Recreational & Family - New Cyclist

Hello all I have a question, or should I say the need for advice.

Im getting back into cycling after being in/out of it for several years. We purchased a bike for my wife this past week and should take delivery of her Specialized HardRock WSD tomorrow maybe.

For her first ride, how long shoud it be? Any tips to make it as fun and educational as possible?
Theres a large ride leaving from the park on Sunday. I was thinking just starting with the group (in the back) then head on our own ride, just to give it a bit of excitement.

Ideas.........suggestions?

Thanks!

I'd get her out on the bike for a couple of short rides around the neighborhood before heading off to that first group ride. Let her be the judge of distance - turn back when she starts to feel tired. You don't want to push her too hard and make her hate the whole thing. Cycling needs to be fun!

I would offer advice... But seeing your avatar reminded me of Tony Dorsett and his 99+ yard run from scrimmage against the Vikings on January 2nd, 1983... But I don’t hold grudges!

Seriously though; keep it short. The first ride should be around the neighborhood in a familiar setting or a low traffic bike path. She will inevitably be spending more time checking out her bike than where she is going.

Let her set the pace… This way she won’t be struggling to keep up and won’t tire as quickly. Besides, the view is better from behind anyway!

Congrats on the purchase and keep pedaling.

Hi ChainRing, welcome back to cycling.

Has your wife had much experience in group rides, or riding on roadways with traffic?
If not, I would suggest the first ride to be as low-stress and safe as possible.

You need to consider your wife's comfort level if she has less experience than you.
She will also need an adjustment period to get comfortable with her new bike.

p.s. where in NC are you?

Definitely take her for shorter rides so you can determine how far she can go. Also, ride at HER pace- don't push her so hard that she won't enjoy it. And keep the words of encouragement going.

She'll be fine.

Koffee

No more than 1/2 hr for the first one or two rides.
If you ride for much longer as a complete newbie you get tired from using different muscles. Tiredness is not such problem for more experienced riders but newbies lack an autopilot setting and need to concentrate much harder on riding the bike.

Don't push her! You're more likely to drive her away by working too hard on that first ride. Go out with just you two, stop for a coffee or lemon-ade, gentle pace. If it's a dull ride for you, it just might be perfect for her.

I would suggest take her to a park for those short rides away from anyone she knows. So, if she spills it will not be infront of her friends and neighbors. And lots of encouragement---explain everything to her and only a very short run.

Thanks for the advice. Well that "group ride" has come and gone. We still have yet to take delivery of the bike, it shipped out late. Im in Greensboro NC, and we have a super nice park that has a little of everything, dirt, street, paths, parkinglot, hills, flat. Well prolly spend a good portion of our time there. Hopefully this week well be able to get her bike and get out riding!

John

John, most of the posts make it sound like your wife has spent her entire life in a rocking chair. Distance is personal and there isn't enough information to really tell what kind of shape your wife is in. On one of our first rides together, my wife and I did about 42 miles. Of course, this was on a very level paved path and we took plenty of breaks. I don't think you have to try to put a clock on your ride and should just listen to what her body says instead.

Im getting back into cycling after being in/out of it for several years.
Since you're also new to cycling the advice given for your wife applies to you too. :)

Yeah, Im taking it rather easy myself. We got her bike this week and taking it back, so she can get it fitted correct (in the ballpark anyways) and she wants a different seat.
Hopefully this next week well have time to ride a few days.