Santa finally came (i'm51) and brought my new Pashley bike!

[stella2]

Hi girls,
I'm loving this women's forum :) I'm new to the forum and in the process of learning to ride. I never had the opportunity as a child. I always wanted to and I'm finally going for it. I started 2 weeks ago at the age of 51 and can now finally pedal along fairly straight. I have a bit of a fear of stopping though. I know how to do it properly, but I often get it wrong because I panic :o this comes after I fell off early when stopping. It wasn't that bad, but I am covered in bruises! Anyway, being worried about stopping gets in the way of confidence about going, but I'm getting there.

This is the bike I have. The Pashley Sonnet Bliss. It's the same as the Princess Sovereign except it doesn't have a skirt guard and not quite a full chain guard. Mine is in Claret and Cream, not the blue in the picture. It's very smooth and stable and I think it's making it easier for me to learn than it might be!

http://www.pashley.co.uk/cms/products/main_49.jpeg

[Catrin]

Congratulations! I just learned how to ride a mere 8 months ago myself, started 2 months after my 50th birthday! That is a pretty bike and you will find that it just keeps getting better :D

[Bike Chick]

Congratulations on learning to ride a bike, Stella, and welcome to TE!!! Keep it up. I love your bike!

[Biciclista]

that's a gorgeous bike! I'm proud of you. I HATE to fall!

[stella2]

Thanks girls. It's my calves that have taken the impact. My man has rightly pointed out that the left one has more area that is bruised than isn't - such an interesting array of colours :eek:

I plan to go out around the park again today, but I'm procrastinating because I'm nervous. I am pleased and a bit proud, but not entirely enjoying it yet (but I know I will) :rolleyes:

[hebe]

Well done! I could have almost written your post - I'm 44 and learning in Wiltshire UK, and I have a perfect array of bruising on one calf too. I get nervous about signalling.

Good luck, and enjoy your beautiful bicycle!

[chicagogal]

I love to hear these stories about people just getting started with cycling as an adult. It is a great sport, and you are sure to LOVE it :-)

I learned to ride a bike as a kid, and did plenty of riding around the neighborhood. However, I gave it up after learning to drive, and didn't even think about riding a bike again until I was in graduate school. After so many years away from riding, the first time I got back on a bike, I was a total clutz. I nearly ran into a parked car trying to stop! I couldn't signal, and I lowered my saddle to feel more "secure".

A couple years later, I bought my 1st road bike. I was still a newbie, but within that year, I learned to change a tube, ride with clipless pedals, got over a fear of riding in my drops, learned to corner at speed, learned to drink from my water bottle, learned to signal, learn to climb out of my saddle, learned to draft efficiently, learn group ride etiquette, rode several centuries, started training/racing, and even won my 1st race, all within a year!

There is still a lot to learn, and I learn something new every day. But progress comes fast! . . . as long as you keep enjoying it! So good luck, and have fun! You'll get there :-)

[malkin]

That's a lovely bike!

When I'm bruised up, I like to daydream about other more interesting or dignified ways I could have gotten that way!

[sarahkonamojo]

Nice ride! relax and be proud of your bruises.
Sarah

[marni]

be proud of your bruises

on the last long tour I did, a women's only distance ride, geared for women over 50, we used to pass the pre dinner/ cocktail/beer time sitting around the trailer/kitchen/ dinner area comparing riding scars, bruises, scrapes and grease and tell war stories. Sort of a female warrior bonding. Enjoy showing off the symbols of victory over the learning curve. Go you!

[stella2]

Thank you - I think :eek: I was rather hoping bruises would only be acquired during the beginner weeks . Anyway, ouch .. Ouch .. !

[hebe]

Today's lesson finished with no additional bruises :D I really need to practise more, did right turns from minor to major road today.

[stella2]

Well done Hebe :)

I actually enjoyed my 'stop - start' ride out yesterday. It felt more fun than apprehension for the first time and my stops were better (not great but better) :) I will be out again later and when I have consolidated the progress on the cycling straight and stopping, I will be back on the grass trying some gentle turns.

Step by step will get us there :)