How to become a "real" cyclist

Every year millions of people buy new bikes annually, with the U.S. seeing around 18-20 million units sold in recent years (like 20.4M in 2023), while globally, the market is massive, with some estimates suggesting over 40,000 bikes sold daily with a growing shift towards electric bikes. Having been in the cycling industry most of my life, and as a cyclists who rides all kinds of bikes, with all kinds of riders, the following is my personal reflection of the commonality of every "real" cyclist that I've encountered for years.

Many people start riding by themselves and let fate, their location, traffic, or weather have its way. Most realize that it’s harder and more lonely than they ever imagined and quit. Because of this and other reasons there are thousands of bikes sitting in garages with less than 100 miles on them.

For others, they might have a friend or family member as the motivation for their purchase and that can be either a good or bad thing. It's how you're treated, or mis-treated, that can determine if your love for cycling grows or fades into the sunset.

Then, there’s a minority of people who try a group ride somewhere, and if fate has it, they find a person or persons, willing to show them the ropes. If they manage to get hooked and continue, their journey has just blossomed to a very important stage. Those are the people who usually become "real" cyclists. My definition of "real" cyclists includes someone with the following character traits:

• They love cycling

• They love bicycles and might/probably have several (N+1)

• They ride as much as they can, or their schedule allows

• They talk about cycling (maybe more then they should)

• They'll ride with anyone, good or bad (at least once)

• They might include cycling into a trip or vacation

• Even if there's a reason for not riding, or a time in their life that they don't own a bicycle, they still identify as a cyclist and could return to the sport if given the opportunity/ability

  
  

While I understand there's way more I could add to this list, you get the idea. If you don't, then you're probably not a "real" cyclist yet.

While many use cycling as a time for solitude, exercise and self-reflection, it's the social riders who learn and grow the quickest. There's a level of learning and accountability that waters their enthusiasm and curiosity for the sport, combined with the community and peer-pressures of being around other like-minded individuals. If they remain the student and glean everything that others are willing to share and teach, they themselves can become the future teachers and drag more people into cycling and perpetuate our beautiful sport.

If they get too cocky in the process of learning, they’ll notice that their riding pool starts getting smaller and smaller, and that their teachers stop teaching. The next phase is not as noticeable to the new rider, but nobody will ride with them or invite them, and they’ll spend the rest of their cycling life riding alone, telling everyone how amazing they are or used to be. As far as regular cyclists (and not referring to the new pool of e-bikers), I could show you many names of people that are on Strava (or other forms of cycling social media) who never ride with anyone… because nobody wants to ride with them.

Now down the rabbit hole... while I truly believe that Strava and similar social sites can be a fun tool for recording rides, seeing how you stack up with others, and as a tool for personal training metrics, COMPETITIVE SOCIAL MEDIA APPS AND PROGRAMS are also the greatest evil to ever hit cycling. They all have the ability to pit people against each other and create rivalries where there would never have been one. It can bring out the worst in people and not everyone can handle competition or comments from others. Not recieving a thumbs up, or cudos can really affect someone who might have a problem with self-esteem. Getting beat or having a KOM taken can piss-off even the nicest people. There's a reason that everyone in the world doesn't compete at sports. Either they can't, don't want to, or they can't handle it. Competition is great for some people and a crushing blow for others. I know of many people who are very serious cyclists and they have never been in a race or competition of any kind. These apps usually give new riders a false sense of how awesome they might think they're becoming. Real racing has so much more complications and dynamics that can't be duplicated by any app. When a person becomes arrogant or thinks that they're an amazing cyclist, I pray that they will have the guts to sign up for a race someday. Anyone who has raced before can agree that the results (of the self-proclaimed hero) will be incredibly humbling.

So while I crawl out of this rabbit hole, I'll start by sharing some insights from the years and thousands of miles of my personal cycling life behind bars... One thing I've noticed on all the group rides I've ever been on, you will see people of all walks, sizes, shapes, sexes, religions, political beliefs and more, ride together! I've never found a sport where such diversity works so seemless and with exception of a long lunch stop or road trip personal opinions rarely rise up and offend. Everyone's focused on riding. They're genuinely interested in holding their line, keeping up, pointing out the obstacles, breathing, pushing and all around making sure we get the job done. Add in the element of the beauty of the outdoors, the fresh oxygen and the sunlight that we all need, and you can see that everyone's getting the medicine that we all need so badly. I believe that those reasons, along with others, are the "secret sauce" of why group rides simply work. These observations have led me to this conclusion of why I find more "real" cyclists out on group rides. It doesn't mean they don't exist outside of the Peloton, but if you're looking for those real die-hard riders, look no further then your local group ride. Every group is different and a shadow of the leader(s) so if one group isn't your cup of tea, try a different one.

Here's a basic list to keep in your mind while on your journey to becoming a "real cyclist:

1. Don't be afraid to ride with others and try different groups.

2. Try all kinds of bikes or rides and don't judge. It's all fun.

3. Encourage others with the positives about cycling. Every sport has negatives.

4. If you use cycling social media, be kind and remain as humble as you can.

5. Put yourself in others shoes and never judge their journey.

6. Find the local Bike Shop that supports and helps you the way you need.

7. Find your tribe and you'll feel the power of the Peloton!

I'll conclude by offering an open invitation to anyone wanting to learn or try something new, with a simple promise that adventure starts at Sequim Bike Studio. If you have any questions or need help with anything cycling related, reach out. We believe in you and the cycling journey that you might be on!

Ride - Explore - Repeat

Garth