First Cycling Experience
By: Tracey Dudding
Before I met Zach, cycling was not something I ever really thought about trying.
My experience with bikes consisted mostly of riding around as a kid in grade school. So when I decided to go cycling with Zach, I knew I was a complete beginner but knew that we would have a great time.
So, off we went.
Our ride took us along Old 460 from Rich Creek to Glen Lyn, combining road and gravel riding with some beautiful Southwest Virginia scenery. We even stopped along the river for dinner, which made the whole experience feel like more than just a bike ride. It was a day spent outside, exploring, working hard, laughing, and enjoying the scenery along the way.
The first few minutes…
At first, I was a little wobbly.
It had been a long time since I had been on a bike, and apparently my childhood biking confidence didn’t automatically transfer into adulthood.
But after a few minutes, I found my balance again and once I did, I was ready to go.
Then came the hills.
And that’s when I learned an important lesson: Gears matter.
Shifting gears was something I had never really thought about before, but I quickly learned that shifting can make a huge difference and help you in the long run. I also discovered that apparently roads were much bumpier than I remembered them being as a kid.
Or maybe I was just a little less concerned about bumps when I was ten.
Either way, the hills definitely gave me a workout.
The one hill of no return…
There was one hill where I genuinely wasn’t sure I was going to finish.
I had gotten to the point where my legs were exhausted, and I still had that last stretch staring back at me. I knew I needed to get over the mental block as much as the physical one.
So I pushed.
I made it most of the way, but I did have to get off and walk for about five minutes because I simply couldn’t feel my legs anymore.
And honestly?
I’m glad I did.
Because sometimes pushing yourself doesn’t mean pretending you’re not tired. Sometimes it means recognizing what you need, catching your breath, and then getting back on the bike.
Thankfully, I had Zach with me.
He had packed plenty of drinks to keep my energy up, but more importantly, he was the perfect motivator. He knew when to encourage me, when to let me catch my breath, and when I just needed someone to tell me, “You’ve got this”.
Of course, he also knew exactly when I was tired enough to make me laugh.
Which brings me to another important cycling lesson:
I cannot laugh and ride a bike at the same time.
Apparently, that combination is beyond my skill level.
Then came the downhill.
After fighting my way up the hills, the downhill sections were probably my favorite part.
The speed.
The breeze.
Being able to finally catch my breath.
And that feeling of knowing that all the work you just put into climbing was worth it.
There’s a different kind of thrill that comes with cycling. You’re not just looking at the landscape from a car, and you’re not moving through it at the same pace as you would on foot. You’re actually experiencing the road, the terrain, the hills, the wind, and the scenery as you move through it.
We stopped along the way to take in the views, and eventually stopped by the river for dinner.
Those moments were just as memorable as the ride itself.
The Finish Line
When I finally finished the ride, I was completely worn out.
But I was also so proud of myself.
There was this burst of energy afterward. Probably a little bit of an adrenaline high from knowing that I had actually done something I wasn’t sure I could do.
I was tired.
I was excited.
I was proud.
And, surprisingly, I was already thinking about doing it again.
That’s probably the part that surprised me most.
The Appeal Clicked: Now I get the Hype
Going into this, I didn’t really understand the hype of cycling, and I certainly didn’t consider myself a cyclist.
But after experiencing it for myself, I have a completely different appreciation for it and for the cycling community.
I understand why someone would want to spend a day riding through the mountains, challenging themselves, stopping to enjoy a view, grabbing dinner by the river, and ending the day exhausted but incredibly proud of what they accomplished.
Guided Cycling Perks
I think that’s one of the things that makes guided cycling so special.
You don’t have to show up as an experienced cyclist.
You don’t have to be the fastest.
You don’t have to know exactly what you’re doing.
You just have to be willing to try.
So, should you try it?
If you’re sitting there thinking, “I’m not really a cyclist,” I understand.
I wasn’t either.
But that might actually be the best reason to give it a try.
A ride with Smitty’s Outdoor Adventures can be tailored to your experience and ability. Maybe you’re looking for a challenge and a great workout. Maybe you’re looking for a more relaxed ride with beautiful views. Either way, the goal isn’t to prove that you’re an experienced cyclist.
It’s to get outside and experience something new.
And you might surprise yourself.
You might discover that you love the feeling of flying down a hill after working your way up it. You might find a new way to explore the mountains. You might get a workout you didn’t realize you were capable of.
Or maybe you’ll just get some beautiful views, fresh air, exercise, and a chance to connect with nature.
Either way, you really don’t have much to lose by trying.
As for me?
I’m definitely doing it again.
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