mdf26

So as some of you know already I'm brand new to the whole cycling world. I bought my first bike a week or two ago from bikesdirect.com. I received the bike over a week ago and I've not even gotten it out of my driveway yet. There has been several days of snow and rain as well as temps below 30. I feel like I should already have miles under my belt but yet it continues to sit. I want to ride but I don't know if the excuses are legit or just mental. I am off this entire weekend so I will get out no matter what. Sorry just needed to see if I'm crazy or not.

goldfinch

You sound sensible. Snow, rain and potential ice are no way to start riding. It will warm up.

10 Wheels

Cabin Fever....

Pirkaus

I bought a trainer off craig's list this fall and cured the fever and excuses by using it
As modivation, I talk about it at work so people are always asking how it's going
Remember the waist line never lies
Pirk

fettsvenska 

I would consider myself an avid cyclist and I don't care to ride in the snow. It's not all that safe and if you haven't been on a bike in awhile it could take 4 or 5 rides before you get your mojo. The last thing you want to do is wreck your brand new ride.

Mithrandir

I only attempted sub-32 rides years after I had started riding my bike; long after it had become the addiction. Wait for the weather to turn. Get addicted to riding in good conditions first. Bad conditions can make your rides miserable (even if you love cycling!), and you don't want to develop a mental hatred of the sport just as you're getting into it.

mdf26

Thank you for the responses. I had mechanical problems the first couple of days I would have had the chance to ride. My fd would not shift properly and I was waiting on a set of front brake pads as the set that shipped with the bike were missing a bolt. Then I worked last weekend so that was out. Monday I slept most of the day and it was freezing outside so I said maybe Tuesday. Tuesday was raining off and on, at one point I thought I would just go for it but said no, I better wait in case out rains again. Then today it was in the low 30s all day so I didn't ride. Now I'm working tonight and tomorrow night. I am off Fri morning until Mon night so I hope to get out at least 3 or 4 times! I have water bottles coming in tomorrow as well as a couple spare tubes and a small saddle bag so there is no excuse not to get out! Lol now I just have to wait until Friday!

digibud

I won't see the snow and ice leave from our roads for about another month so I share your frustration but look at the positive side....you are wanting...pushing...dreaming...being frustrated and all that is SO much better than not giving a rats behind. If you "get serious" then down the road you'll also face "I just don't feel like riding today..." and "maybe I'm just done with biking..." and all sorts of flavors of up and down. That's how it is. Just be careful to not overdo too quickly or overtrain to the point you hurt yourself.

TrojanHorse

riding a skinny tired bike on snowy roads is a recipe for disaster. I tried it once, that was enough.

Keep your goals reasonable when the weather clears and enjoy your new bike.

Neil_B

When I first started in 2007, I learned the winter is a tough time for a cyclist to meet goals. Cut yourself some slack and wait for better weather.

WonderMonkey

Here is what you do. When you can SAFELY get outside just go for five minutes. Then five minutes the next time. Make the task smaller and they become easier. That five minutes will naturally start to stretch itself out.

moochems 

I really like my trainer.

Got it cheap on Craigslist.
Not only does it aallow me to ride at my desired level of resistance for as long as I want, but it is also a great way to fine tune the bicycle. For example, there is always an opportune moment to adjust seat height or angle. For many other reasons do I enjoy the trainer. No doubt it is not as fun as the road, nor can it be quite as challenging as some hills; the overall benefits of a trainer are well worth the cost.

Myosmith

A brand new cyclist doesn't belong on snow and ice. Take your downtime to work on your core, flexibility and nutrition. Go for walks, hit the gym, buy a workout video you can do in your livingroom etc. Not all of cycling takes place in the saddle. There is plenty you can do to become a better cyclist while you are waiting. A couple pounds lighter, with a stronger core and more flexibility will make your riding more enjoyable. When the roads clear, then get out there and ride.

indyfabz

+1. I ride for transportation, travel and fitness. I don't intentionally ride in the snow and will only do short trips when it's cold out. There are other activities. Don't think "My new bicycle is my weight-loss vehicle." Think "Excercise, including cycling, is one tool in my weight loss tool box." (God! I cannot believe I wrote something that sounds that corny.)

storckm

I ride in snow and ice, but I wouldn't recommend starting out that way. Maybe next winter.

JerrySTL

Instead of riding in such weather, consider walking. Or go to a gym or YMCA and ride a stationary bike or walk there. I ride over 4K miles a year, but I don't ride once it's below 40F degrees or icy. It will be warming up soon enough.