Not a new rider, but I may as well be...

[soxx]

I've been off my bike for about seven years now. Recovering from thyroid cancer kicked my - yeah - and now I want to get back in the saddle. I've got vacation coming up in a month, and I think I'll take that time to tune up the girl and get her up and going. Any suggestions?

[north woods gal]

Good for you. I think it's a great idea. My advice is to take it slow and easy and work up to longer rides, gradually. Keep it fun.

[Geonz]

... and ... just get on the bike and ride a little. Don't count :) Don't compare except to *not riding.* Riding is always better than not riding :)

[rebeccaC]

Enjoy getting back to riding! It can be a good and healthy help in moving on from a cancer journey!! Bicycling goals were a part of my recovery. Since it’s been awhile for you, I’d find my riding comfort zone (vacations can be good opportunities) and gradually work up to where I want to be or to a goal. Just enjoy riding…..slow and walking steep parts (still good exercise) to a goal like riding in a 3 day tour de pink for feelings of solidarity (and saying I'm kicking it’s ***) to easy urban, rural or trail rides….it’s all good…..You live in a great city for cycling too!!!!!!

Btw this is a good site to share info/experiences....take advantage :)

and yeah :)

Hello and welcome. Glad you are feeling better.

Eh, what kind of bike is it? What type of suggestions are you looking for?

[north woods gal]

Hey, didn't catch the Portland, Or. location. Spent a couple years there with the bicycle as my only means of transportation. Portland is one of the all time great bicycling cities. You'll find a ton of local support.