Before you start your journey, here are 10 essential pieces of knowledge you must be aware of.
1. Know your own limits. What others can do physically, you may not be able to. Where others can go, you might not reach.
2. Be mentally and materially well-prepared. Cycling is a demanding endeavor that requires patience, requires a strong will, requires sufficient funds to sustain it, and requires support from family.
3. Understand your equipment. The performance of your gear plays a significant role in protecting you.
4. Know some basic medical knowledge. This includes your blood type, medical history, and any drug allergies. Know how your companions can contact your family if you get injured.
5. Be familiar with relevant laws and basic road traffic regulations.
6. Know at least four phone numbers. 110, 120, and at least two other contacts who can assist you.
7. Regularly check your equipment.
8. Have a good set of tools, essential spare parts, and basic repair knowledge. Don’t always expect others to carry multiple spare tires — borrowing tools can also put others in an awkward position, especially spare tires.
9. Be patient. Don’t expect to turn into a ‘Terminator’ in just one month. Progress step by step — that’s the way to succeed.
10. Pursue the joy of cycling rather than chasing trends. If you treat cycling as a fashion statement, you’ll soon grow bored and miss out on the true pleasure it brings. The motivation to engage in any sport should come from genuine passion, not peer pressure.
Keep these in mind, and then hit the road on your bike~!