I wanna start riding outdoors!!!

[marimar12]

Brief history...

So all my life I have heard the story of how I had a brother that died after being hit by a truck while riding a bike my dad bought him during the christmas holidays many, many, MANY years ago.

My brothers and I weren't allowed to have bikes as children. I purchased my first bike when I was 21 yrs old, rode it once and my husband at the time decided to sell it to his sister:(

I am now 33 yrs old,own a road bike and a mtn bike but am too afraid to ride outside. I do spin a least 3 times a week, I've even inquired about joining a road team...I'm just too afraid of getting hit by a truck!!! (thanks mom!!!)

Somebody please help me get over this fear!!!

[mimitabby]

you could start by not riding where there are trucks? Ride on bike paths?

Welcome to TE, I am sure lots of people will have great ideas, but the main thing, look at how many of us are riding everyday without getting hit by trucks!

[marimar12]

Your so right!!! I think I'll try a bike trail this weekend.

I'm thinking that truck story was an evil plan devised by mom to scare us...ra ha ha!!!

Thanks for the wake up!!!

[Offthegrid]

I get wary about riding around cars, too, especially when I haven't ridden for a while and I'm not feeling too confident about my unclipping skills. Start riding on a bike path (but scope it out first to make sure it's now crowded with ignorant people walking their dogs and taking up the whole lane). Then ride around your neighborhood. Then scope out a more rural area without as much traffic.

As you get more time in the saddle, you'll feel more confident and get ready to take on bigger challenges.

[velogirl]

Where do you live, Marimar? Try to find a club to ride with -- it's a great way to learn, stay motivated, and meet other folks who ride, too!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I'm thinking that truck story was an evil plan devised by mom to scare us...

She knew that if you got a bike, eventually you'd wind up here and be spending all your rent and food money on biking clothes like the rest of us. :cool:

[Xrayted]

She knew that if you got a bike, eventually you'd wind up here and be spending all your rent and food money on biking clothes like the rest of us. :cool:

Yep, true. :o

[marimar12]

Thanks ladies. Velogirl...I live in Downtown Miami so I'll go over some bike routes on Key Biscayne. I hear Oleta River has some trails too.

[Pedal Wench]

Marimar, the riding out on Key Biscayne is wonderful. No bike lanes, but the shoulder is VERY wide, and there is a lot of bike traffic so the cars expect to see cars. For a short ride, you can even go into Bill Baggs State park at the end of Key Biscayne, just to get used to being near cars.

There is also a bike path from Coconut Grove down Old Cutler Ridge. The problem is that it's only on one side of the road, and cars that are pulling out of driveways and sidestreets will not turn right to see you if you're riding against traffice. The Everglades cycling club is probably a great place to start, or ask the nice people at Mack Cycle for their recommendations for starting road rides.

[marimar12]

Petal Wench- do you live near by? Thanks for the heads up, I actually do my long runs on Key Biscayne. My goal for next year is to do a tri. and the adventure race at Oleta River (if I find a partner). I ran a 5k at Biil Baggs and noticed alot of bikers riding the trail. I am going to start there this Sun since I have dragon boat practice Sat. I'm thinking I should go aroung 6:30 - 7am.

[Pedal Wench]

I don't, but my boyfriend does. Oh! You could also do loops on Virginia Key. Long, straight road, little traffic, and good view at the end. The road is only about 1.5 miles long, but it's great for doing intervals.

[Dianyla]

Well, unfortunately it is true. You could be hit by a truck. You could also trip on a curb, hit your head, and die tomorrow.

Only you can figure out what level of risk you're willing to accept in order to live your definition of a rich and fulfilling life. :)