abracapocus

hi everyone! i've been lurking for quite some time doing research in the archives and trying to work up my nerve to actually ride. thanks so much for everyone that takes the time to post.

my goal is to get more comfortable riding on the roads in atlanta. i've been working on my old specialized hard rock to make it more friendly for that. this weekend i changed out the old knobby tires to continental travel contacts and it seems to make a big difference. even better, it got my over my fear of flats. why fear? changing a tire is easy!

next step, get over the fear of the roads. i have a little 2 1/2 mile loop near my house i've been doing the last couple of days. i'll keep with that until i'm comfortable then start expanding it. i really just want to be able to easily travel 5-6 miles each way to run errands, etc. hopefully soon i can take atlanta bicycle coalition's city cycling class. i'm sure that will help.

anyway, i'll try to lurk less, but right now i'm more of an information sponge. :-)

laura

10 Wheels

Welcome Laura to Bike Forums.
It took me about 1,000 miles before I felt experienced enough to ride in traffic.

Riding with an experienced rider would help you greatly.
But I know it is difficult to find someone to ride with.

Ride slow.

abracapocus

thanks for the welcome! riding slow is all i've got right now. :-) luckily i know the area well enough that i can wiggle around back roads to avoid the worst of it. back in the early 90's i was riding that specialized in san francisco rush hour traffic. yikes! never got the hang of that. luckily i was working graveyard and only had to deal with that mess one way.

laura

10 Wheels

I found that a Dinotte Tail Light helps in heavy traffic.

https://www.bikeforums.net/electronics-lighting-gadgets/509519-pbsf-w-dinotte-test-part-two.html

opie

Hey Laura.. I'm in Atlanta also. You'll get used to the traffic and roads. I try to stay off the main thoroughfares but do have to Get on Peacthree St at Cardiac Hill and then ride to spring and down Spring st to the office. IT's busy, cars are close but you get used to it. Just have to be safe and aware of your surroundings. You'll acclimate before you know it and be ready to ride anywhere

abracapocus

@10 wheels

that light looks nice. i have a set of blackburns. i'll haven't ridden at night yet, but i can see the value of the flash setting even during the day.

@opie

the bicycle population here seems to be growing. i've noticed quite a few more than when i moved here in '98. i'd like to think that means people are more aware of cyclists, but i'm also a realist. plus, more people have cell phones now. it's the idiot on the phone blowing through a full on red light that freaks me out.

RonH

Welcome Laura from another Atlantan.
Check out the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition. They offer Confident City Cycling classes (www.atlantabike.org) and can match you up (if you'd like) with experienced cyclists to ride with.
Also stop by the Atlanta/Decatur thread and say hello to the locals. --> https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...uot-thread-too!