Why Asking for Help Makes You a Stronger Cyclist
Cycling can be an incredibly empowering sport. You set your goals, chase your own progress, and feel the satisfaction of every pedal stroke. But here’s the truth: no cyclist rides alone. Not really.
Even as a professional, I learned that success on the bike, and off it, doesn’t come from stubborn self-reliance. It comes from recognising when you need support, asking for help, and letting connection make you stronger, fitter and more resilient.
Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of strength, awareness and commitment to your growth. Whether you’re struggling with motivation, nutrition, training adjustments, injury, stress or mindset, knowing when and how to reach out can make all the difference.
The Myth of Self-Sufficiency in Cycling
Cycling can feel deeply personal. It’s just you and the road, the trail, or the numbers on your computer screen. It’s easy to slip into thinking you should figure everything out on your own.
But the reality is this: every rider who has progressed beyond where they started got there with support.
Ask any pro. Training partners, coaches, nutritionists, physios, mechanics, emotional support from friends and family, all of these play a role. Even a “solo ride” isn’t truly solo when you look at the network behind it.
Why Asking for Help Is a Strength
When you ask for help, you are doing a few important things at once.
1. You’re taking responsibility for your goals
You’re not avoiding hard work. You’re acknowledging that progress is complex and choosing to approach it intelligently.
2. You’re expanding your resources
One person’s perspective is limited. A coach might see something you miss. A friend might offer encouragement you didn’t realise you needed.
3. You’re reducing unnecessary struggle
Trying to solve every problem alone increases stress and drains energy that could be used for training, recovery and enjoyment.
Help isn’t a shortcut. It’s strategic support.
Signs You Might Benefit from Support
You don’t need to be in crisis to ask for help. Some signs support could be useful include:
- You feel stuck in a training rut
- You’re battling constant fatigue
- Your motivation keeps dipping
- You’re confused about fuelling
- You’re dealing with recurring niggles or injury
- You feel overwhelmed balancing life and training
- You’re not enjoying riding like you used to
These aren’t failures. They’re signals that something needs adjustment.
Who You Can Reach Out To
Support can come in many forms, and it doesn’t require you to have everything figured out first.
- Coaches for structure, load management, and progression
- Nutrition and health professionals for fuelling, energy, and recovery
- Physios for injury prevention, strength and rehab
- Riding buddies and clubs for accountability and community
- Friends and family for emotional support and perspective
How to Ask for Help (Without Making It Awkward)
If asking feels uncomfortable, start small and be specific.
Instead of “I need help,” try:
- “I’m struggling with recovery. Can you help me adjust my week?”
- “I’m unsure how to fuel long rides without feeling sick.”
- “I feel like I’ve lost motivation. Can we talk it through?”
Specific questions lead to specific support. You don’t need to have all the answers before you ask.
You Don’t Lose Independence by Asking for Help
Asking for help doesn’t mean giving up control. It means reclaiming control with clarity.
You choose who you ask, what advice you take, and how you integrate it. Support is a tool, not a label.
Final Thoughts
Cycling is a personal journey that thrives on connection. Your goals matter, but so does your wellbeing.
If you find yourself struggling with training, mindset, motivation, recovery, energy or clarity, reach out. You don’t have to figure everything out alone.
Asking for help isn’t a sign that you can’t do it. It’s a sign that you want to do it well.
Ride connected. Ride confident. Ask for help when you need it, and watch yourself grow stronger because of it.
— Chloe and the Hosking Bikes Team