Bike Tips For Beginners From An Endurance Cyclist
By Hannah Biksadsky
8th August 2018
Meet Robbie Ferri
Age: 31
Profession: Adventure/ Endurance Cyclist
You may have seen him already in our video “An Interview With An Adventure Cyclist” which you can watch here. After holding 2 records, biking in numerous races across the world and being sponsored by some of the biggest brands in the cycling industry, we think it is fair to say he knows a bit about biking!
How long have you been biking for?
I have been cycling about 4 years roughly so not too long; I seem to have picked it up pretty well and just fallen in love with the bikepacking adventure side of things! I still feel quite fresh as a cyclist and always feel there's a lot to learn for me, so I keep my ears open and always take advice from other cyclists!
I have been cycling about 4 years roughly so not too long; I seem to have picked it up pretty well and just fallen in love with the bikepacking adventure side of things! I still feel quite fresh as a cyclist and always feel there's a lot to learn for me, so I keep my ears open and always take advice from other cyclists!
What are some essentials you would recommend?
A bike is always a great start! Haha I'm kidding. All equipment is going to be helpful but I learned some things the hard way - "Buy cheap buy twice" - so if you're going to buy something make sure its good. For me, on the adventure side of things, is good clothing, padded shorts which last, jerseys which you like and fit well... really anything that is a contact point between you and the bike is worth investing more in. The most important thing, get a good saddle. If you are planning an adventure, always take a good attitude to get you through the hard days!
A bike is always a great start! Haha I'm kidding. All equipment is going to be helpful but I learned some things the hard way - "Buy cheap buy twice" - so if you're going to buy something make sure its good. For me, on the adventure side of things, is good clothing, padded shorts which last, jerseys which you like and fit well... really anything that is a contact point between you and the bike is worth investing more in. The most important thing, get a good saddle. If you are planning an adventure, always take a good attitude to get you through the hard days!
How do you stay motivated?
I have always said the minute I stop enjoying riding, I would just get off the bike and go home. Motivation can come from many places, I guess it's very personal to the rider. I find my family and friends motivate me to push that little further. I always get my favourite clothes washed ready for when I finish, having been in the same lycra for over a week on races, wearing normal clothes becomes very exciting.
I have always said the minute I stop enjoying riding, I would just get off the bike and go home. Motivation can come from many places, I guess it's very personal to the rider. I find my family and friends motivate me to push that little further. I always get my favourite clothes washed ready for when I finish, having been in the same lycra for over a week on races, wearing normal clothes becomes very exciting.
How often do you train?
It depends really. Some weeks I’ll go away for a day or 2 just riding 15 hours a day, other weeks I’ll do a few hours each day and then there's weeks I wont do anything. I go on how I feel. I tend to not make it a chore - then it becomes tough!
It depends really. Some weeks I’ll go away for a day or 2 just riding 15 hours a day, other weeks I’ll do a few hours each day and then there's weeks I wont do anything. I go on how I feel. I tend to not make it a chore - then it becomes tough!
How much do you drink each day?
Good question... on a warm day when I'm racing about 500ml every hour I ride so maybe 7-8 litres? It depends, at night I drink much less, and in the day I drink much more. Coffee I tend to drink lots of these days haha.
Good question... on a warm day when I'm racing about 500ml every hour I ride so maybe 7-8 litres? It depends, at night I drink much less, and in the day I drink much more. Coffee I tend to drink lots of these days haha.
Why is drinking while riding so important?
If you don't drink while riding you get some bad problems. It's not only the dehydration and lack of performance; it will make you feel very down, and without the fluid in your stomach your food will not digest properly, leading you to bad stomach cramps and can cause you to vomit! I talk from personal experience!
If you don't drink while riding you get some bad problems. It's not only the dehydration and lack of performance; it will make you feel very down, and without the fluid in your stomach your food will not digest properly, leading you to bad stomach cramps and can cause you to vomit! I talk from personal experience!
What are some of your favourite foods & drinks?
Ice cream and coffee... I think I could get round the world on those!
Ice cream and coffee... I think I could get round the world on those!
You have travelled all over the world. Where would you say is the cleanest you have ever been i.e. cleanest streets, no litter etc.?
Switzerland is beautiful a very clean place, and they seem to really be on top of the roads there. I really like that they take such pride in the appearance of the country!
Switzerland is beautiful a very clean place, and they seem to really be on top of the roads there. I really like that they take such pride in the appearance of the country!
Any tips for people looking to start riding?
You don't need to buy a super expensive bike to enjoy cycling, just a normal bike will do. Join a cycling club and listen to the advice of other cyclists, stay focused, and forget about what everyone else is doing and think about your own riding and progress.
You don't need to buy a super expensive bike to enjoy cycling, just a normal bike will do. Join a cycling club and listen to the advice of other cyclists, stay focused, and forget about what everyone else is doing and think about your own riding and progress.
Why should people ride their bike?
Why wouldn't anyone ride their bike? Makes you feel great, stay in shape, gets you out the house, but most importantly gives you time to think away from everything in life!
Why wouldn't anyone ride their bike? Makes you feel great, stay in shape, gets you out the house, but most importantly gives you time to think away from everything in life!
Robbie is now off on another adventure through Europe to go and reclaim his World Record Title for the most countries cycled in 7 days! After recently getting back from Peru, Robbie took only a few days rest from cycling before he was back on his bike again. All of this while holding down a job at a local gym and answering keen cycling enthusiasts questions every single day!
A truly inspirational person full of stories, advice and wisdom - we are sure you will see more of Robbie very soon!
Follow him on his Instagram and Twitter accounts: @ridingwithrobbie
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