It wasn’t an easy decision to choose the winner, actually it was a very close race. One of the reasons it was so difficult was that it is different what kind of tips a beginner needs and most beginners can benefit from a majority of the tips participating in the competition. But I have announced that I will choose one winner and I decided the following comment from Ian, Australia to be the best comment (winning $25):

When someone starts cycling I usually suggest a few group rides that are good for beginners or get them to do one of the longer challenge rides.

Getting in a well paced bunch teaches them alot about cycling, gives them friends to ride with and makes the starting process alot more fun.

The challenge ride, like around the bay in a day, set them an achievable goal which encourages them to go beyond what they thought their limits were. I am currently trying to get my 60year old mother to register for a 100k ride with the offer of doing it with her.

But Ian wasn’t the only person to come up with great tips for beginners. Thus, I will highly recommend beginners to visit the thread with cycling tips for beginners.