Adventures on a Bicycle and Ten Lessons for Life

1. There are many types of bike available today, road bikes, mountain bikes, hybrids, BMXs and superficially, many of each type look equal:

In everything, be able to see beyond the paintwork and recognize quality.

2. Recognize the type of bike which meets your needs and match the characteristics and quality to your planned riding environment:

Every job is easier and can be done faster or better when you have the right tools.

3. If the size of the bike you choose is inappropriate you will never be able ride efficiently or in comfort. Regardless of whether the saddle is too high or low, it still make your eyes water!

Even quality equipment is useless unless it fits well!

4. Having bought the right sized bike, know how to set the saddle and handlebar position, up or down, forward or back, to fit your limb length for maximum power and riding comfort.

Leverage the power of quality equipment by learning how to use it for maximum effectiveness.

5. Do you really need 27 gear ratios? Did anyone ever mention simplicity?

The more you have, the more time is spent on repairs and maintenance, the more weight you carry and the more energy is expended on reaching your target. Is that really what you want?

6. Pedaling after a puncture is brutally hard work and destroys your tires.

Know when stopping to take stock and make repairs if necessary will enable you to reach your life's goal faster.

7. Carry a puncture repair kit or spare inner tube and be aware that both are useless without a bicycle pump or air supply.

Be aware of the critical dependencies in your life and work and ensure none are overlooked.

8. Minimize your air resistance except when the wind is behind you.

Know when to sit tall and make yourself like a sail to be swept along effortlessly. Know when to hunker down into the most aerodynamic position you can find to pierce that headwind.

9. In my teens our rides always took us to where the hills were steepest. Once climbing there was only one socially acceptable way to dismount: fall-off when it became impossible to turn the pedals anymore!

Which of your ingrained customs or beliefs is it time to review and shed?

10. All your equipment is useless without the muscle to push it.

Be prepared for your journey in terms of nutrition of the mind and the body and the conditioning of both.