Getting Started With Strava: A Guide for New Cyclists
If you’re new to cycling, you’ve probably heard people mention Strava but might not know exactly what it is. Strava is part ride tracker, part route finder, and part community. It’s an incredible tool for new riders who want to explore, stay safe, and feel connected.
I’ve used Strava through every phase of my cycling life: as a professional cyclist travelling the world, as someone who still loves the freedom of riding, and now as a founder helping more women feel confident on a bike.
What I love most about Strava: it can be whatever you need it to be.
Here’s how I use it today, and how you can start using it too.
1. Finding New Routes, Anywhere in the World
Whenever I’m in a new city — Melbourne, Girona, Perth, or even a small town I’ve never ridden in before — the first thing I check is Strava’s Global Heatmap.
It shows you where cyclists actually ride in that area. Not what Google Maps suggests, not what a random blog recommends. Real routes used by real riders.
It’s brilliant for finding:
- Safe and popular roads
- Bike paths you wouldn’t know exist
- Scenic loops
- Traffic-friendly routes
- Local go-to climbs or coastal rides
For new riders, this removes the fear of getting lost or ending up somewhere uncomfortable. Strava shows the paths thousands of cyclists already trust.
2. Tracking Your Rides Without the Pressure
During my professional career, I trained glued to a cycle computer, tracking every watt, heart rate zone, and kilometre. Exhausting.
After retiring, I ride with nothing on my handlebars. I open Strava when I leave, put my phone in my pocket, and press finish when I get home. Liberating.
I still see where I rode and how long I was out, but without numbers demanding my attention. No comparison. No pressure. Just riding.
For new cyclists, this is one of the healthiest ways to use the app:
- Track your journey
- Celebrate small wins
- Build consistency
- Stay motivated
- Avoid overwhelm from performance data
Strava becomes a diary, not a scoreboard.
3. Connecting With Other Cyclists, On Your Terms
Strava has Clubs, where you can join groups by interest, location, or favourite brands.
- Women’s riding communities
- Social groups
- Beginner-friendly clubs
- Charities and event groups
- Our Hosking Bikes Strava Club
This is an easy way to feel part of a community without jumping straight into group rides.
You can see what others are riding, cheer them on, and learn how cycling looks for everyday riders, not just elites.
4. Using Group Ride Features to Ease Into Riding With Others
Strava lets you find and join real group rides nearby. You can see:
- Expected pace
- Who else is going
- Route
- Vibe (social, training, mixed ability)
For new cyclists, first group rides can be intimidating. Strava gives all the info upfront so you can dip your toe in when ready.
5. Making Strava Work for You
You choose your experience:
- Make your profile private
- Hide speed or power if preferred
- Choose who sees your rides
- Use it only for route finding
- Use it as a journal
- Or just a simple tracking tool like I do
There’s no right way to be on Strava. Only your way.
For me, after years of training to numbers, Strava is the opposite of pressure. It’s a way of remembering where I’ve been, finding new places, and connecting with riders I’d never meet otherwise.
If you want to join a community celebrating every ride, come join our Hosking Bikes Strava Club. We’re here for new riders, comeback riders, and anyone just getting started.
— Chloe and the Hosking Bikes Team
