How To Get Started Riding: The Secret (Not-So-Secret) Answer

When I started riding bikes, my goal was simple: to get my training wheels taken off. My neighbor, who was technically younger than me by three weeks, had his taken off, so I needed mine off RIGHT NOW. I remember rolling around my driveway for hours, sulking at my dad, arguing with my mom, until they caved and took off my training wheels. I was maybe six at the time, and my first act as a now two-wheeled phenom was obvious: I rolled directly down a flight of stairs at the house next door, crashing epically.

OK, maybe I wasn’t ready for the training wheels to come off.

But I kept riding after that. I didn’t join a race team or sign up for a local club. I didn’t race bikes for almost 15 years after that first two-wheeled ride. But I rode, a lot. I rode around my neighborhood solo, I did an early form of mountain biking in the woods and fields behind our house, chasing after that neighbor. I rode the towpath with my family, usually dropping them early on so I could stop and read at a bench while I waited for them. When I went to college, the bike came along — now spray-painted black to be punk rock — and it got me to classes because buses were a hassle.

How did I get into cycling? I rode my bike.

The rest — how I eventually found a team, how I ended up racing, how I met my now inner-circle of friends — all came later. But to start, I just rode. No plan, no agenda, no goals. Riding was just a thing I did because it was fun.

I’ve been pretty excited to hear a few of the Real Life Shred Girls say the same thing:

“Really, just start riding your bike around! It’s so calming and it clears your mind. It’s so therapeutic.” –Abbey O’Brien, the Busiest Shred Girl We Know—And She Still Finds Time to Coach Young Riders

“Start on a super easy trail. Stay on a paved trail to start – take baby steps at first. But don’t be afraid to ride on the dirt and rocks and roots! Loantaka is one of my favorite parks. It’s paved, there are barely any hills, and it’s gorgeous. Convince one of your friends to go with you, even if neither of you have much experience. I rarely ride alone – I like riding with other people. Just ride around your neighborhood (or to downtown if you have one). People might notice you in a good way and seek you out if they want to learn to ride too. You might become a role model without knowing it.” –Emily Kane, a Mountain Biking, Clarinet Playing, Self-Proclaimed Klutz and Total Shred Girl IRL

So you want to get into bike riding? Step 1: Hop on your bike and start pedaling.

Let us know in the comments if you have another great tip for how to get started in cycling!