VERY discouraging first day!
02-18-05 | 05:09 AM
#26
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Joined: Feb 2005
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Originally Posted by Machka
I've been cycling since I was 6 years old, but I took a few years off in my late teens/early twenties.
Then one day I decided to start cycling again. In my head, I was in pretty good shape, so I set off to take a little 5 mile spin. I figured that would be a comfortable way to begin.
After 0.5 miles, I changed my mind and decided to turn the other direction in order to do a 2 mile ride. After 1 mile, I had to get off the bicycle to take a break. And when I got in after 2 miles I was DEAD!! I nearly cried ... I had no idea I was so out of shape!!!
Nevertheless, I got back on the bicycle again and kept gradually increasing my distance.
That was 15 years ago. You can check the links in my signature to see where I'm at now.
Just an idea, is there a CAN BIKE course in your area? Does your LBS, or does your local cycling association, hold any bicycle handling and maintenance courses? Do a search on the computer for your local cycling association ... they should have all sorts of information. It would probably be worth it for you to sign up for some of these courses. You might meet other new cyclists, and you'll learn a few things to make the whole experience more comfortable.
Then one day I decided to start cycling again. In my head, I was in pretty good shape, so I set off to take a little 5 mile spin. I figured that would be a comfortable way to begin.
After 0.5 miles, I changed my mind and decided to turn the other direction in order to do a 2 mile ride. After 1 mile, I had to get off the bicycle to take a break. And when I got in after 2 miles I was DEAD!! I nearly cried ... I had no idea I was so out of shape!!!
Nevertheless, I got back on the bicycle again and kept gradually increasing my distance.
That was 15 years ago. You can check the links in my signature to see where I'm at now.
Just an idea, is there a CAN BIKE course in your area? Does your LBS, or does your local cycling association, hold any bicycle handling and maintenance courses? Do a search on the computer for your local cycling association ... they should have all sorts of information. It would probably be worth it for you to sign up for some of these courses. You might meet other new cyclists, and you'll learn a few things to make the whole experience more comfortable.
Machka,
Thanks for your story. I know how you felt that first day.
Not sure f there's a CAN course(don't know what that is), but one of the LBSs has a free bicycle maintenance course, which I need to call and sign up for. I've also registered on the site of my city's cycling club, so I'll probably try to do something with them in the next few weeks.
02-18-05 | 05:11 AM
#27
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Originally Posted by LordOpie
I started riding for social reasons, now I prefer at least one ride a week alone. If I don't get some time by myself, I get grumpy.
I don't want to discourage you by saying everyone has crappy days and you'll have a crappy day again. But the good ones so compensate.
I have never told anyone this, so it better help you!
3.5 yrs ago when I decided to start riding, I borrowed a beat up bike from a friend. I hadn't ridden in 15 years. I had ridden a few times before joining one friend. I followed her across the street between two bike paths when I missed ramp onto the path and hit the curb at an angle. It was hard negotiating the ramp and I think I panicked. Wasn't going but a couple mph, but took a wierd fall. I think I sprained some muscles in my upper back. She looked back wondering how I wound up laying on the grass. I just joked it off. I felt incredibly stupid.
We all have our troubles. Just take it easy. Pushing the endurance is fine when you learn the skills, but don't push the learning curve for the skills. Walk when you're unsure and everything will build in time.
I don't want to discourage you by saying everyone has crappy days and you'll have a crappy day again. But the good ones so compensate.
I have never told anyone this, so it better help you!
3.5 yrs ago when I decided to start riding, I borrowed a beat up bike from a friend. I hadn't ridden in 15 years. I had ridden a few times before joining one friend. I followed her across the street between two bike paths when I missed ramp onto the path and hit the curb at an angle. It was hard negotiating the ramp and I think I panicked. Wasn't going but a couple mph, but took a wierd fall. I think I sprained some muscles in my upper back. She looked back wondering how I wound up laying on the grass. I just joked it off. I felt incredibly stupid.
We all have our troubles. Just take it easy. Pushing the endurance is fine when you learn the skills, but don't push the learning curve for the skills. Walk when you're unsure and everything will build in time.
02-18-05 | 09:17 AM
#28
Fastest rider in my house
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: San Antonio, TX
When I got my road bike last July, my wife bought me a copy of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Cycling. It's full of a lot of great information, regardless of what kind of bike you have.
The level of advice ranges from very basic stuff like pedaling, safety, shifting, and pumping up your tires to more advanced things like large group rides, detailed maintenance, and training.
I'd highly recommend it to a newbie or somebody like me who got back on a bike after a long absence. I still refer back to couple of sections. For example, when I got my trainer I pulled the book back out to read the section on trainers and spinning.
Here's a link to a copy:
https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...books&n=507846
The level of advice ranges from very basic stuff like pedaling, safety, shifting, and pumping up your tires to more advanced things like large group rides, detailed maintenance, and training.
I'd highly recommend it to a newbie or somebody like me who got back on a bike after a long absence. I still refer back to couple of sections. For example, when I got my trainer I pulled the book back out to read the section on trainers and spinning.
Here's a link to a copy:
https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...books&n=507846
02-18-05 | 09:42 AM
#29
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Denver
Bikes: 2006 custom Walt Works roadie, 2003 Fuji Finest (road), 2002 Giant Iguana (mtb), 1986 BMW K75 (motor)
Originally Posted by Amator
That's a great big help, thanks LordOpie! Do you still ride with that friend?
02-18-05 | 09:46 AM
#30
Lance Hater
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Los Angeles
I'm assuming you've never ridden a bike before.
I learned to ride a bike when I was five so I don't remember what my first few rides were like. I imagine it was probably similar to your story.
It's like anything you just learned. Practice, that's all. You'll be fine.
Oh yeah, and not everyone falls at least once when first using clipless pedals. That's one of those cycling urban legends.
I learned to ride a bike when I was five so I don't remember what my first few rides were like. I imagine it was probably similar to your story.
It's like anything you just learned. Practice, that's all. You'll be fine.
Oh yeah, and not everyone falls at least once when first using clipless pedals. That's one of those cycling urban legends.
02-19-05 | 11:16 PM
#31
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Well, I'm fairly new to road biking though I've ridden bikes since I was a kid. Anyway I was out at night about two weeks ago and was spinning along pretty good. Unfortunately I didn't see the patch of sand in the corner 
The wheels went out from under me and down I went. I felt pretty dumb as this is Florida and I know to watch for sand. Anyway the point is we all have bad days. For embarrassment though I don't think any of my crashes beats hitting a garbage can on the boardwalk while watching two scantily clad members of the oppisite sex. I did a full layout right in the middle of the boardwalk! I kind of slunk back to my apartment after that!
The wheels went out from under me and down I went. I felt pretty dumb as this is Florida and I know to watch for sand. Anyway the point is we all have bad days. For embarrassment though I don't think any of my crashes beats hitting a garbage can on the boardwalk while watching two scantily clad members of the oppisite sex. I did a full layout right in the middle of the boardwalk! I kind of slunk back to my apartment after that!
02-20-05 | 04:04 PM
#33
In Real Life
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From: Down under down under
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Originally Posted by Amator
FL, thanks for the story. I don't have anything that publicly embarassing yet. I appreciate everyone's help. It really does make a big difference.
I don't have anything that publicly embarassing yet. I appreciate everyone's help. It really does make a big difference.This is information about the CAN Bike courses offered by my previous cycling association. Most of the cycling associations in Canada hold similar courses, usually by the same name. There are a couple geared toward kids, and some geared toward adults.
https://www.cycling.mb.ca/canbike.htm
There might be something like that in your area too, although it may be called a different name. And I think it is great that you're going to sign up for a maintenance course. That will give you some confidence and skills.
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02-20-05 | 05:02 PM
#34
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From: Queens New York
Bikes: Bianchi Pisa, LeMond Poprad
Do you have actual problems with your vestibular system, or are you just full of nerves, if you have actual balance problems I would not ride a bike.
I used to teach martial arts and it was very discouraging to have to tell some people that they just couldn't do it (I'm talking about disabled people), even though they were motivated.
There are limits to everything.
If you have no vestibular system problems then stick with it slowly until the nerves go away.
I used to teach martial arts and it was very discouraging to have to tell some people that they just couldn't do it (I'm talking about disabled people), even though they were motivated.
There are limits to everything.
If you have no vestibular system problems then stick with it slowly until the nerves go away.
02-20-05 | 05:48 PM
#35
shewhobikes
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Alabama
Bikes: '04 Gary Fisher Big Sur, '05 Cannondale SR800
Amator, I took the road bike out yesterday for an hour or so, not too long a ride but a great hill work-out. Pulled into the parking lot, got distracted, and--not even clipped in--fell over at a dead stop. Still can't figure out how in the hell it happened. Scratched up my elbow and my handlebars, laughed all the way home. Stay with it.
02-20-05 | 07:34 PM
#36
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Joined: Sep 2001
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From: Montreal
Bikes: Peugeot Hybrid, Minelli Hybrid
For teaching my small children to ride, I took the pedals off and set the seat low so they could push themselves along with their feet on the ground. For your parking lot trials set your seat low so you can easily put your feet down while you get the hang of steering and braking. You dont have to think about leaning into the turn. If you want to turn to the right, give the right handlebar a sharp push - that will make the bike lean over to the right and the turn will follow. The sharper the push the more abrubtly you will go into the turn - this type of emergency steering is an essential manoeuvre to learn, it will be a lifesaver when cars do a right turn while they are passing you. Dont ride on the sidewalk until you are sure of your steering, because you dont want to fall off the sidewalk into the road, but dont worry about the legality - your primary concern is your safety and enjoyment. I am sure any cop will be sympathetic if you explain you predicament. Keep you speed down on the sidewalk because cars coming out of driveways are looking for people coming at pedestrian speed.
https://www.parktool.com/repair_help/index.shtml
https://www.sheldonbrown.com
Keep telling us your story it makes great reading
https://www.parktool.com/repair_help/index.shtml
https://www.sheldonbrown.com
Keep telling us your story it makes great reading
02-20-05 | 11:43 PM
#37
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Joined: Feb 2005
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Originally Posted by ultra-g
Do you have actual problems with your vestibular system, or are you just full of nerves, if you have actual balance problems I would not ride a bike.
I used to teach martial arts and it was very discouraging to have to tell some people that they just couldn't do it (I'm talking about disabled people), even though they were motivated.
There are limits to everything.
If you have no vestibular system problems then stick with it slowly until the nerves go away.
I used to teach martial arts and it was very discouraging to have to tell some people that they just couldn't do it (I'm talking about disabled people), even though they were motivated.
There are limits to everything.
If you have no vestibular system problems then stick with it slowly until the nerves go away.
08-20-05 | 06:58 PM
#40
Old School Rad
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: The old Mountains
Bikes: Blur LT
Originally Posted by Puppypaws
I figured out from your other post that you are in Western South Carolina....
Perhaps someday we can do a Virginia Creeper Bike Forums ride! Its not too far from you.
Perhaps someday we can do a Virginia Creeper Bike Forums ride! Its not too far from you.
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Like a circus monkey on a stolen Harley......
Like a circus monkey on a stolen Harley......
08-21-05 | 12:06 AM
#41
Behind EVERYone!!!
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Burlington ON, Canada
Bikes: 2010 Specialized Tricross Comp 105 Double
[QUOTE=Amator]Twins indeed. Thanks for the reassurance I'm not the only one mucking it up as a beginner. [/QUOTE/]
I feel your pain. Back in February when I got my new roadie I just couldn't wait to get on a fly away like a madman. Well I walked it out of the bike shop and around the corner to Market St in Philly...hopped in the saddle and off I went....for about 40 feet. I had a pedestrian step out in front of me and down I went...on my brand new LeMond ...I hadn't been on a bike for about 20 years before that night and I felt like an idiot. I was afraid to get back on but I did just that. Lucky for me there is a big State office building across the street from me and I did exactly what you were advised to do...I rode around the parking lot for an hour or so to get the feel of the bike and the geariing. I think that one hour was the best I have experienced since I had my bike. It has been smooth sailing since then.
Keep at it....you'll be fine, and let us know of your progress. This is way too much fun to give up on.
Cheers,
Brian
[/QUOTE/]I feel your pain. Back in February when I got my new roadie I just couldn't wait to get on a fly away like a madman. Well I walked it out of the bike shop and around the corner to Market St in Philly...hopped in the saddle and off I went....for about 40 feet. I had a pedestrian step out in front of me and down I went...on my brand new LeMond
...I hadn't been on a bike for about 20 years before that night and I felt like an idiot. I was afraid to get back on but I did just that. Lucky for me there is a big State office building across the street from me and I did exactly what you were advised to do...I rode around the parking lot for an hour or so to get the feel of the bike and the geariing. I think that one hour was the best I have experienced since I had my bike. It has been smooth sailing since then.Keep at it....you'll be fine, and let us know of your progress. This is way too much fun to give up on.
Cheers,
Brian
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08-21-05 | 12:53 AM
#42
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From: SoCal
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do you have clipless pedals?
wow, bad luck but you will get back to it. I used to ride MTB's since i was young and I almost crashed a few times when I first got my road bike. It definately is a different feeling. You get used to it ;D
wow, bad luck but you will get back to it. I used to ride MTB's since i was young and I almost crashed a few times when I first got my road bike. It definately is a different feeling. You get used to it ;D
