splat Posted January 19, 2012 Posted January 19, 2012 1. Get your ride off to a good start by complimenting your partner on how great and thin she looks in her spandex. This will go a long way before you’ve even left the house. Caution: Make absolutely certain your compliment sounds genuine otherwise it could have the opposite effect i.e, your partner accuses you of lying or making fun of her and your ride is over before it started. 2. NEVER half-wheel your partner (this will cause unneeded tension and likely lead to an argument). 3. On that same note, REFRAIN from commenting on how nice it is to just “spin it out” and ride at a slow pace. Trust me, she is most likely riding as fast as she possibly can in order to keep up with your “recovery” ride. 4. REFRAIN from talking about ANYTHING bike related. Preferred topics include gossiping about various people, deciding what to do with the rest of your day, life planning etc. 5. REFRAIN from breaking in conversation with your partner by waving and chatting to every single cyclist you pass on the road. Yes, you may know them and even be friends but they will understand your lack of social grace when they spot your partner (unless of course you’re half-wheeling her at this point and they think you’re riding alone). Pretending you don’t see them is even accepted and understood.6. DO, push your partner up any big hills if she appears to be tiring. Caution: ASK before doing this or your gesture (albeit well intended) could lead to an argument….after-all we are quite capable of riding up a hill….or so the argument might go. 7. DO, buy the coffee when you stop for a break. 8. DO, offer to carry as many of your partners bike-related belongings (tools, pumps etc.) as possible. Her comfort is your happiness. 9. REFRAIN from offering tips on her technique unless your advice is explicitly solicited. Unwanted advice can lead to retaliation criticism of your own biking style…which always has the possibility of leading to criticism about you in general! Best to keep all comments to compliments and encouraging remarks. 10. Finally, remember that your bike is likely three times the cost of her bike and therefore three times as efficient. At least that’s my theory and justification when trying to keep up! From cyclingtipsblog
Baldrick Posted January 19, 2012 Posted January 19, 2012 11. Offer to fill up their water bottle when you stop at a water point.
The Saint Posted January 19, 2012 Posted January 19, 2012 The last time I went out for a ride with my wife she decided she didn't like her bike anymore an attempted to climb onto mine at 30kmph - I broke a wrist - Riding with your wife is just a bad idea - Rather tell her she looks fugly in spandex and end the ride before it even starts, you'll have a healthier marriage and probable suffer less injuries too and not have to worry about points 2 through 10 either.
Mojoman Posted January 19, 2012 Posted January 19, 2012 I disagree with number 8! I have the same attitude with hiking, if you want to come with thats great, but you carry your own gear! Want to be treat like an equal...!I also make my partner fix her own bike and service it (with assistance of course) but I feel she needs to be able to carry out a repair on her own as I may not always be around, same attitude when we used to take the 4x4 out, she learnt how to drive it and fix most simpler mechanicals. Girls who need pampering will have a tough time with me!
Fish Eagle Posted January 19, 2012 Posted January 19, 2012 The last time I went out for a ride with my wife she decided she didn't like her bike anymore an attempted to climb onto mine at 30kmph - I broke a wrist - Riding with your wife is just a bad idea - Rather tell her she looks fugly in spandex and end the ride before it even starts, you'll have a healthier marriage and probable suffer less injuries too and not have to worry about points 2 through 10 either. Laffing SO HARD right now!! Fugly in spandex!!! Bwaahahahahahaha!Seriously though, we arent all that bad...and Im all for carrying your own gear and smashing the husband up EVERY hill, because we all know you havent got a chance on the downhills...sigh.. Thanks for the laugh! Made my day!
Iron Posted January 19, 2012 Posted January 19, 2012 (edited) #12 : if any of the above have the slightest chance of conflict in any small way - DONT RIDE WITH HER, its safer. Edited January 19, 2012 by Iron
walkerr Posted January 19, 2012 Posted January 19, 2012 Brilliant. Thanks For me also (from personal experience): #12 - NEVER compare the experience with rides you made with any other women, regardless of not you were in a relationship or riding socially. The mere suggestion that another woman may ride faster is enough to bring an abrupt and unhappy end to your ride
The Saint Posted January 19, 2012 Posted January 19, 2012 What is half-wheeling?Follow my advice and you need never worry to find out
splat Posted January 19, 2012 Author Posted January 19, 2012 What is half-wheeling? Don’t Be A Half Wheel Harry One of the most annoying things about riding with someone new to the sport is the “Half Wheeler”. Many probably don’t know they are doing it or understand why it’s annoying so here’s the low down.Half wheeling is when you ride half a wheel or more ahead of the person you are cycling with… Half wheeling is an annoying cycling fau pax that should be avoided at all cost, half wheeling you riding partner is like saying, “your rubbish and I’m putting my front wheel ahead of your to remind you of that”…Sure some days your going to feel like a million bucks but resist the urge to kick it up a notch, the guy riding beside you might not have just downed a Red Bull or may have done almost double the amount of km’s you have.Don’t be a “Half wheel Harry” your buddies and strangers alike will thank you for it.
D-Mike Posted January 19, 2012 Posted January 19, 2012 Thanks, that's an enlightening tip regarding half-wheeling. I haven't done too much bunchriding myself. Its nice to know.
The expat cyclist Posted January 19, 2012 Posted January 19, 2012 Uhm, nee, that is not going to work. I treat my wife no different than I would treat any of my male friends when it comes to cycling. I respect her that way.It is like my brother in law says:As jy saam die groot honde wil hardloop moet jy jou been hoog oplig.
MountainChild Posted January 19, 2012 Posted January 19, 2012 This is Brilliant, I will give my boy credit he does most of the stuff... but he gets rewarded for it.Plus I tell my partner 1#
thatsme Posted January 19, 2012 Posted January 19, 2012 Came across this article a while back - give it a read if you're thinking of trying to get your partner riding http://lovelybike.blogspot.com/2010/05/so-my-husband-wants-me-to-get-bike.html (and please note I said 'partner', not wife - this works both ways boys)
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