Hi:

My name is Doug. I'm 59 years old and I just got on a bike again after a 35 year hiatus.

I've read some of the introductory stuff in this group, and a great deal of it was incredibly helpful. The material helped me to understand balance and setting off better, and I believe it made me a better (smarter) rider just in the space of a few minutes reading and half-an-hour of practice. This is a good start; I'm hopeful that in the next few months, I'll be able to start biking to and from work (approx a 10-mile round trip).

One thing I've found out after taking my first ride in 35 years is that I'm in really awful physical shape. A ride of about six blocks left me winded and with leg pains. Maybe this was to be expected, but it leads me to wonder: are there any exercises that people do to keep themselves free of pain? I'm going to try just stretching, but I wanted to see what other people recommended.

I'm happy this group exists, and I look forward to some positive interactions while I re-learn how to ride a bike.