The Single Biggest Mistake That Will Ruin Your Cycling.

[@markandrewtait1974]

Thanks Leonard. Wise words borne out by experience. Am 75 now and still ride regularly. I used to pass just about everyone and now just about everyone passes me. 😂 Cared a lot at first. Now I just push the envelope as far as my years allow and go home happy. We must ask ourselves who we are riding for.

[@nagolhayze9366]

That’s the ultimate question, one to be pondered indeed. Thank you.

[@Mosely2007]

I hear that. 2 yrs behind you. Enjoying the ride became more important as my ability waned. Enjoy your rides🙂

[@craigscott3133]

I'm 72 and have decided to just find a comfortable gear and cadence and cruise, taking breaks when I want, not when I think some 40 year old would do it. I'm sure I'll go farther and with a bigger smile than I would otherwise.

[@kb3dow]

I am 20+ years from your age and hope I can keep up and be regular when I reach there!

[@irinaprotasova229]

Awesome! That's my hope, that i will be able to ride well into my older years. I'm always so inspired to see older riders on the road, especially women.

[@Bikey_McBeardface]

My club has a no man left behind policy on all casual rides, so when I first joined at 120kg I got a few sneers and comments from a small minority when I would turn up for the more hilly rides. Now I'm sub 60kg I still get sneers and comments from the same small minority when I turn up for hilly rides, but for a whole different reason.

[@caahacky]

Great job Chris,

[@thatfenderbloke]

Chapo to you .

[@Methodical2]

Damn if you do, damn if you don't. That's why I don't give a rats but what anyone thinks. They will always try to find something.

[@jondavey4437]

Nowt like a smashed climb ! Well done you . Jon UK

[@irinaprotasova229]

That's why i ride solo, lol

[@stoutdog56]

Being a Clydesdale, it took a while to find a bike that would handle my weight. Getting an ebike was very helpful for my health conditions and age. I have really enjoyed my rides and am glad I made the decision to get back into cycling. I hope to continue doing so to the final days of my life.

[@douglasburnside]

I sold an old mountain bike to a morbidly obese friend (450+ lbs) knowing full well that he would try it a few times and then give up. To my surprise, he persevered, lost half his body weight in a year, but best of all was his attitude. Against all rational thinking, he signed up for a 50 mile group ride with over a hundred riders, over hilly terrain, and on every hill when he ran out of gears he got off and pushed the bike up the hill. To him, pushing the bike up the hill was just as much part of the ride as going down the other side, no less enjoyable, no frustration, no impatience, no "Oh, God, another damned hill." I was a racer at the time, I finished in the top 5% in less than a third the time it took my friend, but *he* was the one who deserved respect.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Good for him. Absolute champion in my book.

[@CanyonWanderer]

When @1:56 you mentioned "how sad and empty their life must be", I was reminded of a book by Dutch writer (and amateur cyclist) Tim Krabbé called "De renner" (the cyclist). He describes unpacking his bike and gear on a French town square for a race around a particular mountain. I think the second sentence in that book is: "Tourists and residents watch me from terraces. Non-cyclists. The emptiness of those lives shocks me."

[@jollygoodvelo]

Reading that myself, it sounds to me that he thinks their lives were empty because they didn’t cycle???

[@CanyonWanderer]

@@jollygoodvelo Ah maybe he did mean just that indeed. I more or less assumed that these people watching were judging in a way, but reading it back it actually does not say that. He was in a 'cycling is life' mood when he wrote the book

[@mattskalicky]

Needed to hear this. For the second time in 4 weeks someone has told me I'm too fat to wear lycra and ride a bike. WTF? I'm 58 and trying to get healthier and lose weight. The logic that must go through their brain to say something like that just befuddles me.

[@nigelhanson2353]

If you wanna ride and you can ride then just get out on the bike and ride, wear what you feel comfortable in, ride safe, look after you bike and yourself and just enjoy it for the pleasure it gives you.

[@lindamurphy2225]

I admire your tenacity, Matt. Ride on!

[@jhcycling3098]

Well said! That goes in all levels of life.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Indeed.

[@DC-lu5qs]

All levels and every phase. This is life skills gold

[@velosapien]

My father used to say that I shouldn't worry about what other people think about me if I knew how seldom they did.

[@markfeldman6509]

Spot on advice not just applicable to cycling but to all aspects of life in general. Live your life, do your things, be happy with yourself and the choices you make. I switched to riding recumbent trikes years ago and the looks and comments I got from strangers …and friends …were insane. I just ignored them or put people in their place if they didn’t let up. I have zero problem telling anybody to buzz off and mind their own business. Now I get incredible questions and requests for info regarding my riding choices and lots of respect…not that I want it or need it. When they see a 70 year old guy in great shape riding 10,000 miles a year then maybe I’m not so crazy. Just be happy and content and chase your own dream in every aspect of life…including cycling and have the confidence to put folks in their place if/when they give you a bunch of stuff.

[@pcdude2394]

Good friend of mine whom I ride with religiously every Sunday. He climbs up the mountain like a goat. He told me he had a lady joined a Sunday group ride and she got dropped for half a mile. He was too busy riding at the front of the group and noticed she wasn’t there. He turned around to check on her while the rest of the riders didn’t wait. He told me he was afraid she might have been hurt. He said we’re here to have a good time and not judge people of their riding fitness and drop them . He also said it was time for him to find another group to ride with. Most riders I see on the road or mtb trails are very friendly and helpful. They don’t judge. I wear my mtb clothes for road riding and don’t care what other people think.

[@oo0024]

You have to get dropped if you want to get better lol if everyone holds each other’s hand all the time they’ll never improve

[@DeTomaso2001]

Great video. Also, on a side note. I see 152 comments and you’ve taken the time to respond to every single one bar maybe a couple. Your passion for this great activity is second to none and it’s super to have your videos to watch. Thanks!

[@kjelle392]

This is exactly the reason why I waited 5 years starting cycling! Being both overweight and unfit, I was worry that people that saw me would laugh and making jokes. So I started cycling late in night, in the dark. I still think about it from time to time, but I have concluded that if people care about a man cycling, THEY have a problem, not me. Thank you so much for bringing up this very important issue!

[@diegao011]

As my nights routine watch KZbin videos about cycling to learn more about bike and stuff, I came across with this video. What an wonderful msg. I'm 36 years old, I am new in to cycle I started think about ride a bike during C19 lockdown. I first bought a MTB, and now I bought a gravel bike and I thought about join a cycle club in my City but I just decided not too. Some of the members are very arrogant and think they know everything and all they do is judge you and stuff... I do prefer to ride alone then been around negative people. Thanks for your msg

[@brendajohn-matisa4761]

I love your attitude! I'm picking up my new bike today..I haven't been on a bike for 6 years and it was so reassuring to watch you. Thanks

[@timboha8191]

It’s taken me about three months to build up the confidence to go to my local mtb bike park. It’s full of teenagers doing wheelies and jumps and was pretty intimidating for a 50 yo novice, but I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

[@Marco-717]

Don't stop 👌 they're not paying that much attention, trust me. I do road and mtb and it's addicting

[@bilalfreeman1180]

Thank you Sir that was one of the best commentaries about cycling I’ve heard. As a 70 year old who has gotten back into cycling I have always avoided other cyclists as I was embarrassed about my size, lack of speed etc and just couldn’t commit to a bunch ride or just with some mates I met through Strava. You have bolstered my confidence and I now have a better attitude towards cycling and I thank you. Stay safe out there.

[@lindamurphy2225]

Thanks for this, Leonard. I needed to hear this as my outdoor riding season is about to be in full swing. I've gained quite a bit of weight and have constant thoughts of being seen as "the fat lady on a bike." I have to keep reminding myself that I'm NOT the center of ANYONE'S universe, least of all passing motorists and cyclists. Another helpful video - thanks again.

[@jollygoodvelo]

You should be the centre of your universe! Enjoy you riding season.

[@lindamurphy2225]

@@jollygoodvelo Thank you!!! You are such a blessing & an encouragement.

[@eccehomer8182]

Better than being "the fat lady on a sofa" and what's more, you won't be "the fat lady on a bike" for long, which I don't expect you are anyway.

[@TimpBizkit]

When you hunger throughout the day, or finish a long bike ride, your body gets hungry for carbohydrate. Be careful to not re-eat the fat you burned on your search for carbohydrate as it will not satisfy you. If you eat chocolate which is 50 grams of sugar and 50 grams of fat (70% Calories from fat, 30% from sugar), you'll take in 3 x as many calories on your body's search for carbohydrates as if you just opened a bag of white sugar, mixed some into water and knocked it back. I gradually lost a few pounds this way and put it all back on at Christmas not caring about my fat intake.

[@lindamurphy2225]

@@TimpBizkit Thanks for this, Tim. It's very helpful.

[@adamscotera2378]

I appreciated your delivery, your insights, and your honesty. I recognize the harmful effects caring about what others think has had on my cycling in the past, and have been working on it recently. Thanks for putting it into words for me!

[@pmb0001]

I hear and acknowledge that sentiment Leonard. Fortunately, I have thick skin and a large frame and have embraced the mantra of I don’t give AF, so much so that I am a self declared Fu*krupt - as long as I have my nose in the wind and the hum of the wheels/ratchet spinning then life is good.

[@johnrees5148]

Thank you so much for the words of encouragement. I struggle with these issue being on the larger side. Finding xxxl+ clothing is a problem. Looking the part does always help one blend in and not wanting to stand out from the pack does generate negative thoughts. But then I find once im out on my bike all my negative assumptions fade and im more concerned about the next climb. Love your channel. It really is inspirational. All the best.

[@wandafool1]

Don't even sweat it. Even if you're slow on the climbs or in general, just keep on keeping on. After days becomes weeks and months.. The feeling of feeling stronger and faster is in itself more than enough. There'll be bike snobs everywhere. Coming from the little island of Singapore.

[@dennisspors7530]

I don't care what people think but I do notice an attitude. I have rebuilt 9 Bianchis dated from 1998 to 2003. Yes 5 are Pantani replicas. I have the outfits to match including the pink. When I go on a group ride from a bike atore or at an event I get some looks. I think it is because I don't have the undertaker kit. All black new everything. Wear what you want and be you. Ride at your pace and live your life. Thanks for the videos. Great thoughts and production.

[@richcrompton6891]

Finding your channel when I took my first pedals back to being a cyclist after a long lay off was the confirmation I needed. Thank you Leonard. I was a bigger, older bloke on a bike. Lycra was not my greatest friend, but I knew it was the most comfortable thing to cycle in. Over 2 years of activity and caring not a jot what others thought of me has been life changing. To my surprise and joy, I now look ok in the Lycra and am as fit as I’ve been for ages. I’m not bothered about who is faster or slower than me. I don’t mind if I can’t get up some hills, but I will keep trying for my own pleasure 😊

[@jollygoodvelo]

Sounds like you are doing great, Rich.

[@richcrompton6891]

@@jollygoodvelo thanks Leonard, I do feel better than I have since my late 20’s! Now 55. I also found a t shirt (my old team t shirt and my county team kit from my swimming days) and it fits! Almost 🤣

[@nickpatten5263]

Thank you for the encouragement Leonard. I'm a big bloke at 196cm and 114kgs and am not a wiry 70kgs cycling professional. I still worry a bit about lycra and the comments from non cyclists. Decent fitting and mildly flattering gear is hard to get especially here in Australia, I find 4xl a bit tight and its hard to find decent gear over 2xl which is where Rapha, Maap and Assos seem to stop. Don t they realise that there are big guys out there. Having said that, the comments and encouragement from guys like you make it easier for 'bigger and rounder' cyclists like me to out there and enjoy our hobby without too much worry. Thank you, you are a legend mate.

[@thatdamnsamsquanch]

I've been heavy my whole life, due to a combination of lifestyle and medical issues. I recently decided to dust off my bike and start riding. Its been difficult with anxiety to quiet the voice that says, "They're all looking at you." This video was very helpful. I'm just gonna go out and ride. Theres always judgement from some people. No matter what circle you're in. I used to fish in tournaments. I didn't have the newest and best boat and gear. But I went out and did my best. Some people laughed and gave me ''advice.'' But I often ended up in front of them at the end of the tournament. Sometimes you just gotta go out and do what you do.

[@MrNards04]

Thanks for this! Ride safe and have fun! 👌❤️

[@billmmckelvie5188]

Thanks for this video, I am cycling to loose weight and yes I can be bothered about what other people think. However as I am returning to cycling I've just flicked a switch in my brain and gone back forty years and said "Enough, I am in training!" To encourage other people, the biggest challenge I have faced is going though the pain barrier where the lower gut is restricting cycling movement. I have persisted but now I need to up my game to push passed what I have reached! I have seen some portly club cyclists and we can look at their midriff and think someone looks like a wii-me figure. As my wife once said to me, you've got cyclist arms & legs it just the centre section! That was very encouraging! If you can go at reasonably fast pace for you and you cycle frequently that is all that matters.

[@steveoffutt7591]

Thank you for this Leonard! I'm going on a ride tomorrow and feeling nervous/anxious about it. This video was well timed 😊

[@frankgerner9822]

Good morning i have been following your work on my trainer for a long time. Loved your message. Those who mind dont matter those who matter dont mind. You rock ! Bunkie

[@MyPAPAH1]

you are so right Leonard, im 60 this year and just started last year. i love cycling now and i dont care what others think about me.

[@guythacker6010]

Leonard, You hit the nail straight on the head !! I'm like you ... Age ... and Body Shape , but I get out on my bike and ride. You give everyone inspiration to get off the couch and on the bike. Thanks for Everything You Do ..... Take Care

[@nick45135]

Spot on sir! So true.been struggling with this lately, exactly what I needed to hear. All the very best mate.

[@michaelbeuoy4293]

So true, I avoided my local club for years because of my perception of them. Come to find out they didn't care they were like me just looking for people to ride with. I enjoy your content, honest and simple and you've done more to motivate than I can express

[@jollygoodvelo]

Most cyclists are very supportive.

[@Mosely2007]

I left my club of 40 years over the vaccine mask stuff. They want all to succumb . No f ING way.

[@leaveonlytreadmarks3964]

Great Video. Being a road rider, commuter, mountain biker and tourer that's ridden all over the world the one thing that I think is really important is that cyclists need to look out for each other. Mountain bikers always do, pretty much without fail they will say hi, stop if you have a problem, won't mind if you hold them up for a bit on a trail and no one cares how fast or slow you are they are just generally happy you are on a mountain bike. Road riders, unfortunately not so much, I always say hi and give a wave even to fellow commuters but here in the south east it's not uncommon to get some pretty blank, sour looks back or people looking generally insulted that you overtook them on your battered up winter bike.

[@jondavey4437]

Snapped achilles years ago playing rugby, rocked up to over 23/ 24 stone . Consultant advised avoiding physioterrorists, said slow slf stretchng would be only way forward . Cycling helped repair and restore my achilles . When I started I only had sweats , no gear . Didn't care what anybody thought , I was on a mission . Besides I was training without pain saved my knees , the challenge was fab and I was having so much fun. 7 months 7 stone lighter. Nothing better for many of us . Jon UK

[@p.a.a.k.a.y.t.t.a.j.a]

I always thought I'm to heavy to drive a road bike (I'm MTB/touring team) but your vid made me to rethink the road bike.... Cheers from PL.

[@mylesie8078]

Brilliant Brilliant Leonard....very positive words and encouragement .As a kid i gave up riding as I thought my legs were to thin..got back into bikes later..Don't worry about your outer environment. People don't care what u do anyway. Great clips thanks

[@elizabeththompson4304]

Perfect timing, yet again, for your insight. Just started wearing cleats (2 rides) and felt like a poser. Spoke to my husband about how I felt. Although, my husband completely supports and encourages me to ride, I feel inadequate compared to him. He will ride further on a short ride than I do on a long ride. But I am doing the best I can for right now which is still better than most. Trying still to get out of my own head. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Don’t worry too much about how far your husband can ride; we are all different. Just ride your own ride and enjoy it.

[@mahtoosacks]

Well said. As an introvert, i got a spin bike and power pedals, and started playing on zwift 😅

[@stuartfreedman6854]

When I was much much younger (like 35 years ago), I used to be kinda judgy of older riders because of their "slow pace". I thought "Why bother? Now that I'm 68 and also ride at the same "slow pace", I find joy in the effort being exactly as it was back then - only with a slower speed. But the big thing that changed me whilst still a young rider was learning that one of these guys was the Portuguese national champion in 1955. When I thought about it, I realized that if the playing field were level, he would have mopped up the road with my ass. I was never judgemental again. Nowadays when I see riders even heavier than me (210 lbs), I say you go!!!

[@jollygoodvelo]

Old age comes to most of us in the end.

[@stuartfreedman6854]

@@jollygoodvelo indeed "most" of us. The non judgemental attitude works both ways btw. I just don't give a sh*T.

[@jollygoodvelo]

@@stuartfreedman6854 I only say ‘most’ because, sadly, not everyone makes it to old age.

[@stuartfreedman6854]

@@jollygoodvelo indeed again. I say a quick "thank you" every morning before I get out of bed. Stay safe and well Leonard.

[@alanjohnson8396]

Absolutely Sir. And yes this is true for every aspect of our lives. Sadly many folks let the opinions of others steal their lives and their enjoyment.

[@AdamPSutton]

Fantastic advice. I started cycling again four years ago aged 38, unfit and overweight. Still overweight somewhat but a lot fitter and don't care what others think. One of the few pluses of lockdowns was seeing people taking up cycling. Knowing my journey, I made a point of encouraging everyone I could while out.

[@junedullah5481]

Needed this, was riding with a group but due to injury and work commitment within the group, not gone out on my own, due to what people would think, as I felt more confident in a group setting. We’ll time to go solo until the group can get back.

[@caerffili_callin]

Good video, I cannot disagree with anything you said. I am 61 and ride a nearly 30 yr old Raleigh titanium bike and I love it, none of this carbon (plastic) or totally unnecessary disc brakes fashion nonsense, I just do my own thing and bollox to them all.

[@hondasaurusrex6998]

Good stuff as always! I always say the same thing, don't give a rat's patootty what people think. When on the bike I always feel 19 years old and enjoying every pedal stroke. Reality.... I look like a disfigured grotesc overweight lump, something that been thru war and survived. So with that stay safe and keep those fantastic videos coming!

[@jollygoodvelo]

Pedal on, Mike.

[@hondasaurusrex6998]

@@jollygoodvelo Of course!

[@caahacky]

Thumbs up from me for the word 'patootty'. Whatever it means it's a belter.

[@MrTimellis10]

Great to hear from you and positive vibes, it doesn't matter how you ride or what you look like. There are plenty of people who judge too quickly and plenty who enjoy your company. Just being out riding is key. Make the most of your time out on the road.

[@johnmartin4650]

Wisdom Mr. Lee…wisdom …..so true….thank you…….you are prolific Mr.Lee …..quantity AND quality…a pleasure to tune in…..

[@jollygoodvelo]

Glad you like it, John.

[@victormoreno1808]

Well said Leonard! If we focused more on ourselves and our own blessings, you won't have time to worry about what others think you.

[@lindamurphy2225]

Wow! This is so true, Victor (a fitting name, I would imagine). I am making this my goal this year while riding - focusing on the abundant blessings in my life. Thanks so much for the wise, life-changing words fo truth. Just what I needed. More blessings to you!

[@victormoreno1808]

@@lindamurphy2225 peace to you and yours Linda.

[@andrewhall127]

Agreed fully - I spent a great deal of time riding by myself bc I was worried about my weight, bike etc and thought I would be judged by others. Over time though I became more confident and managed to lose a lot of the weight, i then started riding in groups and found to my surprise that there was very little of that - quite the opposite in fact - the people I have met have become a second family and on the days when I am not feeling it or dropping off there is nothing but encouragement.

[@umfilmmaker8253]

Preach it! 🙌 I hope everyone finds a healthy activity, and enjoys it without a second thought about what others think. Cycling and hiking are my escape to be free of responsibilities and negativity. I love that you have to be present in the moment to ride or hike safely. It’s an excellent distraction from any naysayers. Enjoy life 🌻

[@jollygoodvelo]

Great way of looking at it.

[@petetrundell5454]

I was very skinny and terribly self conscious in my youth and in my early days on a bike I would cover up even in summer which was very uncomfortable. Before long the mental benefits of cycling did wonders for my confidence throughout my life and I just didn’t care about my looks any more.

[@eccehomer8182]

Great advice. Whenever I pass someone who isn't as fit as me I think "good on ya"... but I also think that about those who whizz past me. Couldn't careless about what they're riding... unless it's better than my bike. 😉 However, second biggest mistake (as you allude to)... caring too little about what others think... it's got me into trouble a few times! 😂

[@jollygoodvelo]

There will always be someone slower than us….and faster.

[@caahacky]

I dream about passing someone who isn't as fit as me LOL.

[@CyclingOffToSomewhereIDK]

Well said as always, Mr Lee. I stopped caring a long time ago. There's enough rattling around in my head without worrying what people think. It is cool though to find those like minded folks..that sort of look like me (God bless those unfortunate souls😆) and don't ride at 20mph for dozens of miles. My average is about10-12, and we don't have many hills in my area of Orange County, California. My legs are awesome but my lungs...well, they just aren't, so I plod along. I am working on it though, I need to do two things. One, remind myself that I've only been cycling seriously for 2 years and it doesn't come overnight. And two, I need to actually train for speed. I know I'll never win a race but if I want my pace to increase I can't just get out there and ride. I need to have some structure to that end. At the end of the day, I'm doing this for myself and my wife..to get me healthier so I can be around longer for her. Thanks again

[@nancyhoward781]

Great advice here, I love to ride and I have never really given much thought to what people think of me on my bike. I crit race and I'm usually too busy with my training regimen and having fun to notice.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Pedal on, Nancy!

[@opus5204]

I have two guiding principles I try give my young relatives, You will never truly be happy until you do these two things. Learn that no one's opinion of you is as important as your own. And you are never going to be happy until you learn to care for someone more than you care for yourself. Happiness is a choice, choose to do the things that make you happy and let other people figure it out for themselves.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Very good advice.

[@yakoridesagain]

BANG! Spot on. This is EXACTLY the stuff that inspired me to get me back on the bike, Leonard. Nails being hit on the head. You do this EXCEPTIONALLY well. You will inspire yet more of us fatties to get on our bikes and ride. We are the new normal. Racing snakes are the weirdos, not us. Chapeau.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Thanks Gareth.

[@Marco-717]

Nope, you're still the weirdos lol women can be men, forced vaccines, orange man bad, and fat is healthy. How about you learn how to control your compulsive eating habits, you'll see the difference in your riding

[@brunospasta]

Thats great that you are riding and that you get motivated. But I sure hope being fat will be any form of "normal"...

[@yakoridesagain]

Ah, you are missing my point, Jo. Fat people may be too intimidated to ride road bikes because of the seeming norm that to do so, one must be skinny. Early days, I got jeered by people for riding my bike. Leonard inspired me to ignore them, and keep going. I ride my bike a lot, and am losing (a lot of) weight. Even if I wasn’t, it is wrong for people to feel they can’t do what they love because of the prejudice of others. I wish I saw more fat people riding bikes, for it to become normal. They would soon reap the benefits of doing so.

[@richardtighe671]

Well said Leonard. Such negativity does cross my mind occasionally but not for long, especially when punching up an incline into the wind.👍😄

[@bobinjc]

Excellent advice my friend! It's the internal demons that we do battle with no matter what the challenge is. Live for the day and enjoy life.

[@keithhollins3665]

You hit the nail on the head. I am 60 now, and just started cycling , but I am at a age when i don't care what people think. I have found that most people just get on with their lives, some will say hello, and the rest just need to get a life.

[@angelperez9394]

Thank You for this remarkable useful video. I have a sister that i'm encouraging to ride a bike. looking at the " Kona Dew". She is one year younger than I and still has alot of spunk in her step like I do. She smiled when she viewed this video. Will......she sometimes sits with me to watch your video.

[@puterbuddy]

I love this man! Stumbled across your channel at just the right time. Thank you so much for your helpful videos 🚴🏻‍♀️🤩

[@robertpreato3891]

Great advice. I ride for my own pleasure and enjoyment and don't stress about what anyone else thinks about me or my equipment. Rim brakes, alloy tube-type clinchers, external cable routing and a titanium frame. I have so much fun on this bike and it does not hold me back in the slightest. I could spend $10-$13k on a bike and not enjoy riding it even a tiny bit more. It is so nice when you can just go out and ride your bike, NOT TRAIN. Training is for people who make a living riding their bike (or those who make believe they do). It takes all the fun out of a sport that has so much more to offer when you JUST RIDE. Take in the scenery, whether it is on an adventure ride or just a ride through on a familiar route. There is always something new to see that, if not for you bike, you would totally miss.

[@ralphchristianson]

Excellent advice, I am sure we all go through this in a world where most people do not notice anything anyway. I went to school with a guy named George and when anyone would try to bug him, he would say whats it to you? It put other people criticism into perspective. I guess we are just forced to enjoy the ride as you have mentioned often.

[@jasvinsinghrehal]

2:56 It's not the fight between media and cyclists but Car and Oil lobby that is threatened by cycling. One cyclist ditching his car is a big loss for both the car manufacturers and oil sellers. (Govts. Too because they earn a lot by way of taxes on petrol). We tiny cyclists have in fact frightened the big business houses. So keep it up mate.

[@MrPinkRD]

Thank you very much! Just got more motivated. Ride on and have fun!

[@gotfixed]

Thanks for this video. Spot on and will give me a different state of mind on tomorrows ride!

[@biggerchris20]

It's good to see you doing your thing, you help motivate me to get out there and ride.

[@Rose_Butterfly98]

As someone with ASPD, I am literally unable to care about what others think. One of the reasons I like cycling so much is because it's really easy to piss people off, I just need to be on the bike and people get upset. I mostly ride alone anyway, most of the people I know are either slower than me, faster than me or they cannot go at my speed for as long as I can. I don't like going slow, I get bored and I don't want to slow faster people down. Sometimes I find someone riding at the same speed as me and I ride with them.

[@allanvanko4612]

Good advise! The only thing that matters is how you look at yourself. You know what they say about opinions . . . . . everyone has one . . . . . .

[@christophaustria4775]

Dear Mr. Leonard, I follow your channel for quite some time now. Please let me tell you, that I really like what I see. I wanna thank you very much not only for the visual content of your videos, but even more so for your thoughts. I am 51 years old, and me too I am often looking way too heavy and too big on my bicycles. Although I gotta admit that my "overweight" is more due to years of weightlifting in the gym, I nevertheless have made my experiences with people giving mean looks or comments to me as a guy who does not resemble the average prototypical young and agile cyclist. I absolutely agree with you that something like that can spoil one's day, but then again, only if one allows other people to judge you and spoil your day. I very much appreciate you speaking out and doing what you are doing. I think it is all about enjoying oneself while practicing the sport that you like. What are those who think they can judge someone by only his or her looks? The answer to this is: unimportant. Cycling too me, as many other sports too, often is a metaphor for life. One has to get in the saddle. One has to get moving in order to keep balance. One has to overcome hills or mountains along the journey. Funny to me is, that the negative criticism often seems to come from especially those who obviously are not willing to do any little thing of moving along themselves. Seen from this point of view, such negative comments do not tell us anything about the one the comments are aimed at, but everything about the person giving such a comment. Danke fuer Ihre tollen Videos. Ganz liebe Grüße aus Graz in Oesterreich. Christoph

[@jollygoodvelo]

Thanks Christoph. Pedal on and enjoy your cycling. Austria must be a fantastic place to ride.

[@christophaustria4775]

@@jollygoodvelo Austria is a great place to ride. Both motorcycles and bicycles. By the way, friends of mine are Brits living in Kent. They come over here every now and then, meaning I am quite useful when it comes to showing some Brits around 😜😝. So, in case you feel like you wanna explore some parts of Austria on your bicycle, just gimme a note. U r welcome anytime 👌👌👍

[@grahambonner508]

Very true and good advise, not just for cycling, but life in general. Personally I don't read the tabloids so was not aware of the issue you mention.

[@rangersmith4652]

Love this channel! It's one thing to be aware of the impression you make on other people...that's actually a good thing. It's totally another to change what you do because of what you "think" others think. I'm 62, but honestly I look pretty fit--more fit than I actually am. I like to make casual 16 mph average laps around my ~3-mile suburban neighborhood in Lycra shorts and no jersey. That's totally NOT kosher in cyclist culture, but I don't care.

[@DilipBanerjee]

Words of wisdom 😊 Just took a look at the list of your other videos and decided to subscribe. 👍🏼

[@edj4833]

Love the content. Agree totally, even though I regard myself as a reasonably fast rider, I'm definitely not judging anybody else slower, older, or on a cheaper bike. Honestly anybody who gets on a bike is inspirational to me, the more riders the better! Love seeing folks of all shapes, sizes, speeds and ages out on their bike.

[@waelabdelrhman1419]

Very well said Leonard, I am too slow , I don't look particularly attractive like George Cloony in the lycra, I DONT GIVE A SHIT . I just like cycling and go out on my bike .

[@jollygoodvelo]

Good for you, Wael.

[@heidijarvis777]

I’m too long in the tooth to worry about others. When I do my BC guided rides I do get riders who have little confidence to start with but once they have been on a few guided rides and realise there is a no drop policy and we go at the pace of the slowest riders and there is a great mix of abilities and personalities they join up for more rides.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Hey Heidi, good club style riding is a great way for people to enjoy their cycling.

[@s5blitzer]

Subscribing your channel because of your candor and attitude. Thanks!

[@waynekalal1514]

Excellent video! As I age i seem to care less about what other cyclists think. However, my pace continually gets slower so riding in a group tends to be more of a concern. It's a good thing I truly enjoy solo rides. Cheers.

[@shanegreen2583]

Good advice. Although often we want to shout at cars we should remain calm and it’s about respect for each other

[@kevinborovsky3558]

😊😊😊 so true what you said about worrying. We are all on this planet for such a short time. Enjoy everyday and enjoy what you do. You are correct no one is judging you, and if they do those are the ones to avoid. Cheers 🍻

[@jollygoodvelo]

We shouldn’t let anyone spoil our enjoyment of life in general.

[@Squirrel200]

60+ rider great video! I don't live with the countless people of the world so I don't care what their personal opinion is ! Its there's and all is good ! How I feal about myself is what counts! Be Free and live your own life after all it's just your life. If you live someone else's life it not truly yours and the happiness you get won't last! Be free to be the true you 💃💃💃

[@hangouthutcycling]

Biggest thing I worry about with cycling in my area is running into a private property and possibly getting shot for it, but as I get older it’s gradually becoming easier to resist criticism from others. In fact, I get quite a lot of compliments for being a cyclist while I’m young, and it inspires me to keep going!

[@keithwilkins1437]

My biggest mistake was buying a Fausto Coppi racing bike and converting it to straight bars .I resprayed it and rebuilt it with all new parts ,The Mavic wheels still had racing tyres ans were like iron on the road .After years without a bike I should have got something a lot more comfortable to rebuild and enjoy . I have now got to sell my lovely bike and start again .!

[@secretagent86]

Well i regret to say that i only needed to watch until your headline…never had that problem in my life. Love your channel

[@hassana.201]

what you are saying is 100% correct, thank you very much for this excellent video,, good luck 👍🇸🇦🌹

[@royevans4581]

Well said. Just a little amusing memory I have to share, to back up your 'bike snob' segment. I went out with a local bike club for a Saturday morning run, having not been on a road bike for very long, and I had bought myself a 'Boardman Comp' from.............Halfords! which was a very good bike for the money with a lot more stuff on it than you would get these days. (full 105 and carbon fork for about £650) Anyway, as we were trundling along, just behind me one of the older females in the group said to one of her buddies loudly 'there are a lot more of these Boardman bikes around now'. Normal statement to make if she was okay with it, but it was her tone that gave her away. 'Yeah it's a brilliant bike for the money and it's in front of you'. I shouted behind me. Solo rides or a few mates for me from now on lol. Now I have a CAAD12 Di2 I BUILT AND MAINTAIN MYSELF 😃 Awesome bike!

[@frankgesthuisen5129]

You are so right.....all we need to have is fun....doesn't matter how fast you are....just enjoy it

[@jollygoodvelo]

Precisely

[@reidwagner1508]

Thanks Leonard. This is great . I’ve saved it. You are spot on with your comments.

[@Caglieranni]

Thank you very much for sharing it. It really makes sense.

[@mateagoston8145]

I experienced surprirsingly high amount of reckless motorists around new year's eve who wouldn't even give me 2 feet when overtaking. I caught a suspicion that they were mad at the new highway code that makes them give priority to bike riders and pedestrians more often than before.

[@francismccrossan1669]

Yeah well said doesn't matter what people say get on the bike and enjoy if you listen to much you never do everything just look at the four walls I take my little dog with me and enjoy my ride yes am a bit on the heavy side and am 70 I go in to the country side on way back call into a chippy and they taste better after a good ride stay safe and stay warm and stay healthy one life don't waist it blessed be

[@jollygoodvelo]

Enjoy your rides, Francis.

[@InspiredITALY]

You know very well what we say, "Comparison is the thief of all joy." Crack on Leonardo....

[@jollygoodvelo]

Very true, Tim.

[@jasonschubert6828]

What a great video. This is probably true if many things, and probably should (almost) never be a reason not to do them.

[@fabiopunk1661]

Wow lots of wisdom here. I fully agree. As a side note, I find it difficult to find someone who rides like me, likes the places I like, and is available when I am. I ended up not caring about it, about hslf a century ago….

[@Relevant_Irrelevance]

It's so true. I've been planning on losing weight with my bike and have had some progress on it, but the virus hit and it was difficult to get out sometimes as a result and my rhythm was shattered. Getting on the bike again, I was worried that I was too slow and I looked too ungainly by being 10-15kg heavier than I used to be with stretched out lycra and all that heft. It stopped being such a problem when I just decided to don the lycra and speed away on my bike. Even if I'm heavier than I used to be, I'm still in decent enough shape to chug up a mountain on a heavy bike. I've since gone 1,300km since the year started and I've lost 6kg thus far. Still a way's away from a tentative goal of 85kg, but from 100kg to now 94kg it shouldn't be that hard at my pace. Just ride, friends. Wear that tight jersey, or whatever fits you and it doesn't even have to be lycra or a proper jersey at all, have all the safety precautions like a helmet, lights, a phone with emergency calling capability, and get on that bike.

[@davidr9876]

I am old and really fat, but I'm going to start cycling. Even if I can only do it a few minutes at first, which is currently the case.

[@mazurskiseparatysta8837]

I had this feeling twice in my riding adventure - first time it was when I bought myself old cruising bike Peugeot Montblanc and I was really happy with it but someone told me why did have I bought womans' bike? That hit me really hard. Second time it was when I was on this really famous track in Paris (Longchamp) and I saw many very good riders with awsome gear, skills and looks whereas I was in old shorts, old bike and not so much skill. But I went through both of those situations because in the end I really love bikes, I really like my Peugeot (buying it was some kind of childhood dream) and it gives me joy.

[@alexanderlawson1649]

When I set out on a ride, that will make me feel more alive, than most people feel in a lifetime, I know I am living the dream.

[@joechamma]

I've been looking for a video like this of a long time. So true everything you mentioned. Thanks alot...

[@terryb392]

Well said Leonard, very true and apt. Nice video.

[@jollygoodvelo]

Thanks Terry

[@cyclebicycle]

Good video, great value. Wishing you all the best out there.