Today, I took my slower, heavier "errand" bike, the Glove Vienna 2, to the shop to bring her back to rideability. She needed some spokes, a wheel trued, a new tube, etc. And I needed a new helmet.

They did the work on the spot. ANOTHER good, nearby LBS for me!

Then I took the bike and my new helmet to a large empty church parking lot near home. Dressed in "old man on a bike" street clothes, I hopped on. Wheeee! It was just like riding a bike!

Didn't ride too long - just enough to remind my butt what's coming as I reacclimate to cycling. Took her through her paces, using all the gears. Practicing looking behind me without steering the bike into what would be traffic.

Maybe did a couple of miles round and round - who knows? What's important is this: it was wonderful! Feels just like I remembered. It's been over two years since I have ridden, and my fitness levels prove it. But I'm back on a bike. I'll ride the Globe for a while, and get used to riding on streets, and then I'll be ready for Mrs. Jones before long.

Butt? I'm serious - you're in for some reconditioning!

I know just exactly how you feel! My first post, two days after my first ride in probably 25+ years.

I never was a big-time rider, nor a knowledgeable one, but I used to love tooling around on my bikes as a teenager.

Now I'm enjoying doing a LOT of reading here. What a treasure trove, for a new (restart) rider! Thanks to all who contribute. Maybe someday, I'll have something worth adding, too.

For now, though, I just retired in Oct. at 60, and finally got harassed into reconsidering biking to get myself into some kind of shape, by a couple of avid biker friends. Thanks to them and their prodding and coaching, I started my research, much of it here, and decided to take the plunge on Wednesday.

Bought my first decent bike since I dumped my old heavy Schwinn 10-speed road bike at a local homeless shelter about 5 years ago. Hadn't ridden it in probably at least 20-25+ yrs. so I decided someone else should get some use for it. Bought it a set of tubes and tires (old ones were literally rotting off) and dropped it off at the shelter. Just felt like I was never going to use it. And I probably wouldn't have.

Anyhow, I enjoyed my first ride around the neighborhood two days ago, only a little over 3 miles, but what a blast. I forgot how much I liked it. I have a ton of weight to lose, and hope this will help me with that, and with just general fitness improvement. I'll never be a racer, but I have already gotten back much of what I forgot, with a bunch more to learn.

Looking forward to getting comfortable again, with the immense amount of help available here. So Congratulations, Digital Gee, I'm starting out right behind you!!

Wow, what a great feeling to ride a bike. Congrats in getting your bike back in riding condition .... have fun!

That's how I feel after riding the trainer for weeks on end before there's a day nice enough to ride outside! Good for you!

Welcome back, Deeg!

Glad to see that those first few pedal revolutions got taken, Deege. Things will come together for you now, Mrs. Jones is probably starting to get anxious for some miles, too. Have a great weekend.

Bill

Great! Now how about some photos of the local fauna?

Hey I just googled your bike and up pops and image from somewhere in these forums, dark bike hanging off the back of a silver car in a parking log, some guy in a green T smiling proudly next to her ... is that you? What happened that you were 2 years off the bike? Nothing really bad I hope. Glad you back on the bike.

Good for you.

Getting the muscles and lungs back in shape will take time, of course, but as long as you are enjoying the rides, they'll take care of themselves. I imagine that in Reno there are tons of good trails to ride without having to deal too much with traffic stress.

Now all you need is a little persistence!

One day at a time, DG, one day at a time... : - )

Welcome back to the world's greatest sport, DG.

"On the road again, I can't wait to get on the road again!" -Willie :-)

Nope, that's not me. I found him too. What happened in the last two years? Well, long story, but a move from San Diego to Reno in September, 2013 was a headline. New relationship beginning in March, 2014 was another headline. (Made the mistake of giving her a drawer. Now she lives with me. ) No really bad stuff, but I was in a rut in cycling and in life. Now I'm fat and happy and sassy, and hoping to do something about the fat part and recover the joy of being out on that open road and clearing my head.

Woo Hoo!

I am retired so I am lucky enough to ride all the time. And cycling today is still every bit as much fun as when I was a kid. It never changes... every ride is a good time.