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The First Race - How to help out newcomers
http://www.cycling-inform.com/articles/200/1/The-First-Race---How-to-help-out-newcomers/Page1.html
Jodie Batchelor
Jodie is the current Victorian Vets Criterium and Road champion in her age group. She has been racing for several years now and likes any event that involves sprinting and not too many hills. She initially used cycling as an important part of her rehabilitation from a mountaineering accident in New Zealand. She then got into racing as a replacement for martial arts in which she represented Australia and won Gold, Silver & Bronze medals in the Martial Arts World Games in 2000.  
By Jodie Batchelor
Published on 04-Sep-08
 
If you've been in this sport for a while you will probably have seen this happen. An enthusiastic person shows up for their first race with the local club. Their a bit intimidated by the lingo they overhear, but that's nothing compared to their anxiety about what to do and how to do it once the race gets underway. Before long they are out the back of the bunch, spooked by the interplay of bike wheels and feeling dejected. Do you think this rider will be back for another race next weekend? Not likely. To read the full article and tips on encouraging new riders click on 'Full Story' link below.
It's sometimes unfortunate, but experienced cyclists are often pretty tough on newcomers. It may be intentional because of the risks that an unskilled bike handler creates for everyone, but more often it happens because we forget how much a novice cyclist doesn't know. If you think about it, riding a bike isn't all that easy. There is a lot to learn for a newcomer to the sport.

I know when I started racing I had the experience of my husband talking me through it before hand. But because he was not in the grade I was racing in it didn't help me much until after about the first season of racing. After some racing experience I could then discuss my racing encounters with him.

What also helped me was the people I was racing against. I was in the lowest grade that club had and most of the guys I was racing with had been at the top of the sport in their younger days. This is one of the benefits of racing with the Australian Vets clubs. They gave me advice and encouraged me. I am not in the same grade as these guys now but every time I see them at a race we still say g'day and they still encourage me.

Here is some advise for anyone when riding with a newcomer. If you're a beginning rider, these tips can also help you have a more positive experience as you learn the sport, by helping you asking the appropriate questions.

  • Tell the rider if they are in the wrong gear.
  • Avoid the use of cycling jargon or explain what it means, like 'rolling a turn' or 'upshift one cog'. A new rider may not understand and may be too embarrassed to ask.
  • Let the rider know how often you train and how long it takes to get on top of cycling (normally about 3yrs).
  • Let the person evolve. If they are interested only in casual cycling, let them be. If interested in fast recreational riding or racing, encourage them - but explain the dangers of trying to advance too fast before developing a foundation of skills and fitness.
  • Be polite. Even if made in jest, negative actions or comments can have a long-lasting impact.

Helping new riders get started in a way that ensures they'll have a great time and they will come back for more.

A portion of this material was adapted from "The Crucial First Ride": www.roadbikerider.com