’t think it’s important to match front and rear hubs or rims.
If you borrow somebody else’s bike, for a short test or a long ride, say something nice about it.
Always bring a pump.
Build at least one wheel.
Wear out something.
Don’t ever describe any bike, no matter how inexpensive or dilapidated, as “a piece of crap.”
If you get a fancy bike assembled by somebody else, allow them a scrape or two, especially if the bike is really expensive.
06-09-07, 10:04 PM
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I just went out for a 14 mile ride wearing plain baggy street shorts and an old rock band t-shirt with several holes in it on my road bike. Kinda felt nice looking normal on a bike for once. I still rocked the Sidis though.
OCP club membership status: suspended until further investigation.
OCP club membership status: suspended until further investigation.
06-10-07, 08:01 PM
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great list!
This one makes me really curious, I'll have to try it.
If you have a normal loop or ride, count the number of times you shift on it; then the next time you ride it, cut that in half and see if it makes any difference.
06-15-07, 09:40 AM
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Originally Posted by Joe Dog
At least one ride in 10, go without your sunglasses and gloves.
10-10-08, 11:20 AM
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This article was linked on ****** recently, and figured there would already be a thread on the topic. Sure enough, search pulled up this thread from last year. Apologies for the resurrection.
I have no idea why you'd want to do this. Just style? Some sort of functional difference?
My guess is that it's another tip meant to do two things. One, make it clear to others that you don't always need the perfect equipment to ride a bike. And two, to make you appreciate these things more.
Similar to the "ride underdressed" tip.
(yes, I know it's a year and a half old comment, but...)
If your brake hoods are black, wrap your bars with a different color tape.
My guess is that it's another tip meant to do two things. One, make it clear to others that you don't always need the perfect equipment to ride a bike. And two, to make you appreciate these things more.
Similar to the "ride underdressed" tip.
(yes, I know it's a year and a half old comment, but...)
10-10-08, 11:43 AM
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I won't ever ride without glasses of some sort. When I used to, I'd get bugs in my eyes. That's NOT fun. Neither are the saddle sores I get if I don't wear appropriate bike shorts.
Actually, there are a lot of things on the list that aren't fun for me. That said, the gist of it is good. Have fun when you ride!
Actually, there are a lot of things on the list that aren't fun for me. That said, the gist of it is good. Have fun when you ride!
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10-10-08, 12:11 PM
#7
L T X B O M P F A N S R
I was on the Rivendell website (https://www.rivbike.com) and re-read the "tips for happy riding" on the site. With all the attention we BF'ers devote to fashion, gear, carbon fiber bling and 400 watt output, I thought I would post this to remind us that it's really supposed to be about the fun and practicality. Feel free to add other points:
Thanks, Rivendell!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
At least one ride in 10, go without your sunglasses and gloves.
Sometime next month, put some double-sided cheap-style pedals on a good bike and ride in non-cycling garb.
Don’t ride in shoes you can’t walk through an antique shop in.
Don’t wear clothing that makes your sweat stink even more.
Don’t think you’ll go faster in a significant way if you and your bike become more aerodynamic.
Go for a one-hour ride underdressed sometime, because it’s good to be really cold on a bike every now and then.
If your brake hoods are black, wrap your bars with a different color tape.
Never let your chain squeak.
If you see another rider approaching you from the rear, trying to catch you, let it happen. Fun is more important than fast.
Sometimes, bring normal food on your ride.
Ride only when you feel like it.
Ride in weather that keeps other cyclers indoors.
Never keep track of your pedaling cadence.
Don’t ever describe any bike, no matter how inexpensive or dilapidated, as “a piece of crap.”
Thanks, Rivendell!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
At least one ride in 10, go without your sunglasses and gloves.
Sometime next month, put some double-sided cheap-style pedals on a good bike and ride in non-cycling garb.
Don’t ride in shoes you can’t walk through an antique shop in.
Don’t wear clothing that makes your sweat stink even more.
Don’t think you’ll go faster in a significant way if you and your bike become more aerodynamic.
Go for a one-hour ride underdressed sometime, because it’s good to be really cold on a bike every now and then.
If your brake hoods are black, wrap your bars with a different color tape.
Never let your chain squeak.
If you see another rider approaching you from the rear, trying to catch you, let it happen. Fun is more important than fast.
Sometimes, bring normal food on your ride.
Ride only when you feel like it.
Ride in weather that keeps other cyclers indoors.
Never keep track of your pedaling cadence.
Don’t ever describe any bike, no matter how inexpensive or dilapidated, as “a piece of crap.”
And the OP saying "it's really supposed to be about the fun and practicality", I would say, "To each his own!" Some people like the athletic aspect of cycling, pushing themselves and going through some amount of punishment. There's nothing wrong with that.
10-10-08, 12:25 PM
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They left out the most important tip for happy cycling:
Get rid of your bike computer or cover the screen while riding.
Get rid of your bike computer or cover the screen while riding.
10-10-08, 01:20 PM
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I forgot my GPS on my last long ride. The miles seemed to go by faster than I've ever seen them, and I was riding fairly slowly.
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Tour Journals, Blog, ride pix
My bands:
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My bands:
- Uke On! - ukulele duo - Videos
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- Baroque and Hungry's (Celtic fusion) full-length studio album Mended.
- Artistic Differences - 8-track EP Dreams of Bile and Blood.
10-10-08, 01:25 PM
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"Go for a one-hour ride underdressed sometime, because it’s good to be really cold on a bike every now and then."
Um, no thanks. Brrrrrr. I find that when I get cold, my concentration goes to what's cold on me to what's happening around me. Brrrrrr.
Um, no thanks. Brrrrrr. I find that when I get cold, my concentration goes to what's cold on me to what's happening around me. Brrrrrr.
10-10-08, 01:58 PM
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(Febs looks down at his really pale hand and really tan arm, and the stark contrast of the line separating the two, and thinks he understands why.)
10-10-08, 02:01 PM
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Some of these are really smart and others are quite dumb. And I say that as the weirdest of hybrids: a commuter with a racing license who subscribes to Velonews and the Riv Reader.
10-10-08, 02:29 PM
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That's what I thought too. Now here's where it gets interesting - I have a significantly different background than you. Might be interesting to compare which ones we each thought were dumb.
10-10-08, 02:42 PM
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I was on the Rivendell website (https://www.rivbike.com) and re-read the "tips for happy riding" on the site. With all the attention we BF'ers devote to fashion, gear, carbon fiber bling and 400 watt output, I thought I would post this to remind us that it's really supposed to be about the fun and practicality. Feel free to add other points:
Thanks, Rivendell!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Learn right away that the front brake is the most effective one, and to never lock the front wheel in dirt.
Learn how far you can lean over without scraping a pedal.
Learn to keep the inside pedal UP when you corner, and learn to ride safely in all conditions. Signal your approach to pedestrians, especially if they’re old, and a bell is better than “On your left!” If no bell, try clacking your brake levers. If all you got is “On your left!” that’s fine.
At least one ride in 10, go without your sunglasses and gloves.
Sometime next month, put some double-sided cheap-style pedals on a good bike and ride in non-cycling garb.
Carry an extra tube you can donate to somebody with a flat tire and just a repair kit.
If you’re a guy, don’t try to be a mentor to every female cycler you meet.
Don’t ride in shoes you can’t walk through an antique shop in.
Don’t wear clothing that makes your sweat stink even more.
Don’t think you’ll go faster in a significant way if you and your bike become more aerodynamic.
Put a $20 bill inside your seat post or handlebar and hold it there, somehow.
Don’t ride until you’re confident you can fix a flat.
If you ride more than one bike, have a set of bring-along tools for each one.
Learn how to remove your rear wheel (put the chain onto the small cog, etc.).
If you ride in a group, bring food for you and somebody who forgot to.
Go for a one-hour ride underdressed sometime, because it’s good to be really cold on a bike every now and then.
Never blame your bike or your health or anything else if you’re the last one up the hill or in to the rest stop.
If your brake hoods are black, wrap your bars with a different color tape.
Never let your chain squeak.
If you pass another rider going up a hill, say more than “Hi,” but if it’s a woman and you aren’t, don’t assume she wants to chit-chat. If you’re a woman and it’s a guy, you can chit-chat all you like.
If you see another rider approaching you from the rear, trying to catch you, let it happen. Fun is more important than fast.
Don’t put any cycler up on a pedestal, except Lon and Freddie.
Sometimes, bring normal food on your ride.
Shoot photos on your rides and give them away.
Feel comfortable mixing high tech and low tech, old and new parts and technologies, and don’t apologize to anybody for it.
Compliment other people’s bikes, especially if they’re new.
Buy the cheapest helmet that fits well.
Try seersucker shirts for hot weather riding, and long-sleeved ones are best.
Don’t underestimate fig bars.
If you get a new widget and like it, don’t “swear by it.”
Don’t always shop by price and never ask for discounts at your local bike shop.
Every time you go into a bike shop, spend at least $2, and if you ask a question and get good advice, spend $5 (get a cable).
If you buy a rack, don’t ask for free installation.
Don’t assume your bike shop is making money.
Ride only when you feel like it.
If you know a fast new rider, don’t say, “You really ought to race…”
If you see a stocky woman rider, don’t suggest she race track.
Have at least one bike you feel comfortable riding in a downpour.
Ride in weather that keeps other cyclers indoors.
Never keep track of your pedaling cadence.
If you have a normal loop or ride, count the number of times you shift on it; then the next time you ride it, cut that in half and see if it makes any difference.
Learn to ride no-hands and to hop over obstacles, but not simultaneously.
Never hit a pedestrian.
In traffic, be visible and predictable.
If you have several bikes, set them up with different equipment…but always ride the saddle you like best.
Don’t try to keep up with faster descenders if you’re not comfortable descending.
Never apologize for buying something that’s not quite pro quality by saying, “I’m not going to race or anything.”
If you buy a stock bike, do something to it that makes it the only one exactly like it in the world.
Don’t think it’s important to match front and rear hubs or rims.
If you borrow somebody else’s bike, for a short test or a long ride, say something nice about it.
Always bring a pump.
Build at least one wheel.
Wear out something.
Don’t ever describe any bike, no matter how inexpensive or dilapidated, as “a piece of crap.”
If you get a fancy bike assembled by somebody else, allow them a scrape or two, especially if the bike is really expensive.
Thanks, Rivendell!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Learn right away that the front brake is the most effective one, and to never lock the front wheel in dirt.
Learn how far you can lean over without scraping a pedal.
Learn to keep the inside pedal UP when you corner, and learn to ride safely in all conditions. Signal your approach to pedestrians, especially if they’re old, and a bell is better than “On your left!” If no bell, try clacking your brake levers. If all you got is “On your left!” that’s fine.
At least one ride in 10, go without your sunglasses and gloves.
Sometime next month, put some double-sided cheap-style pedals on a good bike and ride in non-cycling garb.
Carry an extra tube you can donate to somebody with a flat tire and just a repair kit.
If you’re a guy, don’t try to be a mentor to every female cycler you meet.
Don’t ride in shoes you can’t walk through an antique shop in.
Don’t wear clothing that makes your sweat stink even more.
Don’t think you’ll go faster in a significant way if you and your bike become more aerodynamic.
Put a $20 bill inside your seat post or handlebar and hold it there, somehow.
Don’t ride until you’re confident you can fix a flat.
If you ride more than one bike, have a set of bring-along tools for each one.
Learn how to remove your rear wheel (put the chain onto the small cog, etc.).
If you ride in a group, bring food for you and somebody who forgot to.
Go for a one-hour ride underdressed sometime, because it’s good to be really cold on a bike every now and then.
Never blame your bike or your health or anything else if you’re the last one up the hill or in to the rest stop.
If your brake hoods are black, wrap your bars with a different color tape.
Never let your chain squeak.
If you pass another rider going up a hill, say more than “Hi,” but if it’s a woman and you aren’t, don’t assume she wants to chit-chat. If you’re a woman and it’s a guy, you can chit-chat all you like.
If you see another rider approaching you from the rear, trying to catch you, let it happen. Fun is more important than fast.
Don’t put any cycler up on a pedestal, except Lon and Freddie.
Sometimes, bring normal food on your ride.
Shoot photos on your rides and give them away.
Feel comfortable mixing high tech and low tech, old and new parts and technologies, and don’t apologize to anybody for it.
Compliment other people’s bikes, especially if they’re new.
Buy the cheapest helmet that fits well.
Try seersucker shirts for hot weather riding, and long-sleeved ones are best.
Don’t underestimate fig bars.
If you get a new widget and like it, don’t “swear by it.”
Don’t always shop by price and never ask for discounts at your local bike shop.
Every time you go into a bike shop, spend at least $2, and if you ask a question and get good advice, spend $5 (get a cable).
If you buy a rack, don’t ask for free installation.
Don’t assume your bike shop is making money.
Ride only when you feel like it.
If you know a fast new rider, don’t say, “You really ought to race…”
If you see a stocky woman rider, don’t suggest she race track.
Have at least one bike you feel comfortable riding in a downpour.
Ride in weather that keeps other cyclers indoors.
Never keep track of your pedaling cadence.
If you have a normal loop or ride, count the number of times you shift on it; then the next time you ride it, cut that in half and see if it makes any difference.
Learn to ride no-hands and to hop over obstacles, but not simultaneously.
Never hit a pedestrian.
In traffic, be visible and predictable.
If you have several bikes, set them up with different equipment…but always ride the saddle you like best.
Don’t try to keep up with faster descenders if you’re not comfortable descending.
Never apologize for buying something that’s not quite pro quality by saying, “I’m not going to race or anything.”
If you buy a stock bike, do something to it that makes it the only one exactly like it in the world.
Don’t think it’s important to match front and rear hubs or rims.
If you borrow somebody else’s bike, for a short test or a long ride, say something nice about it.
Always bring a pump.
Build at least one wheel.
Wear out something.
Don’t ever describe any bike, no matter how inexpensive or dilapidated, as “a piece of crap.”
If you get a fancy bike assembled by somebody else, allow them a scrape or two, especially if the bike is really expensive.
10-10-08, 04:48 PM
#17
Recumbent tricyclist
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I speak from motorcycle experience, where I was trying to keep up with a faster rider. Rode into a corner faster than I was used to, froze up and drove the bike off the side of the road (no major injuries to myself or the bike, thankfully, but it was a silly mistake to try to keep up).
10-10-08, 04:52 PM
#18
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Why do you think "Don’t try to keep up with faster descenders if you’re not comfortable descending" is dumb?
I speak from motorcycle experience, where I was trying to keep up with a faster rider. Rode into a corner faster than I was used to, froze up and drove the bike off the side of the road (no major injuries to myself or the bike, thankfully, but it was a silly mistake to try to keep up).
I speak from motorcycle experience, where I was trying to keep up with a faster rider. Rode into a corner faster than I was used to, froze up and drove the bike off the side of the road (no major injuries to myself or the bike, thankfully, but it was a silly mistake to try to keep up).
10-10-08, 05:11 PM
#19
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10-10-08, 05:31 PM
#20
Uber Goober
A lot of these are just saying "Get out of your rut", which is good. Of course, some of us don't get in that rut. 
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"be careful this rando stuff is addictive and dan's the 'pusher'."
"be careful this rando stuff is addictive and dan's the 'pusher'."
10-10-08, 05:37 PM
#21
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Gotta look at the source too. It's form the luddites at Rivendell...
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Some sort of pithy irrelevant one-liner should go here.
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Some sort of pithy irrelevant one-liner should go here.
10-10-08, 05:52 PM
#22
Senior Member
