cmpeters

Ok you guys, I'm looking for some serious advice. I'm doing the Capital Texas Triathlon in May as a part of Team in Training. I'm a strong swimmer. I totally don't fear the swim. The run, if all else fails I walk. But the bike, therein lies my problem. I am buying a road bike this week. I don't even have one yet. I took my daughter's bike out last week (which is way too small for me btw) and did manage to wobble around the parking lot, but that's a far cry from triathlon ready. I went to the store yesterday and started hyperventilating as I stood there looking at these bikes. I realize it is an irrational fear, and that I just need to get out there and do it. And I will do it, because I've put myself in a position where I have to do it. Team in Training does coach participants, but we haven't started that yet. Any and all advice, serious and otherwise, is welcome.

ChunkyB

Just take your time while you're riding, and find low-traffic areas. You might fall a few times, but that's okay. It just shows that you're trying. Just take your time, and don't worry about your time. Your first tri is for the experience.

As you're practicing, I'd just say don't worry about looking silly, and don't worry about falling once in a while. Good luck.

fzrdave

Before you do anything, find a real rugged, cheap fixie bicycle (no gear changes) that you can drop on multiple occasions without worrying about breaking. You can find these types of bikes new in department stores for less than $200 or used at garage sales or second hand stores for around $20. Then find a large open area near your home preferably without any traffic with a slight hill on it and an open flat area at the bottom. The local high school might be a good place to look into. Then go to the top of the hill; get on the bike; and coast downhill with both feet lightly touching the ground. As you pick up a little speed, lift your feet off the ground and place them lightly on top of your pedals and coast to the bottom of the hill. Once on the bottom, then lightly apply your brakes and come to a gradual, complete stop. Get off the bike and go back to the top of the hill and do this a few more times. Each time you do it try to pick up your feet a little sooner and try to increase your speed just a little bit. Also try pedaling a little bit. Once you get more comfortable, try to ride the bike around a little bit on the bottom of the hill all the while pedaling and making a few gradual turns.

Here's something to keep in mind that is actually a little bit counterintuitive. The reason a bicycle wants to stays up is because of the gyroscopic effect of the wheels turning. The faster they turn, the greater the gyroscopic effect and the more stability that you'll have to stay up. So here's the counterintuitive part: make sure to ride at least at a walking pace or above to stay upright. If you go too slow, then you will not have a significant amount of gyroscopic effect and the bicycle will become unstable and wobbly and you'll fall. So push yourself to move along and you will improve much more quickly than if you play it too safe by going too slow.

The last thing I would add is stay away from traffic until your confidence and skills improve. Early on you'll fall often and unexpectedly. It's much better to do this in a school yard than out on the open road where you could get hit by a car. Then once you have the requisite skills and stability, go out and hit the open road and enjoy one of the greatest sports in the World, bicycling.

cmpeters

Thank you guys for the advice thus far. And don't worry, I'm not getting anywhere near traffic for a while. I've been the person in the car behind the cyclist before. The thought of putting myself at the mercy of the general public is even more terrifying than just learning to ride the bike.

I'm excited about this opportunity though. I could have signed up for a non-cycling event, but it is time for me to overcome this ridiculous fear. I am in the process of looking for a nice soft place to practice - LOL. My goal is to be clipped in by the end of February. I'm doing a lot of spin classes too. I figure they will help me improve my cardiovascular endurance while I'm still learning the basic mechanics of riding.

NzAndy

If you haven't already I'd say try to spend some time joining in on a group ride or getting out with some friends who do road riding. Aside from just learning to ride there are a few finer points of road cycling that you should get to know before too long.

Best of luck in your efforts.
Andy

tasr

Cmpeters, Congratulations on making the plunge into the world of bicycling. It’s a great sport, recreation and exercise. I give free riding lessons. Sounds like you got some good info ^. Bike shops are a world of info on cycling. Try your local bike shop and see if anyone is will to tutor you.

Most important you’ll need to get a helmet. Once again your local bike shop can help with sizing and fit. Try on many! You’re NOT going to do any triathlon with a broken skull. Be safe and good luck.