Hello all, I am returning to bicycles after a 45 abscence, bought my first ever new bike yesterday. I picked up a Giant Sedona ST, looking to get started reasonably inexpensive. I am in fairly good shape for my age, just dealing with a little high bp and don't care to go on medication, so am hoping this takes care of it. Have been on motorcycles all my life, so I love riding, just new to bicycles and, got to say, they have come a long way! Anyone have any advice for a newbie to the sport? I just want to get in better shape and enjoy the road. Thanks in advance.
oldfeller

Hi Oldfeller, welcome to 50+ and to BF, lots of returning riders and plenty of us rode/ride/race motorcycles. As far as advice, just ride miles for right now, after you make sure the bicycle fits you properly so you are really comfortable on it. We need pics too, this is an N+1 event (a new bicycle purchase) so find the N+1 for 2012 thread and post up. First ride reports with your choice of post ride PIE are required here. did I mention we like Pie here? We really like Pie here, BTW. Rode lots!!

Bill

Welcome!! With regular riding, you might be surprised what it will do for your health.

Standard n00b fare: ride a little at a time until your tissues toughen up. Don't worry about distance and speed for now. Don't expect to be a ball of fire for 2-3 years. When you want to get faster, ride with a club. Read a lot, dismiss about two thirds of it. Ignore all posts about average speed. Buy a new bike whenever you want to if you can afford it. If it doesn't work out, list it on Craigslist and make someone else very happy.

I think that's it.

What he said. Plus....I'd get a trainer or rollers (if you can manage them at some point) and read about cycling diet and exercise for people over age 50. I'd start with "Younger Next Year" and then move on to something more cycling specific like "Cycling Past Fifty."

Hey! What did he ever do to you?

Welcome. Ride as often as you can, want to, or think you should. BUT... do ride; how far, how fast, how many hills climbed, and how many (insert whatever you like to look at) seen along the trip only count if you want them too. Be prepared for your body having to go through some adaptations to get used to the new activity. However, if something really starts to hurt, take it as a sign that something is wrong (often the way the bike is setup for your physique), and don't wait to get it sorted out. When reading any bicycle related forum, don't let post count of the contributor be a determination of the veracity of the statements made. AND, above all, learn that blueberry pie has somewhat of a cult standing here.

Welcome aboard and enjoy the ride.

I just started last year after about a 35 year absence and I'm loving it. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Start saving or stop now. N+1 Turns to N+1 + N+1 + N+1

Welcome and just turn the legs for now. Then gradually turn them harder and for longer periods of time

And Find out what Pie is about before you go much further.

...or (N+1)[sup]X[/sup]

Welcome

Ride, ride some more, and repeat.

I hated Maths at school--Mainly because I never understood it.

Know more than the basics now- particularly when it involves N+1.

N+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1= Full shed.

Then it would be N + X[SUP]y[/SUP]

I used to ride motorcycles. I have no regrets about being on a bicycle though. The bicycle has what I need, two wheels and exercise.

Thanks, that seems like great advice, I know I need to adjust my seat post, it just does not have any give. Any ideas on best way to adjust? I know it should not move under my weight, but not sure it is even moving at all.
oldfeller

bicycle seat posts should not give. Your "saddle"/seat should give but most is in tires and hands.

Don't worry about cadence {cranking revolution speed/minute**, but don't hold steady. Vary it a bit, strive for something between 65 and 115. The faster you rotate, the more of the energy is heart, the slower the more it's muscles. Short micro-Sprints are best for developing muscles quickest. Be easy, if it hurts, something is wrong, stop the hurt. Allow time for body to adjust, this is a big change. You'll be working more than the wrists.

Enjoy the trip

Stap,
If the oldfeller has been motorcycling all his life, he already knows all about N+1. I have seen the barns and out buildings of motorcycle collectors that make any bicycle hoarder I have ever known just look silly. Personally I have three bicycles but own five motorcycles.

Oldfeller,
Welcome aboard! There are a number of us around here who ride both human and gasoline powered two wheelers.
As for advice I would say;
1) Ride often. They don't have to be long rides but do get on the bike more days than not.

2) Know when to take a day off to recover. If you are sore or overdid it take a day off or do an easy recovery ride.

3) Don't expect to become fast or ride long distances over night.

4) After you have gotten used to riding by yourself for a while, start looking for a local group of riders who go at about your speed and do some group rides. It can be a lot of fun and very motivating.

Just trying to share my pain.

Blueberry pie? Hah! Everyone knows the best pie on the planet is Pecan Pie.

Been motorcycling for about 40 yrs now and the worst I got to was two bikes. But they were both Ducatis so it's sorta like five bikes. Back down to one Duc now.

Three of my motorcycles are 1960s vintage single cylinder Ducatis. I'll let you figure how many bikes that would work out to.

Good grief. Does your therapist know?

It's good to have a fantasy life, even if it borders on being delusional.

Welcome, my advice is to take a break when ever,wherever then ride some more.