The Cyclist’s Rite of Passage: Milestones on the Journey to Becoming a Seasoned Rider

Cycling is more than just a sport; it’s a journey filled with challenges, triumphs, and moments that define us as riders. The Cyclist’s Rite of Passage includes milestones that resonate with every type of rider, whether you’re a road cyclist, mountain biker, or weekend enthusiast. Recently, we asked our Cycling-Inform Facebook Fan Page to share their thoughts on these rites of passage, and the response was overwhelming. Here are the key milestones that mark the journey to becoming a seasoned cyclist.

Skills and Achievements in a Cyclist’s Rite of Passage

• Able to bridge gaps: Mastering the art of closing down distances between groups in a ride or race.
• Able to do a track stand: Balancing perfectly still on your bike, a hallmark of control.
• Able to hold a wheel: Learning to stay close behind another rider to conserve energy.
• Able to roll turns smoothly: Coordinating with others in a paceline for maximum efficiency.
• Beating someone you never thought you would: A personal victory that boosts your confidence.
• Being able to hold your own in a fast-moving bunch ride: Staying with the pack in challenging conditions.
• First 100-mile or 100-km ride: A major endurance milestone for any cyclist.
• First win: Crossing the line first, no matter the level of competition.
• Going up a grade: Advancing in race categories or group ride levels.
• Riding at VO2MAX for more than five minutes: Pushing your physical limits.
• Riding in a team (even just for one event): Experiencing the camaraderie and strategy of team cycling.
• Standing on the podium: Whether it’s first place or a supporting role, celebrating your achievement.

Mishaps and Hard Lessons in a Cyclist’s Rite of Passage

• Broken collarbone: A common but painful badge of honour.
• Broken hip: A serious injury that tests resilience.
• Callouses on the hands: Proof of hours spent gripping the bars.
• Chain ring puncture scars on your calf: A mark of inexperience that’s almost a rite of initiation.
• Clip-stacks: Falling over because you couldn’t unclip in time—especially in public.
• Dislocated shoulders: Another tough but not uncommon injury.
• First crash: Everyone remembers their first tumble.
• Fractured ribs: Painful but part of the learning curve.
• Over the Bars (OTB) stack: A classic mountain biking moment.
• Road rash: A painful scrape that every cyclist experiences at least once.
• Scars on your hips and cycling knicks with holes: Battle scars of the sport.
• Scraped up elbows: Evidence of a crash or two.

Traditions and Quirks in a Cyclist’s Rite of Passage

• Cycling tan line: The unmistakable mark of a dedicated rider.
• Getting a coach: Taking your training to the next level.
• Getting a sponsor: A milestone for competitive riders.
• Getting over saddle soreness: Building the endurance to ride longer comfortably.
• Learning how to avoid chainring tattoos: A rite of growing experience.
• Not wearing your underwear under your cycling shorts: A fundamental lesson every cyclist learns.
• Puncturing a tyre out in the middle of nowhere: And figuring out how to get home.
• Shaving your legs: A tradition among road cyclists for aerodynamics and easier wound care.

Gear and Preparation in a Cyclist’s Rite of Passage

• Doubling up race entries: Testing your limits by competing in multiple events.
• Finding out you left your helmet, shoes, wheels, or bike at home: A frustrating but memorable mistake.
• Having a trainer and using it: Committing to off-season training.
• Having a designated trainer: Small details that mark serious indoor training.
• Riding rollers with no hands: The ultimate test of balance and confidence.

Unique Experiences in a Cyclist’s Rite of Passage

• Diving off-track into a creek, dam, or mud-bog: A rite of passage for mountain bikers.
• Racing a race you never thought possible: Achieving what once seemed unattainable.
• Road rash scar on the shoulder: A lasting reminder of dedication to the sport.

The Beginning of a Cyclist’s Rite of Passage

• The first time you learn to ride a bike: The moment that starts it all.

Celebrate the Journey

The Cyclist’s Rite of Passage is about more than just pedalling; it’s about embracing the journey, from the early days of learning to ride to achieving personal milestones and overcoming challenges. These rites of passage connect us as a community, each scar and story a testament to the passion we share for the sport.

Which milestones have you achieved? Share your stories with us and keep the tradition alive!