Starting to Ride Again, After 20 Years
10-05-11, 03:29 PM
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Illinois
Posts: 2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Starting to Ride Again, After 20 Years
I used to ride a lot, being the best way to get around a rural farming community before I got my driver's license. After getting out of the Army in the 80's (when I was still in shape) I moved to Chicago; yes, quite the opposite of the farm. I rode a lot there for fun and recreation. The last twenty years or so, moving to the suburbs saw me busy starting a family, activities always going on and more. So - fast forwarding to this year, I've got out my 1990 Schwinn World Sport, taken it to the shop to get new tires, tubes, rear derailleur, and more. I've also gotten a rear rack and bag to mount on it and plan on commuting to work. It's only 14 miles each way on a semi-safe route, and I think I'll even get back into shape. After seeing how it goes for a year, I might buy a newer and lighter bike made for commuting. I look forward to seeing all the tips and tricks I'm sure to learn here!
10-05-11, 05:28 PM
#3
Life is good
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Not far from the Withlacoochee Trail. 🚴🏻
Posts: 18,209
Bikes: 2018 Lynskey Helix Pro
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 522 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times
in
10 Posts
Welcome to Bike Forums.
Good luck with bike commuting. The folks in the Commuting forum can give you loads of advice.
Good luck with bike commuting. The folks in the Commuting forum can give you loads of advice.
__________________
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
10-06-11, 06:49 AM
#4
Galveston County Texas
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: In The Wind
Posts: 33,222
Bikes: 02 GTO, 2011 Magnum
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1350 Post(s)
Liked 1,245 Times
in
623 Posts
Welcome to Bike Forums.
Commuting is fun.
Commuting is fun.
__________________
Fred "The Real Fred"
Fred "The Real Fred"
10-06-11, 07:37 AM
#5
You gonna eat that?
My advice: If you don't have one, get a helmet. You can argue (and people around here do, endlessly) about whether they do any good, but if you're going to need one, you'll probably need it just when you start riding again. I went over the handlebars on my second commute attempt and landed on my noggin, cracking a helmet. Glad I had it.
If you're anti-helmet or just don't like the inconveniences, that's your decision, but consider wearing one in the beginning until you get used to riding again. You never forget how to ride a bicycle, but when you try to integrate that with traffic management, you are at risk until you (re)learn the ropes.
Welcome back to the fold.
If you're anti-helmet or just don't like the inconveniences, that's your decision, but consider wearing one in the beginning until you get used to riding again. You never forget how to ride a bicycle, but when you try to integrate that with traffic management, you are at risk until you (re)learn the ropes.
Welcome back to the fold.
__________________
I stop for people / whose right of way I honor / but not for no one.
Originally Posted by bragi 
"However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
I stop for people / whose right of way I honor / but not for no one.
Originally Posted by bragi "However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
10-06-11, 10:19 AM
#6
Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 35
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Welcome back
Hi I'm glad you have begun cycling again. I recently returned after a 15 year layoff. My biggest adjustment has been getting used to traffic flow and regaining "my street radar". Those two things are picking up and i'm having fun.
Welcome to the forum.
sindlero
Welcome to the forum.
sindlero
