Originally Posted by
StephenKTHill
I honestly just want to make sure I am starting off the right way. I want to know the basics of technique and what I am doing wrong so I can correct it early before bad habits begin.
I could ride with you some but I am short on time for the next 3-4 weeks and probably won't be riding.
Your best bet is to check into the group rides in the DFW area, find a group that goes slow and pledges to not drop riders and go along with them.
If you can keep the bike upright then what is there to learn?
OK, there are a few things...
You are a vehicle even if you don't burn gasoline so you have to obey the traffic laws. Don't do stupid things in traffic.
Look for roads where you can ride without large amounts of traffic. Contact me direct, tell me where you are and I can maybe suggest some roads.
If you ride in groups then watch what everybody else is doing. Try to ride a steady speed and in a straight line. Weaving around or changing speeds is annoying and dangerous to the people behind you.
Drink plenty of fluids while you are riding, especially as hot as it is right now.
Carry a cellphone and identification. On longer rides you should carry a little money in case you need to stop at a convenience store for food or fluids. Carry some water with you. Carry a pump, spare tube and tools.
ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET. Gloves and glasses and helpful too. I recommend glasses with frames all the way around, the glasses with no frames and with sharp edges exposed around the bottom of the lenses can seriously cut your face if you get in a crash. (it happened to me)
Don't try to go out on a 50 mile ride if your maximum ride so far is only 10 miles. Work up your mileage gradually.