Newbie weekly achievement thread

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Originally Posted by StPeteNewbie

I am just getting used to the new bike and back into biking (I havent biked in 25 years) and went out for a spin today. Had some headwind, crosswind and rain. (beginning to feel like a "real" biker) The goal was to finish the last part of the bike path and I just had to touch the sign to "make it official" and I went down. I had one foot free but I forgot about the other foot still being attached to the petal. Im fine and actually I am glad that it happened. Now I know that I can survive: I only spilled a little blood and the bike is ok. Now its time for the next adventure...:)

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Oh dear - falling is one milestone I haven't crossed yet! I'm afraid of it, of course... I am worried about getting toe clips/clipless pedals - though I know it would improve my riding efficiency... I'm still riding my mountain bike with handlebar extender and gel seat and no clips of any kind on the pedals - I sit upright... and the bike doesn't even fit me well - it's too small for me. But I haven't fallen yet! haha. I think it would be good to get it over with, so I could be like you and know I'll survive... but I hope it doesn't happen when I'm riding down a steep hill at full speed!!!

I've just read the last several posts and there have been some inspirational happenings. So, let's see. I think my new achievements involve gaining confidence in traffic. I am more brave "taking the lane" when appropriate. Won't go into all the specifics, but I try mostly to ride on either low volume streets or streets with dedicated bike lanes. The other day, for example, there was a city truck in the bike lane and part of one of the car lanes repairing a street light. There were flaggers there holding "slow" signs. I saw that there was a car about half a block behind me, so I signaled that I would be moving left into the car lane, I confidently took the lane, and once I passed the truck, I signaled that I was returning to the right lane (bike lane had ended by then). Anyway, all went well and I wasn't too nervous. I have a rear view mirror on my helmet that helps. There are other times when bike lanes end and I am suddenly sharing a lane with a car. I stay to the right, but never put myself so close to parked cars that I could be "doored", which could be very dangerous.
Alright ladies, keep up what you're doing. Keep sharing and encouraging.

Traffic scares me! I have no desire to ride in traffic, but getting good at it would certainly help. Fortunately, I live in an area without a lot of traffic... but we do have a highway running through town that I try to avoid. Anyway, good for you!! A rear-view mirror seems like an awfully good idea - I need to get one - for riding along our rural country roads and forgetting about cars, until one whizzes by and startles me.

I did use the left turn lane on our highway coming home the other night, but the light didn't change for me!! I think it's got one of those things that cars trigger... at least there wasn't much traffic and when the light turned green, I just ran the red arrow since no one was coming (after it had already gone a cycle without changing). I guess I'll become a temporary pedestrian in the future at that intersection - ha.

Good luck with the traffic - you are brave!!!

Welcome Maggie and St pete,I'm so glad someone gave this thread a bump its good to read all the new achievements. Maggie sometimes I have to hit the cross walk because my bike is too light plus the more you ride in traffic the better you will get. Nothing much new to report here I'm off the bike due to an injury and now swimming lots. Hopefully back on again before all the nice weather goes

this past sunday I got on my bike for the first time since my motorcycle wreck. 7 years away from bicycle, 3 years away from my motorcycle wreck, which I still have problems with today.

it was only 5 blocks, but it felt like an eternity to me. I don't think I have been ever that panic stricken in my life that yet so happy I finally managed to get back on a bike. this bicycle is my therapy.

That is BIG news. Great to hear it. it does take time to get in the saddle again from any accident. Mine was a car accident and I didn't want to drive or be taken any where in a car. Big high five to your acchievements.

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Originally Posted by daydrummer

this past sunday i got on my bike for the first time since my motorcycle wreck. 7 years away from bicycle, 3 years away from my motorcycle wreck, which i still have problems with today.

It was only 5 blocks, but it felt like an eternity to me. I don't think i have been ever that panic stricken in my life that yet so happy i finally managed to get back on a bike. This bicycle is my therapy.

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awesome!

This isn't so much of an "achievement", but getting into a habit. You know how it's said that most Americans drive a car for trips less than 5 miles from home? Or is it 2 miles? Anyway, I had a doctor's appt. to meet my new MD and had to be there at 9:00 a.m. I knew how to get there by bike but I used google maps to see what alternate ways I could take and I did go a different way than I initially would have. Got there in plenty of time and all went well. I didn't really have an excuse. When I made the appt. I specifically asked if the clinic had bicycle parking and it did. I rode 10.6 miles there and back. So...instead of using the fact that I was going to an unfamiliar place as a reason not to ride my bike I just did it and I was awake, alert and cheerful when I arrived.

@jelee, I hope you get better soon. Are you going to Oregon Manifest?

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Originally Posted by Daydrummer

this past sunday I got on my bike for the first time since my motorcycle wreck. 7 years away from bicycle, 3 years away from my motorcycle wreck, which I still have problems with today.

it was only 5 blocks, but it felt like an eternity to me. I don't think I have been ever that panic stricken in my life that yet so happy I finally managed to get back on a bike. this bicycle is my therapy.

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That's brilliant, well done! What are you planning for your next ride?

Well done velocivixen too. I do a lot more errand biking than I ever imagined possible, it really does make a difference to fitness and finances. I have a "scenic route" into town that drops me right by my doctor's surgery.

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Originally Posted by Daydrummer

this past sunday I got on my bike for the first time since my motorcycle wreck. 7 years away from bicycle, 3 years away from my motorcycle wreck, which I still have problems with today.

it was only 5 blocks, but it felt like an eternity to me. I don't think I have been ever that panic stricken in my life that yet so happy I finally managed to get back on a bike. this bicycle is my therapy.

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AWESOME!!!! Good on you for getting back on the bike!!!!

I got hit on my bike when I was a kid, so I know that fear. The fear gets better with practice, but you do have to beware the times when it pops up unexpectedly. Just gotta remember to chill out, breathe and relax! You can do it!

I did 15 miles on the road on Saturday...the most I've ever ridden on the road before. Traffic was a bit hairy a couple of times, but it was OK. I really tried to remind myself to be predictable...sometimes hard when the road surfaces are crap. I took the lane when I needed to change lanes. It was a really, really good ride.

Thank you for being here and posting your stories. I haven't ridden since the half century on Labor Day weekend that was the pinnacle of my biking experience... my butt was too sore at first, but it's just that "habit" thing - I'm motivated after reading all the wins, large and small, you've posted.

Getting back on after an accident would be HUGE - congratulations for that. And just changing your habits, not using convenient excuses - that is stupidly hard to do when it seems so simple. So I'd call that an achievement as well. Overcoming fears, bad habits, or pushing yourself farther - all awesome. Now to get off the computer, off my butt, and get OUT there!!

Thanks!! :)

Since ya'll asked, my goal is to be able to participate in the Trek Women's Breast Cancer Awareness Ride on the 8th. Just 10 miles, but its important to me for very personal reasons. I'm still panicking, but slowly getting better. My sternum is still bent from my motorcycle injury 3 years ago, so I'm hesitant in everything. But I want to do this, I need to prove to myself I'm stronger than a wreck.

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Originally Posted by Daydrummer

Since ya'll asked, my goal is to be able to participate in the Trek Women's Breast Cancer Awareness Ride on the 8th. Just 10 miles, but its important to me for very personal reasons. I'm still panicking, but slowly getting better. My sternum is still bent from my motorcycle injury 3 years ago, so I'm hesitant in everything. But I want to do this, I need to prove to myself I'm stronger than a wreck.

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Good luck Daydrummer. I think you are most definitely stronger than a wreck.

I did a few bits of grocery shopping on the bike this morning. I know it's not a big deal, but I get such a kick out of being able to shop, get fit, and drive less all at the same time. There is a new bike/pedestrian crossing planned for an unpleasant junction which will riding rather than driving still more attractive.

Climbed Wild Horse Valley Road - the second hardest climb in Napa county - today! I have been working my way up to the top over the past couple weeks and finally made it today, all the way, with only a couple of stops to catch my breath and get a drink. Strava classifies it as a Cat 2 and it's a 9+% grade...and brutal, with lots of switchbacks which are slightly annoying going up but terrifying going down because it's a one-lane road with almost no visibility and cars suddenly coming up around the corner. I did it on my less-favorite bike (the heavier, slower Specialized Dolce Sport) too!

I hated climbing but since I'm getting better at it, I don't hate it so much, I guess. Boyfriend and I have been commuting to work on the 50-lb tandem, 30 miles each way over a mountain (about 1700 feet of climbing) and a couple of weeks ago we did the MS Waves to Wine (also on the tandem). We did the full course - 104 miles on day 1, 72 on day 2, LOTS of climbing - and we kicked @ss on the second day, finishing in 5 and a half hours (with about 45 minutes of rest stops). I have gotten into amazing shape and I guess I'm not exactly a newbie anymore :)

Way to go MojoGrrl! I guess the answer to hills is practice! You are giving me inspiration!

First longish ride for yesterday after cracking my ribs 6 weeks ago - 20 miles, with some walking up hills involved. It was also my 2nd time in traffic (since some eye stuff over the last few years). I wasn't afraid this time. Yay! So glad I was able to ride in the Tour de Pink, but I need to get after the inclines...it was sad! But I know I can improve. Keep on peddling!

For those of you who do a lot of riding around town - I find that a pretty notable accomplishment! I do most of my riding out on country roads where traffic can get kind of scary because they're going fast, but I HATE riding in the city - city traffic and pedestrians make me very nervous. They're unpredictable but at the same time, predictably stupid and unsafe.

More of an annual achievement than a weekly achievement but today I crossed over 1,000 miles for this outdoor bike riding season! Many riders here are able to triple and quadruple that figure easily. For just over 27 weeks in this season from April to October it's a biggie for me.

Tomorrow I do my second ever chairty ride in the Tour de Livingston. Excited for it!

I don't ride far and I don't ride fast but I do ride often. :D

Good for you Bike Writer! Have a fun ride

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Originally Posted by jelee1311

Good for you Bike Writer! Have a fun ride

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+1! Congratulations, Bike Writer!

Last week we were on vacation, and took quite a bit of time to ride. I broke my personal longest ride (21.5 miles)...twice!!!! Did a 22.7 mile ride on Monday, a 21.9 mile ride on Friday and a 13.1 mile ride on Sunday. I've never ridden that far in a week, ever!

I'm still battling saddle soreness, but each ride it gets better.

Hi ladies! I found a link on my local bike shop website for a local riding group and I emailed the organizer. He in turn introduced me to a great website where you can join groups of other riders if you're interested in that kind of thing. Check out Meetup.com--being new to the Tampa area, it's been a great way to see what kinds of cycling events and casual meet-ups happen each week.
As a newbie also, I'm not ready to go out and take on a 30 mile ride at 20 mph, but I joined a couple local cycle groups on the site and found that one of them does a ride at my speed every other weekend or so near my house. So I think I'm going to try my first distance ride this weekend--wish me luck!

I did 23 miles today with DH. Normally I give out at 8-10 miles so this was a surprise. However; it wasn't 95 degrees out with grueling hills and trying not to get blown over by semi trucks down the highway. It was overcast, around 65 degrees and no wind.

the local bike trail opened up now that the flooding on the Missouri has stopped. No cars. No hills to crawl up and no stopping for traffic. Just a nice flat limestone trail through cornfields (literally) and then goes through the woods to the starting point. We started in the middle and headed north.

However; cycling on a limestone trail can be dangerous. We almost got ran over by a deer. We must have scared him coming down the path as he bounded right in front of us out of nowhere. I had visions of that guy that was hit by an antelope while racing his bike for a couple of seconds until he ran up into the hills.

We also saw a coyote further down running across the trail and a hawk flew over us through the trees. Wow. He was pretty.

So does all this hill climbing all summer equate to 23 miles of straight limestone trail each time I went out?

Thanks for sharing everyone!!! I hadn't dropped by in awhile, but happy I did, I was a little discouraged at the ride yesterday. It included more hills then I'm normally used to and I have logged only 20 miles in the last month or so. Perhaps I was jumping the gun, but felt really bad during the ride-- lungs on fire and legs of lead... Felt like crying so turned around and limped back.

Thanks for giving me something to smile at :)
Shannon

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Originally Posted by Roadtrip

Thanks for sharing everyone!!! I hadn't dropped by in awhile, but happy I did, I was a little discouraged at the ride yesterday. It included more hills then I'm normally used to and I have logged only 20 miles in the last month or so. Perhaps I was jumping the gun, but felt really bad during the ride-- lungs on fire and legs of lead... Felt like crying so turned around and limped back.

Thanks for giving me something to smile at :)
Shannon

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Glad you are smiling, even if it isn't from the ride. It is understandable that it seemed a bit harder than normal since you've not been able to ride like you would like since your injury. It is hard to come back after being off the bike for a while, but it WILL get better ;)

As for me, I didn't ride yesterday since my neck was troubling me after checking out a couple of indoor trainers at my LBS. I am going to try a nice little MUT ride this afternoon, hopefully it will go well. I figure if it isn't on the actual road that I will be less likely to push too hard, I just want to have a nice gentle birthday ride - though if my neck flares will bail from the ride. Trying to balance out my desire to ride and allowing my neck/throat to heal.

Went for my longest ride ever on Saturday, 26.4 miles and 2 1/4 hours on the bike. I was pretty beat by the end of it...my quads felt like sausages in casings about to split, but it was a great ride. Might very well be the last outdoor ride for me this year. :( Weather is getting super cold fast now.

Nessa, I am 52 and just started riding a few months ago. I keep wondering about the first fall. Hasn't happened yet. Maybe I am being to cautious. My husband and I rode 30 miles Sunday. Our longest ride to date. I too am loving it. Although not the view you have ridden. I live in low country SC. Might take on the new Arthur Ravennel bridge soon. Nice water views of the Charleston harbor.
We have a few good paved trails close by. I like practicing there rather than on the road. Sure wouldn't want my first fall to be in the middle of a busy road.
Can you or someone tell me what is a good average speed, and how many revolutions do you spin in half a minute? Just wondering if I am being a Grandma rider, which I am in real life. Proud Grammy of an 8 month old. Hope to be pulling her behind me soon.
Until

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Originally Posted by Giantgirl

Nessa, I am 52 and just started riding a few months ago. I keep wondering about the first fall. Hasn't happened yet. Maybe I am being to cautious. My husband and I rode 30 miles Sunday. Our longest ride to date. I too am loving it. Although not the view you have ridden. I live in low country SC. Might take on the new Arthur Ravennel bridge soon. Nice water views of the Charleston harbor.
We have a few good paved trails close by. I like practicing there rather than on the road. Sure wouldn't want my first fall to be in the middle of a busy road.
Can you or someone tell me what is a good average speed, and how many revolutions do you spin in half a minute? Just wondering if I am being a Grandma rider, which I am in real life. Proud Grammy of an 8 month old. Hope to be pulling her behind me soon.
Until

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Congrats on 30 miles! That was a mental barrier that took me a while to break. (Like...a year. Then it took me another year to do it again and consistently.)
As for your second question, there's no right answer. Speed depends on so much--wind, terrain, road surface, your conditioning, and how you're feeling. Ride as fast or as slow as you want. As long as you get home, you're fine. ;) Cadence...that depends on your physiology. Some of us are mashers, some of us are spinners. As long as your knees are happy. :)

Titania, we still have a few weeks of good riding left! Get some tights to wear over your shorts, long fingered gloves, wool socks, and any kind of thermal/wool top to wear under your jacket.
I saw your comment in the other thread about the pasture near the hill in Groton. That is a beautiful spot!

Thanks Owlie,
I will learn all the proper terms for what I am doing, or trying to do!! Well I think I am a Masher, Maybe a wanna be spinner. I love the speed, just a little scary when I get over 20 mph. 20 is a stretch for any length, flat roads, no little hills to help. I am going to Colorado Springs in 2 weeks. Visiting some bike shops. We want to rent road bikes. The thought of Colorado hills makes me have butterflies in my stomach. Never ridden on a hill, a mountain looks like Goliath at this point.
Thanks for any hill riding advice.

First week using clip-ins and have only had one small hop and juggle at a red light yesterday but fortunately no full on falls!

Accomplishment: I road 8.5 miles yesterday (2nd week riding). I went up a huge hill (DH called it barely an incline), but I'm sticking with my story:)

Just came back from riding...I started last weekend... been out there about 5 times counting today. First time I managed to do 4 and a half miles with a constant 10-12MPH with a couple of sprints in between. It was a flat ride with a few small hills (they felt like the EVEREST ..lol )... it was pretty windy (I hate that). I was really impressed with myself though after about 20 years not touching a road bike. Today I managed to do 6 miles and my top speed was 18MPH with an average of 15 MPH with a lot of wind. I was planing on riding 2 more miles but my sinus started bothering.
I hope to improve every week and add 2 miles each week for the rest of the not too cold days we have left... Too bad its getting dark out there so early already..I might have to wait until weekends to ride my bike Unless I do it at soon as I get home from work .:o

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Originally Posted by ToshaMack

Accomplishment: I road 8.5 miles yesterday (2nd week riding). I went up a huge hill (DH called it barely an incline), but I'm sticking with my story:)

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Hurrah! Well done on your huge hill :)

I had my first fall today in my clipless shoes:D. I was trying to avoid a dog a hundreds yards in front of me and end up stopping, but I didn't unclip....needless to say I went down! It wasn't too bad b/c I was in the grass, but I'm feeling the soreness now! My first war wound!!! I feel so bad azz!!!

Toshamack- I totally commend your use of clipless shoes (I'm a newbie and don't think I can hack them). Hoping your firs fall will be your last!

I rode the big roundabout at the end of my road this week. I normally go up a dropped kerb just before the roundabout and keep left onto a multi user path, but Small Girl's nursery is moving to new premises soon and I'll have to either ride straight over or walk the bike & trailer across the road. Anyway, it was fine. I have done plenty of the mini-roundabouts but this was my first full-size one. Go me :D Incidentally, the new route to nursery takes me up an embarassingly short hill that had me huffing and puffing the first time I ever rode it (just over a year ago). This week I shot up it without even noticing. Oh the joys of improved fitness and mountain bike gearing...

I cleaned and lubed three bike chains this morning (2 mine and one the Mister's). They hadn't been done before as my bike maintenance book said that they didn't need doing for the first few hundred miles, but my LBS was horrified when I owned up to never having actually lubed a chain. I had a short ride (just a couple of miles) on each bike afterwards and could really tell the difference.

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Originally Posted by stella2

Hi girls,
When I have my successes, it makes me want to come on here and share them with others new or newish to cycling. I also love to read the inspirational tales of success and progress of others :) So I wonder if it wouldn't be good to have a weekly successes thread?

Yesterday I managed to ride (drum roll . . .) my first corners :D broad sweeping ones, but hey, I was turning my bike. I could hardly believe it! I also seem to have finally mastered/mistressed stopping in a nice controlled way (apart from the odd crazy moment of panic e.g. wobbling into a bush, when I forget to use the brakes!). I also noticed I was feeling more confident and riding faster (no doubt connected).

I am thrilled to bits with this weeks progress and would love to hear about the progress of others :)

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yahooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!! I would love to share my incremental progress! I got started riding with my sons- sweet to hang out with them but DEMORALIZING from a skill acquisition standpoint!

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Originally Posted by ToshaMack

I had my first fall today in my clipless shoes:D. I was trying to avoid a dog a hundreds yards in front of me and end up stopping, but I didn't unclip....needless to say I went down! It wasn't too bad b/c I was in the grass, but I'm feeling the soreness now! My first war wound!!! I feel so bad azz!!!

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don't feel bad- my first day clipped I fell in the gravel, stuck to my bike in front of my 18yr old son and 4 of his friends! I am happy to say I have since lapped them uphill (though they torch me DH and jumps.................)