not exactly new

[Brina]

As you can see by post count/join date, I was a member here long ago. I mostly have a road bike for triathlons, although my last one was 4 years ago. I ride my hybrid a lot but have been looking at my road bike gathering dust and decided to take it out. The tires are pumped up, I dusted it off, but for the first time I am feeling intimidated about riding it. It is a Specialized Ruby with Keo pedals and for some reason it is making me nervous. I never felt this way before and in fact only once fell, and that was at a stop light when I unclipped right and tipped left. I have campus pedals on my hybrid and occasionally ride with my spd shoes and took those shoes and pedals on a Backroads trip 2 years ago.

I guess I just need somebody to shove me out the door.

[roo4]

SHOVE! There you go.

I was in a similar position a few years ago--just very insecure on the bike, especially in traffic. I pedaled out of my comfort zone and found a bike club to ride with. Maybe that would help you? Both with motivation and confidence?

[thekarens]

Swapping pedals is easy. Put some cheap flats on until you get your "sea legs" and then you can go back to the Looks. Now get out there!

[marni]

start with 1 mile in your local neighborhood where you know the traffic and the streets. Slowly lengthen the ride until you feel sure. It can be done.

[Brina]

I did it. I forced myself out the door and I did it. 6.68 miles on a multi-use trail. Managed not to fall. Although i did hit a small steep up hill at the entrance to the trail in too high of a gear and came damn close to sliding back down. The Looks are a lot harder to pull out of than my campus pedals. Need to remember that. I also forgot my riding gloves, which I realized about a mile and a half into the ride. My elbow and shoulder and complaining to me about that one. I now have the gloves and the shoes sitting on a shelf together so I won't make that mistake a second time.

Thank you for the encouragement

[thekarens]

Good for you! Glad you made it out.

[Sky King]

I now have the gloves and the shoes sitting on a shelf together so I won't make that mistake a second time.

Thank you for the encouragement

Good reminder - and I should put mine by my helmet -as I can usually remember to grab that. We did a ride a fews weeks ago that required 100 miles of driving and I managed to forget my shoes...
Fortunately was my Surly ECR that has power grip pedals so I could ride with my chaco's and my "urban" merrills
You will be zooming around in no time :)