1. A crash. Any crash.
The primary objective is cycling has got to be reaching that carefree attitude found when you're gliding down the road at 18 mph with minimum effort. You're flying. Your bike is performing. The world is zipping by as are your troubles. Even your shoes are comfortable.
Then it happens.
A squirrel jumps in front off you. A tire blows out. Another bike broadsides you. You hit some unexpected gravel.
You're suddenly headed to the pavement.
That split second when you realize you've lost control. That one.
It is one of the scariest moments possible in this sport.
How to avoid it.
Don't become complacent while you're on the bike. Ever. Remember the scary side of the sport and stay alert.
2. Getting lost
There are several electronic aids available these days designed to help keep your position on the road clear to you. Garmin, Phones with GPS monitoring, a whole host of others exist and are readily available. But face it, batteries wear out, you can lose a satellite signal or somehow lose contact with your source and Yep, you're lost.
How to avoid it.
Familiarize yourself with the area before riding. Before you get on the bike, read a map. Check out landmarks such as rivers, small towns or if you're in an urban area, businesses or other structures. It sounds elemental, but keep your eyes open and notice your surroundings the moment you get on the bike, When you make a turn, ask yourself if you're now headed east, west or what direction.
3. A mechanical breakdown.
The always start with a noise. A creak, a snap, a POW! The worst ones are unexpected and loud. Then you find yourself on the side of the road with a flat, a broken spoke or loose cleat.
All are unexpected, and they all can send shivers up your spine as you realize you're out in the middle of nowhere with no tools and no knowledge how to fix it.
How to avoid them.
There is an adage that states a farmer isn't worth a nickel if he can't field strip his tractor. The same might be said for a cyclist. I'm not saying you shouldn't leave the house until you can completely tear down your bike blindfolded, but a basic knowledge of how to maintain your bike is necessary.
How do you get this knowledge? Ask questions of the guys you ride with, watch them change a tire or adjust their derailleurs. Youtube is a great resource.
4. Getting dropped
Yeah, we've all been there. You're in the group; You take your turns on the front, you contribute, then suddenly, you're not. You've run out of gas, you decide to sightsee, or you don't want to do it.
Whatever the reason, as the group pulls away a massive hole in your stomach opens up. And as the distance between you and them widens, you can feel that hole getting more prominent.
How to avoid it.
Ride your own ride. Start each ride with a specific goal and stick to it. Tell yourself you want an average of x mph and work towards it. Ride with a group, but be your own rider. This will come in handy on the day when you blow past the crowd that had dropped you on another day,
5. Forgetting something
You arrive at the jump-off point, open your bag and find you have no helmet. Or you've run off without your shoes. Not only do you feel like a dolt, but you also look like one. It is embarrassing beyond belief.
But it happens to us all. Even folks with years of experience have shown up to rides without essential equipment, like helmets, shorts or at a time, even a bike.
How to avoid it.
There are several ways around this one, but it boils down to a simple rule: Be prepared and prepare early.
Here are some tips:
Pack your bag the night before.
Keep a bag with fresh, clean clothes handy all the time.
Pack two of everything.
