Inside the Mind of a First-Time Rider

Fitness + Wellness

Jun 6

Written By

Those of us who ride regularly, even if we've ridden hundreds of times, can vividly remember our first ride. Before: nerves, excitement, and, yes, more than a little fear. And then after: exhilaration, a sense of holy-cow-what-was-that, and major, major accomplishment. Recently we offered Stylebook readers a new rider special, so we thought it would be fun to have one of those new riders share her first time thoughts. (And, good news, if you missed that special, you have another chance to score two free classes. See details at the end of this post.)

4:30pm

[afternoon of first Ascend Cycle ride]Tonight’s the night – I’m getting back in the saddle. Literally. Where is that confirmation email about the ride tonight? [searches emails] Got it, okay…Glad I snagged that new rider deal. Email says to get there 15 minutes early…I haven’t worked out in so long. I’m so nervous. But, gotta start somewhere, right?

6:15pm

Parking was so easy in that lot behind the studio, and Ascend validates parking with this ticket – sweet! [walks into the studio] Well, I’m here, I wonder how long before someone [thoughts interrupted by Ascend front desk representative] – wow, that was fast. She says I’m on bike 5.

6:16pm

[Rep provides cycle shoes]They want me to put these shoes on my feet? With these awkward clips? How the heck do I walk in these? How do I clip in?

6:18pm

The front desk rep introduced me to the instructor, who told me she’d get me set up on my bike. So glad I don’t have to figure that part out on my own. And the instructor seemed so approachable, not at all what I was expecting! I still feel pretty awkward just sitting here in the lobby with all of these riders who seem to know each other…oh, wait, the instructor just introduced me to a group of riders and told them it was my first class. Everyone is so excited for me!

6:20pm

[rider enters studio]Wow, it’s dark in here with some funky blue lights…So glad the instructor is taking me to my bike and helping me set up. Loving this mantra wall – “I can and I will,” yes!

6:22pm

The instructor helped me clip in, set up my bike, showed me how to use it, and told me what the numbers on the computer screen mean…guess I’ll start pedaling to warm up like everyone else. Yes! Love this song!

6:30pm

[lights go down]Okay, class is starting – no backing out now, especially since I’m clipped in…so glad she’s explaining what to do…I’m nervous, but excited.

6:31pm

Wow, she’s talking about heart rate zones, and riding to the beat, breathing heavy, needing to recover…man, this workout sounds like it will be killer! Hope I can remember all of this…

6:45pm

So happy the instructor is reminding me what to do for each drill and each song…but sometimes I’m just losing myself in the music. Love when my pedals hit the beat!

6:57pm

Why was I was so concerned about how I was going to look on the bike? I haven’t even thought to look at anyone else during this ride – ain’t nobody got time for that! I’m too focused on the drills and the beat.

7:10pm

Oh, love this song! Makes me want to pedal faster!

7:17pm

Okay, wait, what? She wants me to end with a sprint?! Is she crazy?! I’ve been on this bike for almost 50 minutes and I’m dying – oh wait, this song is my jam! Okay, one last time, I can do this…!

7:20pm

OMG – I DID IT! I’m exhausted but I also feel kind of amazing! Loving this cool down…that didn’t feel like 50 minutes at all.

7:21pm

…wait, what? A cold towel to wipe myself down with? That smells like…mint and…eucalyptus? Wow. Amazing. And just what I needed…

7:25pm

I can’t believe it’s already over…that was not at all as intimidating as I thought. Okay, I know she just told me how to get unclipped but…it’s not…quite…—oh good, she noticed me struggling and is showing me how to unclip. Thank goodness for small miracles…

7:27pm

Wow, everything I’m wearing is completely drenched – it’s been a long time since I sweat like that. Feels so good.

7:30pm

Oh, good, they clean the shoes! I was wondering…and I just made a friend, we’re riding together in a few days!

7:31pm

[exiting the studio]The instructor asked me if I’d be back and even remembered my name after class…so I guess I’m on the hook. But damn, I feel good! I would have come back anyway! Next time, I’m bringing my friend – she will love this!

8am

[the next day]I’m so happy I went to ride last night! Booking another class on the Ascend app now. Definitely feeling it, but hurts so good! [divider height="30" style="default" line="default" themecolor="0"]