Newbie Update

[MyRubyE]

Well I've been riding my road bike for 5 months now and wanted to let all you newbies out there that with time and practice you do develop confidence and the skills you need to road bike. I can now look over my shoulder to check for traffic, I stay clipped in for almost the entire ride, I can stop and keep one foot clipped in and start up again and my seat is just at the right height for me now and no more worries about it being to low. I did 20 miles today and had a great ride and no major panic attacks. So, for all the newbies out there it can be done. Don't give up. And trust me, I'm the most uncoordinated person, so if I can do it, you all can do it too.

[MyRubyE]

And the other great thing about this mornings ride was knowing that because of the labor day w/e, most people were sleeping in because of staying up late, or trying to get relief from a hangover. So, all us roadies had the roads all to ourselves. What a great way to start the morning; getting excercise and enjoying the sunshine, while most people could not get out of bed. Life is good.

[Roadtrip]

Thanks. I'm discovering I can do MANY of the things I feared for so long and it leaves me with a feeling is loss and anger at myself for letting my own fears lead my life instead of me leading the way.

Baby steps, but from where I was a mere 9 days ago, miles and miles of advancement.

Thanks for the continued optimism!!
Shannon

[FunSize]

It's amazing how fast we adapt to new things! I've been riding even less than you and probably less than 20 rides under my belt. At first i couldn't do more than 20 mi and I panicked on uphills to the point of hyperventilating (VERY uncommon occurrence for me) and crying (not so uncommon occurrence). But now I can ride 30+ miles with MANY big, prolonged hills! I just keep telling myself that I have to be patient with myself (Especially on the hills). But in a couple of weeks I bet they'll get easier/faster and i'll be travelling farther and farther. I just have to be patient.

[MyRubyE]

Wow... I haven't hit the 30 miler yet, but working towards it. Just need to plan out a good route. Great for you Fun Size! Btw - I love that profile name! Hang in there Roadtrip; give yourself time. You'll be riding for miles and miles and become crazy addicted like the rest of us before you know it. Make sure to keep us updated on your progress.

Ride on! :)

[stella2]

It's great to hear about all of this progress. I guess it really is about having patience with ourselves, aiming for baby steps and letting anything else be a bonus. :)