Hi everyone, about a month ago I bought a trek 7.2fx with the vague notion of peddling around my neighbourhood for fun and fitness, with maybe the eventual goal in mind to commute the 8.3km/5miles to work and back.

Did some research, went into a bike shop here in the city, got recommendations and made the purchase. Everything was going well until I actually tried to get on the damn thing and get moving: I'm completely terrified of being on two wheels, and can't seem to get mounted & moving on any kind of incline (my home is on a very slope-y street). Embarrassed but undeterred, I walked the bike about 7-8minutes to our local park and tried again on a flatter surface. The result this time was a bit more promising, as I can get on and get going. No idea what I'm doing with regards to gears, going downhill at a speed greater than a snail's crawl is terrifying and has me gripping the brakes, uphill still too daunting, and anything more complex than steering around a gentle curve is right out. But movement is still happening, so I count it as a win!

After about 25 minutes I walk back home, feeling shaky yet exhilarated, but definitely exhausted. Sore backside for a few days. My boyfriend gets on it from day 1 and immediately starts zipping up and down the slope-y street we live on, so I know it's possible. But after that initial ride I haven't touched the damn bike. So here's my question. I always seem to feel most like riding about an hour after I get into bed to sleep for the night, which is obviously not the ideal time.

How do you guys translate your fond wishes to be riding into actual action the next day? Any tips for someone who was a completely competent cyclist as a kid but has struggled coming back to it as an adult? I know doing it is the only way to improve and I've found the stories in this forum really helpful and motivating, so I'm hoping for some tips & encouragement myself! Ta xx