barryflht

Well, I'm a complete newbie and haven't ridden a bicycle since I was a kid (50 now), until a couple of weeks ago. This forum was inspirational and led me to go ahead and take the plunge I've contemplated so long. I bought a used bike and have been riding it through the neighboorhood for about 20 mins a couple of afternoons each week and just starting to get my legs to work properly, maintain balance, learn to change gears, ride clipless etc, etc. The entire neighboorhood is hilly, so it's been quite a chore but great fun and excellent practice ground. Today, however, I ventured out onto the local roads for the first time and spent a glorious 1/2 hour putting in approx. 5 miles this beautiful fall morning. I know this sounds like such child's play to you vetrans, but man what a workout for this 'ol boy. It was spooky at first. The first mile or so is on a major two lane highway with a 55 mile speed limit. Of course everybody wants to drive 70 and pass within inches of you, but after that the rest of the ride was on a quite country road where I began to relax and enjoy the crisp autumn morning before returning to the safety of the neighboorhood. I thought about doing the loop a second time, but felt that it may be pushing it a bit. Every beginner's article I read, says to take it easy and not get carried away with trying to do too much at first, so I'm taking heed of the advise. Hopefully I'll go a couple of miles further the next time and each time thereafter. After all, each century begins with the first mile.

w2brdbkr

It is funny how our minds say; we can do anything but the older we get the more the body is the one that has the last word.
Take it slow, get used to riding, let the body get used to is as well.

Good luck with the new (to you) bike & enjoy the outdoors. The nice thing about riding a bike is you can go the speed you want to go & as long as you are going forward you are exercising.

Digital Gee

What they usually leave out is to make room for pie. Very important in the training regimen, especially in the beginning.

Welcome!

stapfam

Yet another one hooked. Sunday mornings at this time of the year are a bit hit and miss for regular rides so get the alternative of Saturdays available for that long ride. And as to pie being very important- 5 miles today- Next couple of rides should see you 5 miles out to a cafe- Coffee and pie and 5 miles back. Only thing to remember is that the better cafes are a bit further out so start looking for them. Just remember that when they get to being 50 miles away- the trip back may require that you find two cafes.