Afraid to get back on

[rcolli]

Hi - I'm brand new at this and pretty disgusted with me right now.
I started trying to ride this past Saturday 7/15 in the parking lot of my local bike shop. Took about an hour but I was able to finally ride the bike. Felt pretty good too! Its been about 40 years since I've been on a bike. I know nothing about gears, trainers :confused: and when did the rules change to riding along with traffic instead of against it?
Anyway, I took the (durn) bike out to the park yesterday and it was just like I hadn't been on one on Saturday. Wobbling all over, couldn't really get started and then the ultimate defeat- I fell. Well I tried to pick myself up and start again, but I really felt the agony of defeat, along with pain in my right - palm. :(
I tried to just coast and balance - no feet on pedals, but gave up and went home after about 5 more minutes. No people really around so it wasn't embarrassment that made me give up, but now I'm a little afraid to try it again.
I am 56, in pretty good shape and lost about 110 lbs over the last year and 1/2. How can I get my motivation back and do they make training wheels for adults?
Help!:eek:

[WrensMom]

I can understand your fear--it's really hard to keep trying something when you have a fall. You are really brave to get back into biking after not doing it for 40 years, and that is to be applauded! I don't have any really great suggestions, other than just to be gentle with yourself and not beat yourself up for how you are feeling, but at the same time stay committed to doing it. Just approach it steadily and work with yourself bit by bit that way--that is how I have dealt with scary things myself. You are awesome for doing what you are doing, between the exercise and the weight loss--that's really incredible, so give yourself credit!
Best of luck!
:)

[Tuckervill]

Aw, don't give up.

Have you an encouraging friend who can literally hold onto the bike for you and help you along? Is there a smooth grassy place where you can ride that won't make it so scary?

I see lots of people riding around with their seats too low, and I think they'd enjoy it more if they raised them. However, maybe a lower seat would be better for you to learn to balance, so you can reach the ground quickly and comfortably.

I'd get some gloves and elbow and knee pads, too, for the learning curve at least. Along with your helmet (you did get a helmet, didn't you?) it will make you feel less vulnerable to injury.

Good on ya for losing all that weight! Wow. You can learn to ride a bike again. Keep trying! Ride lots.

Karen

[Beth-Ro]

Congratulations on your inspiring weight loss! Quite an accomplishment!!! :cool:

Cycling is is more fun with a buddy. Do you have a buddy who will ride with you? A riding buddy makes all the difference in the world because a riding buddy will encourage you to get back in that saddle and try again. If you don't have a riding buddy, recruit one. Invite a friend to lunch, then a ride through the park. Or check out your local bike shop to find out what sort of rides there are in your area. Local riding groups can more than likely find some women riders who will help you get going. Maybe they have a ride just for "newbies".

And be patient with yourself. You can do it!!! :)

[mimitabby]

once your palm stops hurting please try again, but not by coasting.
You need to pedal or you won't have the momentum to keep you moving.
Is embarrassment or fear part of your problem?

My sister went to a tricycle for various reasons. It was lower to the ground.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I have just gotten back on a bike after 36 years of not biking at all (I'm 52). I was lucky in that I did pretty well getting back to it with a short practice period, but I certainly understand your fears and frustrations. I experienced all your same shakiness and self doubt.

I took a borrowed bike to the big high school parking lot after dinner but before dusk, and being summer evening there were no people, parked cars, or traffic to speak of.
I went several days in a row just to practice getting my balance back, doing wobbly circles, zig-zagging, braking, getting on and off, etc. Each day was it's own mix of success and frustrations, but by the end of the week I could see I had in fact improved.
Be kind to yourself! Look at it as something you are doing wonderful for yourself rather than it a stumbling block or a failure to be dreaded. It's a learning curve. Think of it as the worst part being behind you now, just like when you started changing your habits to lose weight. The worst part is over with- you will only get better! You will be slightly more skilled at avoiding a fall now that you've had your first spill.
Do these little practices for only 15-30 minutes unless you WANT to make them longer because you are having fun. Make SMALL goals that are easier to achieve. You'll see real results after another few practice sessions. Don't give up- your biking will become a joy and a freedom in your life!

[pooks]

Wow, that's an AMAZING feat, losing that kind of weight. No wonder you're a little wobbly right now. Your body is still trying to balance "ghost weight" and hasn't figured out how to handle itself. (That's as good an excuse as any, right?)

Buy some biking gloves. You'll be glad you did -- they'll protect your palms.

And don't give up. You can do it! If you need to, ask at the bike store if they offer lessons. I was looking at one of the Dallas LBSs and there was a testimonial from a woman who had never learned to ride a bike as a kid, and found someone at the bike store to give her private lessons. She was thrilled and is now biking like a champ!

You may just need another session or two with someone who can help you figure out what to do.

[dachshund]

I also wonder if the gears are set properly for you to get going. Did the bike store go over the gear-changing at all? The idea being that setting the bike in an easy gear will help with pedaling from a stop.

[bcipam]

I lead both "newbie" road and mountain bike rides and as a 50 year rider, have difficulty understanding the fear a new rider has but most do have some fear - it's normal. I do hope you have a friend or friends who ride. If so, ask them to come out with you one day and let them assist you with gaining balance, using hte pedal, moving the bike forward. One really big problem I see newbies do is that their saddle is too low and they tend to try stopping by putting both feet down at the same time. This causes falls more often than not. Try practicing this...

Both feet on the ground, straddling the top tube. Your butt should not be on the saddle! Put one foot on the peddle - either right or left, which ever you are comfortable with (generally right handed people feel most comfortable using their left). Make sure the peddle is in a slightly upward position so when you push down the bike goes forward. Push down and as the bike moves forward lift yourself onto the saddle and put your other foot on the pedal. Once moving forward now practice stopping properly. Use your brakes to slow... as you do your butt comes off the saddle and you put on foot down as the bike stops. One foot (usually the same one) always stays on the pedal. Once you get the hang of this, you can raise your seat to the proper height and gosh forbid, think about getting clipless pedals. The balance you learn doing this will also help you ride the bike.

[doc]

Consider borrowing someone elses bike that is way too small for you such that you can place your feet flat on the ground while sitting on the saddle. You would be very unlikely to fall in that scenario. Then when you get a little confidence, get back on your bike. Remember that the little bike is not going to be too comfortable to pedal, but you are working on balance first.

Also, I agree with above, make sure you do in fact pedal. The faster you go, the easier it is to balance.

And keep reminding yourself what an amazing person you are. You made a massive life change recently with the weight loss. And as you very well know, progress is made in tiny but steady steps.

[Selkie]

Keep going! Everyone has to start somewhere and believe me, the more time in the saddle, the more confident/better skilled you become. It's worth getting over the wobble. We've all been there. Take it slow, do what feels comfortable, and ride for enjoyment. It'll all come together for you.

You ARE amazing---56 years old and getting back on a bike after 40 years? Don't be so hard on yourself.

[li10up]

I also wonder if the gears are set properly for you to get going. Did the bike store go over the gear-changing at all? The idea being that setting the bike in an easy gear will help with pedaling from a stop.
I think you hit the nail on the head.

It sounds to me like you are starting out in too high of a gear. Lift the back tire of the bike off the ground and shift into a low (easy to pedal) gear. Then get on and try to ride. If you are starting out in a monster gear it will be too hard for you to pedal and get going...and we all know that without momentum you are going to fall over...unless you can master the track stand...I'm still working on that one. Good luck...you can do it.

[Kano]

People are talking about pedaling, for some speed to keep you upright, and that's a good thing -- but something else you need to do is NOT WATCH YOUR FEET! Along with that -- look farther ahead than your front tire, too! You want to be looking more toward the end of the road you're going down -- seeing everything between there and your front tire too, of course, but the thing is, you can't balance when you're watching too close to your feet...

Welcome back to biking! I'm finding it great "place to be"!

Karen in Boise

[rcolli]

So much caring was expressed in all of your responses! I am so glad I found this site. I won't give up! I will get my seat checked, I will look for a riding buddy, I will follow all of the advice given because I can tell you all care about biking tremendously and about others getting the same enjoyment! Pads also sound like a great idea - it'll help eliminate some of the fear of falling. I haven't got back on, but the bike is still in the car. Who knows, maybe today is the day!
Thanks very much for the encouragement. I really appreciate it.
Renee

[Bikingmomof3]

Congratulations on your weight loss. :-) Please do not give up. I too an quite new to bike riding, I have only been doing it for a week. I went on my longest ride last night (7.4 miles) with real hills. I was so proud of myself and I could have continued but my riding partner (husband) was beat. :D
My bike is quite nice, but now that I am loving biking I am going to see a need to upgrade to a non-comfort style bike. I do not know what style of bike you are using, but mine is a "comfort" style bike. It was the bike I was most likely to get on and it worked like a charm. When I first sat on the bike I was so nervous I thought I was going to be ill (yes, I was that terrified of bike riding). After 1 week my confidence is stronger and I am really enjoying myself. I make small goals for me and have not let myself down yet. Oh, the first few days, my children helped me learn in the cul-de-sac. I was a tad embarrassed at first and then my neighbours started calling out words of encouragement.
I mention all this to show you that you are not alone.

Keep trying. Set small goals, if there is someone who you can ride with, do so. Visit here often for support. I have found the advice given here to be fantastic. I *almost* did not join because I thought I would need to have a racing bike and have logged many, many miles. I am glad I did not hesitate to join. Next year I foresee myself buying a non-comfort bike. :D

[rcolli]

Hum, interesting - I'm planning to put a "comfort" bike on layaway. I'm using a friends bike right now. What is the difference? What is the advantage / disadvantage to a comfort bike vs. a....... what type would be the opposite? Where do I learn all this stuff?
Thanks
A very new biking woman.
Renee

[Grog]

Usually "comfort" bikes give you more of an upright sitting position. Less aerodynamic and fast, but more comfortable (while you start riding at least, forever for many) and gives you more confidence too.

You could also look towards cruisers, like Townies. They usually have very few gears (think 3 or 7) but they allow you to sit very low and to put your feet on the ground super easily. They also are extremely pretty :)

Keep reading this forum, make searches (see the "Search" button on top), read the articles on the TE web site, etc. You'll learn A LOT! You can also check out your local library for cycling books and magazines, that might help. But TE is the best source, and the less pretentious by far!! :D

[Bikingmomof3]

I researched here: http://www.giantforwomen.com/index.php?section=BIKE%20FINDER
because this is a brand my LBS carried. My bike is actually not a comfort, but a Mode-no I do not know the difference. I have a 7 speed Suede W. I really, really like my bike. A week ago I would have told anyone they were crazy to suggest I would ever get on a bike, let alone ride a bike.

Another reason I chose Giant (no affiliation) is the size. I am not tall and the bikes are fit for woman. I am sure others are as well. I am too new to the biking world to know. I spent a lot of money (for me) and had I personally tried out other bikes (i.e. rented one) I would have a "Road" bike rather than a "Mode" bike, only because I can tell my desire is much different than I thought it would be. At first I thought I might possibly ride around the neighbourhood with the boys and to and from the stores and library. Now I have future plans of some day being in races and I now need to save up for a second bike.

I doubt I answered any of your questions.:o

[Kano]

Hum, interesting - I'm planning to put a "comfort" bike on layaway. I'm using a friends bike right now. What is the difference? What is the advantage / disadvantage to a comfort bike vs. a....... what type would be the opposite? Where do I learn all this stuff?Renee

a "discomfort bike?"

the comfort bikes are usually designed so that we ride more upright, compared to the competitive road bikes, for example. I think that the idea is that when you're leaning forward, you have to kink your neck to see where you're going, among other things that maybe make it harder for us to get back on bikes after many years of -- in my case -- slothitude.

I've about decided that the comfort bike is a marketing trick: got me hooked, now I want to buy another bike and go like "the big kids"!!!!!

Karen in Boise

[vj_pdx]

Hey Renee - A comfort bike is just marketing talk. Here's what one web site (http://www.abikestore.com/comfort-bikes.htm)says:

Not quite a Mountain Bike, and not quite a Road Bike, the Comfort bikes have one goal in mind - "Comfort." ... These are excellent for riding around the city, campus and town, as well as for commuting purposes. ... These bikes are made to be ridden on roads, bike paths, and can be ridden on some light trails. Comfort Bicycles are designed to give you a more upright riding position, reducing strain on your neck and back.

You should get the bike that makes you want to ride it and that helps you accomplish your goals. That's a combination of looks, function, comfort.

Last year, I got a Townie (a comfort-cruiser). I love the looks, I love the comfort, I get lots of attention riding it. I got it because I wanted to really start riding my bike regularly, and with the Townie, I do. Now, I'm looking to get another bike, a road/utility bike, because my commute home has hills, and the Townie doesn't do well on them. (Though I can't bear the thought of giving up the Townie for errands around the neighborhood!)

(Does this make Townie a gateway bike? :)

You go, Renee! Hope this helps!

[Bikingmomof3]

I've about decided that the comfort bike is a marketing trick: got me hooked, now I want to buy another bike and go like "the big kids"!!!!!

Karen in Boise


Karen,
I think so too. :D I already want to upgrade and it has only been a week. I shall be saving and researching for an upgrade as a birthday gift to myself next summer.
I do have to thank the makers on the more upright bike. Had it not been for this design I would have never gotten on a bike.

[Grog]

Many others have raised an interesting point that I'd like to underline:

It's very possible that, after riding a bike like a "comfort" bike for a while, especially if it's a decently good one (not a cheap bike from Walmart for example), you'll be hooked and you'll want to get a different bike, a faster bike, etc. (Which will be more expensive, I'm afraid to say...) It's not clear how long this process will take you, but it's quite certain that it will happen.

We are in quite different situations, but my story will give you a hint of what might happen to you eventually. In my case, I had my hybrid (which was a "performance", a trusty Trek 7100 fx, not a "comfort", but the difference is not that huge) for about 2 months before I wanted a road bike. I got the hybrid because I didn't feel very confident riding in the racier position at first. I had been riding beater bikes all my life and the step to a $1000 road bike was quite steep. But I got hooked to speed and wanted MORE of it pretty quickly. I also became a hill-eater, but that's another story.

Despite the fact that I nearly regretted getting the hybrid in the first place, because I "grew" out of it pretty quickly, I think it was the best idea for me. I started with a bike that suited my level of skills, ability, comfort and confidence. That hooked me to cycling. If I had gotten a bike that was racier to begin with, maybe I would have been too uncomfortable to really ride it, and I wouldn't have been hooked.

Bottom line: Get a bike that you're really comfortable on, that you feel confident riding. This will help you build skills and above all confidence. But also be prepared to want to upgrade to a different bike in a few months. That's okay. Start saving now though. :p

[Geonz]

And if feet-on-the-ground really makes a difference to you, be sure to check out the Breezer bikes, which are designed to fit right but still let you do that. http://www.breezerbikes.com/bikes.cfm

[mimitabby]

When looking at the comfort bikes in the store, pick them up. that's the weight that you will be pushing down the road.

There's a great range of weights between those comfort bikes and the mountain bikes and the hybrid bikes and the road bikes. There's a happy medium for everyone I think.

A lot of those "comfort" bikes have horrendous huge seats on them. I wonder how those work out.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

A lot of those "comfort" bikes have horrendous huge seats on them. I wonder how those work out.

I rode on one of those big puffy pillow seats last weekend on a borrowed bike. After one hour my a** was in terrible pain, after two hours it went numb. No THANKS!!! Was releived to get back on a "normal" seat with just a small amount of padding. My new bike is ordered, and it will have a simple Brooks leather saddle on it. Can't WAIT!!!!!

[Bikingmomof3]

Despite the fact that I nearly regretted getting the hybrid in the first place, because I "grew" out of it pretty quickly, I think it was the best idea for me. I started with a bike that suited my level of skills, ability, comfort and confidence. That hooked me to cycling. If I had gotten a bike that was racier to begin with, maybe I would have been too uncomfortable to really ride it, and I wouldn't have been hooked.

Bottom line: Get a bike that you're really comfortable on, that you feel confident riding. This will help you build skills and above all confidence. But also be prepared to want to upgrade to a different bike in a few months. That's okay. Start saving now though. :p

Thank You! I have been beating myself up for spending $350 on a bike I already want to change. You are right. Had I, a terrified beginner, started on a road bike (yikes, I priced them) I would probably not be confident as I am now. I shall take this year to continue building endurance, skills, and confidence. It will also give me time to save and learn much more about bike, so when I do upgrade I make certain I know what I am getting.

[KSH]

Congrats on your weight loss! :D Be very proud!

Now, I didn't read all the responses, so please forgive me if I repeat something here.

Here's my advice to you... THINK POSITIVE!

Specifically, you need to say to yourself, "I am going to get on that bike and pedal. I can do it. I won't fall over. I know I can do it.".

You would be amazed at what the MIND can do! This is why they say a lot of sports are mental. You have to make your mind go in the right direction and let your body follow it.

I tell you what, everything new I have tried... I was scared of.

I was terrified of riding my motorcycle (when I was 21 years old!) for about 6 months. But I pressed ahead. Aftter 6 months, I was in love with it. The fear did not win.

I was terrified of SCUBA diving. It was scary being that deep in the water. Again, I did it over and over again, until I conquered my fear.

Ralph Waldo Emerson once her an old counsel, telling a young man, "Always do what you are afraid to do".

I try to live by that motto. Life is scary. Things we do in life are scary. Sometimes we get hurt doing them...but the fear cannot win. You have to tell yourself that. Think positive... and the rest will follow.


Good luck!

[Grog]

Ralph Waldo Emerson once her an old counsel, telling a young man, "Always do what you are afraid to do".


Or Eleonor Roosevelt's "Do every day one thing that scares you." I had this on a coffee mug once. Good way to start the day.

[Pascale]

I rode on one of those big puffy pillow seats last weekend on a borrowed bike. After one hour my a** was in terrible pain, after two hours it went numb. No THANKS!!! Was releived to get back on a "normal" seat with just a small amount of padding. My new bike is ordered, and it will have a simple Brooks leather saddle on it. Can't WAIT!!!!!

This is what my hybrid/comfort bike has on it too, and my husband is always saying how comfortable I should be because of this big, wide, cushiony seat. However, after 5 miles, my butt is numb and it's very hard for me to keep going (I do, but I'm pretty uncomfortable). I'll either be replacing the seat on this (from what I'm learning here on the boards) or I'll wait until I can afford my road bike and get an appropriate one (I'm tired of the weight of my bike already). I really thought the smaller seats would be more uncomfortable, but have learned a lot from reading here...

[Grog]

I also find my sleek, racing road saddle much comfier than anything with a lot of padding.

Of course, after 3-4 hours, it's not THAT comfy. But what seat - including my ergonomic office chair!! - is comfy after 3-4 hours?

Do beware of comfort bike saddles. They are way too big. I was talking with a bike-shop-owner-friend recently and joking about one of these huge saddles. He told me that clients buying their first bikes asked for that, which is the reason why bike companies seem to compete to make bigger and bigger saddles. It doesn't have much to do with actual comfort.

[plantluvver]

Otherwise you never would have been able to lose 110 lbs! ;) I am so glad you found this forum and posted here. These gals are wonderful for encouragement and also information. And as long as you keep coming here, THEY won't let you quit!:D

ARE you clipping your feet in? I hope not, I still haven't gone to clips, and I have been an off and on rider thoughout my adult life. Of course that is partially due to just plain laziness, and not practicing, but only riding my bike when I want to get somewhere.:o

I don't have anything to add to what had already been suggested. You've got your homework, now go ride your bike so you can tell us how you did!


Besides the lower gear, perhaps look for a place with a very GRADUAL slope, and start off going downhill. That way gravity can be yoour freind, by allowing you some momentum.


Best wishes,
Mary

[elaine_mudge]

Hiya, I fell and broke my wrist some time ago and having tried to ride my bike again a few weeks ago found I was terrified of falling, I am also not as flexible as I was so cannot lift my foot high enough to get on my bike. I looked at a trike option but that is really expensive. then I found this site which you may find helpful. www.bwieland.com, he sells both stabilising wheels and training wheels for adults, I plan to visit his site tomorrow morning and will let you know what I find. Like you I used to ride for miles and miles in my youth but haven't really ridden since I owned a car. Silly!

[sundial]

Hi - I'm brand new at this and pretty disgusted with me right now.I am 56, in pretty good shape and lost about 110 lbs...

That is QUITE AN ACCOMPLISHMENT!! :) :) You have NO reason to be down on yourself. Everyone has to start somewhere, right? :) I got over my fear of falling on the bike by a) practicing on the grass and b) doing it in slo mo in front of the neighbors. :p Once I got it out of my system I was ready to roll.

Momentum is your friend. It will keep you upright. Keep your eyes focused ahead on the road rather than looking down at your feet on the pedals. And then think of a song to get you into a rhythm and pedal around in your yard. Or try it at a nearby church parking lot or school. And having an experienced cyclist there to guide you will help boost your confidence as well. Are there any ladies that work at your bike shop that could give you a private lesson until you get the hang of it?

Go at a pace that's comfortable to you. Take it slow and don't pressure yourself to do more than what you are willing to commit to. There's no set timetable on when you should be cycling X number of miles by X number of days. Listen to your body and if your head isn't in the game, do something else and come back to it later. It will come to you. :)

[crazycanuck]

Sundial...this thread is over 4yrs old...the OP's never posted since....

[marni]

another thought might be to also try riding a bit on a stationary bike at the gym. Especially on an upright, you could practice sitting upright without holding on while pedaling. It will be more stable than trying the same thing on your regular bike, ditto practice mounting and dismounting. In fact, the bikes they use in the spin classes have clips so when I first got clips, I practiced clipping and unclipping without looking down, on a spin bicycle because I could just unclip and let one leg continue pedaling while I unclipped without having to worry about losing momentum and falling over.

Congratulations on your weight loss- been there, lost over 100 and still struggling with the last few, but know that my riding position, and sense of balance has definitly gone through a lot of changes and adjustments. Ditto the muscles and using them.

Hang in there, find a grassy plot, a friend, a gym and remember the only way to " get to Carnegie Hall is practice, practice, practice."

[hebe]

Hiya, I fell and broke my wrist some time ago and having tried to ride my bike again a few weeks ago found I was terrified of falling, I am also not as flexible as I was so cannot lift my foot high enough to get on my bike. I looked at a trike option but that is really expensive. then I found this site which you may find helpful. www.bwieland.com, he sells both stabilising wheels and training wheels for adults, I plan to visit his site tomorrow morning and will let you know what I find. Like you I used to ride for miles and miles in my youth but haven't really ridden since I owned a car. Silly!

This is a very old thread that you bumped, Elaine!

I haven't looked at your link but I am a brand new 40something adult rider. Would a more accessible bike would be a better option than stabilisers or training wheels - perhaps if you borrowed a step-through bike or something like a townie that has a much lower seat? Or get a good friend to help you until you get your nerve back? Editing to add that if you search on the company name you'll find a site with many ideas on this, and also a couple of comments from people who claim to have had a less than positive experience with the company. If you prefer the idea of stabilisers/training wheels then perhaps ask at your local bike shop, or at a local rehabilitation centre as they should both be familiar with helping adults of all abilities to ride a bike.

I hope the OP got on ok, I have quite enjoyed reading this "blast from the past".

[sundial]

Sundial...this thread is over 4yrs old...the OP's never posted since....

Aw gee I did it again. :o

[redrhodie]

Aw gee I did it again. :o

I wonder if she ever got back on? Poor thing.

[stella2]

I must say I am very glad of your 'mistake' Sundial. I only began learning to ride very recently at age 51 and, due to some health problems following the first couple of weeks, the gaps between riding sessions were growing from a day or two, to a week or so and I started becoming anxious and putting it off! Now I am writing this at 3am UK time as I'm in hospital having had surgery today and can't sleep. It will probably be a couple of months before I can get back on my bike again and no doubt I'll be scared to death by then:(

Sundial reminded me about singing. I used that as a strategy when I was learning to ride a horse (in my 40s), but I had forgotten all about it! It helps regulate breathing (it's common to hold our breath when doing something we are finding difficult or anxiety provoking), provides rhythm and is cheery :)

Now I have that in my plan for when I'm back on board :)

I hope the OP got back on. Maybe she found a different activity she preferred though.

[hebe]

I had missed your posts Stella, I hope you make a full and fast recovery from your surgery.

I am sure that you will be fine back in the saddle. My rides are completely dependent on me getting childcare, which means either the weekend (which scared me for a while as I'm used to empty weekday streets) or when I pay to put dd in creche, which I can't justify more than once or twice a week, and then there's always cleaning and other things fighting for that time too :( I know what it feels like to put a ride off through nerves. Perhaps if you promise yourself that you'll just do a quick straight ride with no bends or hills? Don't worry about wobbling, I always wobble for the first hundred yards or so but it all comes back within minutes.

[stella2]

Thanks Hebe, I know I'll be fine when I get back into the swing. It helps to tell myself that there is no rush, no date by which I have to be performing at a certain level. I'm doing it for enjoyment only, with the bonus hopefully of it helping fitness.

I have just arrived home. Tucked up on the couch with a blanket watching Loose Women and still feeling pretty out of it. It's lovely to be home with my man, my Dog, and within sight of my Pashley :D

[Bike Writer]

Stella, glad to hear you are home and doing well, wishing you a speedy recovery. Feel better soon ;)

[sundial]

....I'm in hospital having had surgery today and can't sleep. It will probably be a couple of months before I can get back on my bike again...


I hope you are doing well in your recovery and that you're listening to those cheery songs to put you in the mood for riding your beautiful Pashley. Let us know how you are doing when you feel up to it. My thoughts are with you, Stella. :)

[stella2]

Bless you girls :) five days on and I'm feeling better than expected, so I'm hoping it may be weeks rather months before I can have a little ride!

[shellkay1212]

Heck a couple weeks ago I fell and I was just standing with one foot on the ground. Just STANDING there waiting to cross the road. Oi. We all fall at one time or another. You will be posting soon about how fast and far you are going!

Keep going! As you ride more miles you gain more confidence...then the more miles you ride...

[marni]

I also find my sleek, racing road saddle much comfier than anything with a lot of padding.

Of course, after 3-4 hours, it's not THAT comfy. But what seat - including my ergonomic office chair!! - is comfy after 3-4 hours?

please also remember that there is a breaking in period with the smaller saddles, both for the padding to conform a bit to your anatomy and for your muscles to toughen up.

DH went through several saddles before the LBS guys finally convinced him that until he could do more than 10 miles at a stretch or at least 50 miles a week, no saddle was every going to be really comfortable.

I have the same experience each time I get a new saddle, even though it is exactly the same model, or even with the broken in saddle if I have to take any time off.

[FH Cyclist]

Hi I saw this post and thought I would post a reply that I had put in another thread for newbie riders since I didn't see this suggestion in this thread. I got this tip I got from a sales associate at REI.

Bring your bike inside, and place it in a door frame (yes, the door should be open). Mount your bicycle and maintain your balance using your hands against the door jamb. Practice clipping out of your pedals while stationary in the door jamb. You'll be able to get about 40-50 practice clip outs in about 15 - 20 minutes.

The best part is you will be able to decide quickly whether you want to loosen the clips tension or not and you will get a lot of experience quickly. Your confidence will rapidly increase and you will go faster longer.

I changed pedals, when I bought a new bike, I went through the same routine again and it was well worth the time. At the risk of jinxing myself, by doing this exercise, using both pedals, I have never fallen over.

I hope that helps.