21 Things Cyclists Absolutely Love

Elizabeth Grimsley
Written by
Elizabeth Grimsley
Sure, we cyclists may be an unorthodox, shall we say “particular” group of athletes, but that doesn’t mean it takes much to please us. While dropping 5 Gs on a custom carbon road bike with electronic shifting is nice and all, it’s really the little things in life that keep us riding.
A tailwind on the back half of a long ride.
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There's nothing better than a little help from your friends. And tailwinds are our BFFs.
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New shoes. Or a new helmet. Or a new kit. Hell, any new gear!
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It's like Christmas but without the chubby, bearded guy (although cycling has plenty of those guys, too).
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All-carbon-everything.
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*drools*
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Finally nailing that KOM or QOM you've been chasing.
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And feeling like you can now literally do anything.
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A well-organized group.
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Everyone takes a turn and no half-wheelers allowed!
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Drafting.
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Why do all the work? Who are you trying to impress?!
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New bike day!
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The one sure-fire way to feel like a kid again.
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A post-ride pint.
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Gotta replenish those calories somehow, right?!
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Espresso. #CoffeeWatts
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So Euro.
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The rush of a satisfying descent after a serious, leg-screaming climb.
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Is there anything better?
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'Cross season. #crossisboss
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Who doesn't like mud, sand, people covered in mud, random obstacles and more mud?
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Town sign sprints.
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Oh, you didn't know that was a segment? #sorrynotsorry
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Chamois Butt'r.
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Never leave home without it.
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The perfect snot rocket.
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Clears ya right up!
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A newly paved stretch of road.
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Basically like gliding on ice.
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Post-ride burrito(s).
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Or burgers. Or PIZZA! #nomnom
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A 7-11, 3 hours in.
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#blessed
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Strava PRs.
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PRs are nice but making sure everyone else knows about them is even better.
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Considerate motorists.
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Thank you for not mowing me down.
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An outta nowhere downpour on a hot, summer ride.
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Wet socks = worth it.
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Mexican Cokes.
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Feels so good when it hits your lips!
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About the Author

Elizabeth Grimsley
More by Elizabeth » Elizabeth Grimsley

Elizabeth Grimsley is the editor of ACTIVE.com. After finishing a somewhat successful yet injury-prone gymnastics career, she attended the University of Georgia where she studied magazine and sports journalism and was named the first Conrad Fink Scholar. Since then, Grimsley made a pit stop working for USA Triathlon before finally relocating from Atlanta to Dallas. In her free time, she enjoys constantly being disappointed by Georgia sports, completely consuming herself in the “gymternet” and pretending she’s a better photographer than she probably is. You can follow her on Instagram and Twitter.