10 things you’ll inevitably have to explain to your non-cycling partner

If you are in a romantic relationship with someone who isn’t a cyclist and you yourself are a cyclist, chances are you will have to slowly introduce them to your hobby (obsession) that takes up a lot of your free time. They may have been aware you were active but you tried to keep the details quiet at first. Explaining how much time, money and emotional energy you invest in cycling is after all not the most romantic subject to bring up on your first dates.

But in time, you will inevitably need to explain to this kind and patient person that your love for cycling goes far beyond casually riding your bike a couple of times a week. As your relationship progresses there are a few key things you will need to talk about. If you recently started dating a cyclist, consider this a fair warning.

One day of the weekend is always dedicated to riding

Group ride day is a sacred ritual for every cyclist (if permitted due to COVID-19). We get together with our friends and spend countless hours in the saddle. Thought we’d at least be home by lunch? Think again. Our weekend rides routinely take up an entire day.

My bicycle will come with me on all our trips

What’s the point of travelling to a nice destination if I can’t ride my bike? While you pack your suitcase, I’ll be meticulously packing my bike box.

I continuously eat all day

Three meals a day often doesn’t cut it. I’ll be snacking in between meals and you may think I am spoiling my appetite but I’m just fueling for my next ride.

The best space in my apartment is reserved for my bikes

My road bike, cyclocross bike, gravel bike, mountain bike and commuter all live in my apartment with us.

Our holidays together will be to warm, exquisite riding destinations

The good news is, you can spend all day at the beach or relaxing in the remote locations that are my dream cycling destinations.

Please, don’t make me choose between spending time with you and riding

While it may seem like I like riding more since I spend all my free time doing it, you could start riding with me to increase our quality time together.

I’m sorry I spent my entire paycheck on bike gear and not you

I needed the latest boutique kit and once I stepped into the shop there was no stopping me.

I’ll do my best to answer your texts when I am riding but don’t wait up for an immediate response

There may be long periods of radio silence. It’s not because I don’t care about you, it’s just that I was riding and got distracted by the pastries and coffee at our stop.

All me and my friends talk about are bikes, so learn the lingo

Never heard of watts or FTP? Don’t know what Di2 shifters or hydraulic brakes are? You’ll want to do your homework so your eyes don’t glaze over when I have my riding friends over.

I’m a better version of myself post-ride

Even though all I will want to do is veg on the couch and eat snacks, I am at my happiest once I have got a good, long ride in.