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22 Things Only Cyclists Understand
Written by
Elizabeth Grimsley
Sure, you know how to ride a bike. Heck, you even take yours out for a spin occasionally. But do you really understand all the nuances that come along with being a cyclist? From being dressed like an aerodynamic clown in public to the sugar rush from a Mexican Coca-Cola after a hard day in the saddle, read on for the things only true cyclists understand.
The feeling of totally and completely bonking.
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Like, to the point where you can barely turn the pedals, no matter how fiercely your buddies are cheering you on.
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Your Next RideThe sugar rush from a Mexican Coca-Cola after a long, hard day in the saddle.
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There's literally nothing else like it. And no, regular Coke isn't the same.
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Your Next RideThe sheer agony and inconvenience of road rash.
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Have fun trying to put on pants for the next week—not to mention the time spent picking pebbles out of your wounds.
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Your Next RideThe feeling of riding 100 miles for the first time.
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Sheer exhaustion coupled with total elation, followed by an immediate need for a cold beer and a nap.
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Your Next RideRiding up an extremely steep grade.
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Like, so steep you have to get off and walk to avoid toppling over.
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Your Next RideAnd then riding that same grade again when you're more fit and conquering it without dismounting.
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Achievement = unlocked.
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Your Next RideWhen your back wheel fishtails unexpectedly.
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And that terrifying split second when your heart is in your throat.
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Your Next RideWhat it feels like to get dropped hard by the group.
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One second you're in the mix, the next second you're off the back (and in for an extremely long day).
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Your Next RideThe adrenaline rush from getting in the break.
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OH MY GOD I'M IN THE FRONT. Now, who's going to work with me here?
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Your Next RideEuropean-style Chamois Butter.
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*Sighs contentedly* Europeans just do it better.
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Your Next RideRiding in a peloton.
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Wait, we're averaging WHAT? Hope the guy in front of me picks a good line.
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Your Next RideYour own domestique.
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While few have experienced it first-hand, it's basically like having your own personal assistant to help during a race. #goals
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Your Next RideWhen you get dropped and have to ride solo for miles on end to catch the group.
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Please oh please, stop for water sometime soon.
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Your Next RideBeing dressed like an aerodynamic clown in public.
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But not caring because anything to make us go faster is appreciated.
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Your Next RideOwning a bike worth more than your car.
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"You can't buy happiness, but you can buy a bike."
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Your Next RideVO2 (L/min) = (0.01141 x Power output) + 0.435
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We'll just leave that one there.
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Your Next RideAbout the Author
More by Elizabeth » Elizabeth Grimsley
Elizabeth Grimsley is the editor of ACTIVE.com. After finishing a somewhat successful yet injury-prone gymnastics career, she attended the University of Georgia where she studied magazine and sports journalism and was named the first Conrad Fink Scholar. Since then, Grimsley made a pit stop working for USA Triathlon before finally relocating from Atlanta to Dallas. In her free time, she enjoys constantly being disappointed by Georgia sports, completely consuming herself in the “gymternet” and pretending she’s a better photographer than she probably is. You can follow her on Instagram and Twitter.