Have been reading the forum, but haven’t really posted much since I “started” cycling, aged 50ish, towards the end of last year. It was a very silly time to start with the onset of winter weather, my feardie-cat nature & my complete lack of skills and fitness (any excuse really!). So apart from a few 3 or 4-mile rides round the back lanes (an achievement in itself - for me!) have done next to nothing.
Then this week the weather changed dramatically and it was time to start…
On Tuesday we loaded the bikes on the trailer & set off for a forest trail just north of where we stay.
Was super-brave & raised my saddle considerably, as many of you, including my husband, suggested. What a difference, not as scary as I thought, until it’s time to stop -but that’s another story - please tell me someone else was once as hopeless…?! How
do you stop gracefully when your dumpy little leggies don't reach the ground??!
The track was wide (thankfully) & dry, but loose & gravelly. That was OK, but the thing that got me was the hills (little inclines I’m sure you guys would all sail up) It really sunk in that I should have worked more on my fitness & weight over the winter. It was hard going at times – had to get off a time or two and walk (particularly when I’d made a mess of my gear changing, very much the beginner) but I felt less of an eejit than I thought! We managed about five miles, but this time last year that would have been beyond my wildest imaginings.
Wednesday, and we went out round the lanes, very quiet, just one or two (very courteous) car drivers - 8 miles. Beginning to get the hang of the gears. Got back into the drive, puffed out but elated, stopped and then
toppled sideways, oops! Fortunately plenty padding and no speed, so no bruises or worse!
Next day out, more cars, less courtesy, one step forward two steps back. However on a positive note, the hill coming home that has, up to now, defeated me, didn't - I managed to cycle all the way!
I’m rambling on a bit, but I am proud of my (little) achievements and really just wanted to thank you all for your inspiring stories, without which I don’t think I’d have ever done this!
