Can I Really Do This?

Okay - I am greener than the newest newbie!! I'm 52, overweight, have bad knees - so why have I suddenly decided to ride a bike?

Since I have no idea what I'm doing, I bought FOUR bikes at Wally's before I found one I liked. I ended up with a Schwinn Skyliner and took the other three back. The first one I returned and said it was broken, cuz it wouldn't go uphill!!

Anyway, I have my bike. I had a bigger gel padded seat put on, so that helps. Now I need to learn to ride the darn thing!! I wobble like crazy. Hold the handlebars so tight my hands turn numb. Hold myself so rigid - barely dare to breathe. And what the heck do you do with all those gears?

Oh boy - do I have a lot to learn!! I sure would welcome any hints to get me going. Thanks.

lee :o

Congrats on your new bike Lee! I am excited for you! Of course you can do it and the more you ride, the more comfortable you will get with it. I would find a big parking lot (that isn't busy) and start riding there. That way, you have less to worry about and you can concentrate on riding the bike. Good luck and I hope to hear about your progress!

Riding a bike is a great thing. Every now and then I want to shout for joy because I am still amazed at the sensation of flying.

I'm sorry I do not have much advice to give about bike riding other than trust yourself and trust your bike. Your body has already taken you this far in life, your new bike will take you further. Well with the gears I guess I will say avoid using the gears that make you stomp down. I think that may be a natural reaction to use them because it may feel better and you think you are going faster but you will hurt your knees. Also I don't know if this helps but try to avoid thinking about that impending fall. Think of the scenery, how close you are to the next stoplight, etc, just to relax a bit.

Congradulations on the new bike!

hi Lee, welcome to TE!

Good for you for taking baack the bikes that didn't work out. Most people don't have the courage to do that.
Try to relax your hands while you ride. And take deep breaths.

Find safe places to ride and start changing gears a little when you don't need them at first.
rread here and ask lots of questions. I hope you didn't throw away that other seat (it's called a saddle) because you might want to change back to it because the big saddles tend to rub your thighs raw.

mimi

the advice to go ride in a parking lot is really great. While you're riding...remember to breathe. Lift your chin...I find that that helps me to drop my shoulders. Just try to relax....this is FUN! remember? :)

I got on a bike last year after 20 some years and did the AIDSLifeCycle last June...so you can certainly learn to ride you're bike! It'll change your life!

You came to the right place.
Ask, ask, ask, and ask some more. I know everything ;) :D

Hi, Lee! Congrats on your new bike! I'm a newbie, too, and when I bought my road bike a month ago I was scared to death everytime I got on it. Now I am completely addicted! :)

That parking lot idea is a really great one; it worked quite well for me. If there are parks where you live that have bike paths, you might try taking your new toy for a spin on those. Just go at a time when there will be less people on the path so you'll be less worried about avoiding moving obstacles.

Good luck and have fun!

Empty parking lots and grassy flat areas. Try to put your chain into the middle ring up front and just leave it there for a while while you practice changing the back gears. Only change gears while pedaling. It could take a week or two for you to get used to how the back gears work. No rush. Relax and don't hunch up. Practice large figure 8's, then make them smaller. Practice starting and stopping a LOT- you will want to be able to do that smoothly when you head out to "real" roads with traffic.
The big puffy gel saddle will likely be too painful when you start doing longer (15+ miles) rides. Puffage turns on you. ;)
Wear a HELMET. Always.
But most of all, remember that you are doing it to have fun. Enjoy being a kid again! :D :D :D

Sounds like a great decision to me. Don't second guess yourself, just go with it. Take your time as Lisa said and learn to change your gears slowly. Don't try to change the gears if you are having to mash down on the pedals. Try to learn to change the gears before you are pedaling to hard and or before it's so easy that your feet can't keep up with the revolutions. This take practice and I still find sometimes when I start up a hill that I haven't geared down soon enough and start mashing the pedals.

Come here to learn things about your bike and there is lots of information on the web in various places if you just search for that particular subject.
You can also do searches here for particular things, and the ladies on here are very helpful and knowledgeable about riding and the bikes.

& did you get a helmet?

Yes you can! actually, you already have! just by getting the bike that works best for you you have taken the first step. Like everyone else said, go to an empty flat parking lot and just get comfortable. Always wear a helmet and have fun!

Oh yes and if you don't have a helmet don't just go for the cheapest one, this is an accessory that you will have to wear every time you ride. Go for a helmet that has a fit that you can dial in with a plastic strap in the back. You will know what I mean when you see it. These helmets are more comfortable than any other cheap helmet at Walmart or Target.

hey Lee,
Welcome to TE.Kudos to you for getting a new bike.First off,just relax and enjoy the sensation of moving your body as you haven't since you were a kid!There is no greater feeling than the freedom a bike imparts to your body and your spirit.Like the other ladies said,find an empty parking lot or a park with some grassy areas that you can practice on.Take your time and work the middle chainring until you feel confident in knowing what gear your rear cassette(back gears) are in and what combination works for you.Definitely spin easier gears so that you don't put any stress on your knees.In a couple of weeks,you'll get the hang of it and find gear combos that work best for you.If you have a real local bike shop in your area you may check with them to see if there are any bike clubs in your area that offer tips and rides for new riders.It's a great way to meet other cyclists and up your learning curve quickly.Most cyclists are a friendly,helpful bunch and alway happy to welcome someone new to the sport.Again,congrats to you and welcome to TE!

did you hear that? school just let out! school yards are often the best place in the world to learn to ride. No one's there, no cars ever, and they're usually pretty flat.

A good tip I like from reading this site: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/home.html
is to focus on where you want to go rather than staring at something you don't want to hit/run over. Where you put your eyes is where you end up riding. I read the tips for beginners and for braking and shifting which helped clarify some things. Good luck, keep on riding. You'll just keep getting steadier and stronger the more you practice. I had sore hands from gripping too tight the first week I rode but now practice moving my hands around and opening & closing them where there aren't cars close by. I recommend helmet & gloves too.

:D I really don't have anything to add to the great advice these women have already written, except to say YAY!! Woohoo!! Another awesome woman has made the choice to ride a bike! You might not know it, yet, but you are about to start getting in touch with your inner athlete.

I have found biking (and I came to it a little later in life) to be incredibly empowering, energizing, and FUN. Yep, sometimes frustrating, and sometimes humbling, but ultimately, wonderful!

And, you came to the right place. The women on this forum are remarkable, and awesome!

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Originally Posted by lee

The first one I returned and said it was broken, cuz it wouldn't go uphill!!

lee :o

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I LOVE That- most clever line I've seen :) :D :rolleyes: ;)

Welcome to TE. Just get out and ride- you'll get the hang of it and become addicted like the rest of us. Jennifer

I just got my first real road bike in February. I'm 48 years old, and could stand to loose 20 lbs - a regular gym goer, but no athlete!

The first time I road it my hands froze and I could hardly break on the down-hill - really really scary, especially after buying a good bike and coming home from the first ride terrified. Well somehow I did my first century (very flat, but still) at the end of May and I am doing a 111 charity ride in August.

You can so do this! There are a million little milestones - standing up in the pedals, your first group ride - all scary the first time, and natural by the 3 rd or 4th time.

There are also so many women just like us it's amazing and inspiring.

Just have fun! I started biking last year as an out-of-shape 44 yr old because I lost some of my knee range of motion. It has taken some time but I have gone from only going 4 miles to going 15 miles, from numb fingers all the time to hugely improved, down 2 pant sizes and better knee range of motion. You will love being outside creating your own breeze!

And all the ladies here have so much amazing advice yuo would never find any place else!

Good Luck.

As far as the issue with holding the handlebars so tight your hands are numb, cycling gloves may help here. I started out without gloves and found that I was developing the "death grip" when my hands started to sweat and slide around on the bars a bit. It was rather uncomfortable. The gloves prevent this because you always have a good grip on the bars even if you're sweaty.

Congrats on getting a bike!

I have bad knees too and my advice there would be to shift down until you don't feel pressure on them. Many people ride in too hard a gear when they are starting out and it can be torture on the knees. It *seems* more efficient, but it is really hard on you.

The best thing that you can do IMO is train your body to be able to keep a consistent cadence at a reasonable fast rate, then downshift to maintain that. Push yourself, but not to the point of knee pain. Taking things slowly and steadily will allow you to gain strength without hurting yourself. Trust me, I just had to take a couple of days off riding because I pushed too hard and re-injured my knee.

As far as hands, the death grip is a natural reaction to fear but I think but it doesn't help you keep control of the bike. It took me overriding my body's instinct to grip the handlebars less tightly but it helps you have better control and you won't be nearly as sore. I think about it this way: the handlebars help you guide the bike, they don't keep you on it. Your body should be keeping itself upright, the hands shouldn't support you.

Keep at it and most of all have fun. I'm sure you'll have it all mastered in no time.

Anne

Most excellent to hear about another cycling babe!

Bikes are the solution to many with bad knees (my partner rides because he deteriorated his knees running marathon distances... my mother bikes beacause her weight has given her bad knees).

My mum bought a bike when she was not long after hitting her 60s, having not been on one since she was 9yrs old! She loves it. It is improving her overall fitness and has changed her shape a little as she begins to build muscle...

I have been on one for a about 3 years now - I'm in my early 40s... and its making a great difference to my overall well being and to my fitness... weight loss is a pleasant side-effect.

Welcome to our club
:D

I'm a newbie too, so I don't have advice beyond the excellent suggestions given here - but I can add to the encouragement! Congrats on the new bike!!

Boy, did you come to the right place! I'm a proud big rider, and my advice, stolen from G.Terry, is to take it easy and have fun. Cycling is really exciting and it can be easy to over-do, so listen to your body, ride lots but give your strength and skills the time they need to build. And be PROUD of yourself! You are doing something marvelous for yourself and you will have some great changes in your life!:D

well done for getting into the cycling :D

Just keep at it and you will soon be addicted!

I'm trying to get my dad to start into it (for the sake of his health) & it's people like you have the guts to get out there and DO IT!

Good luck for future cycling, keep em' spinning!

I agree with LisaSH and do the figure 8's. You'll learn how to maneuver and control the bike and get a good feel for it. Then start with changing gears. Too bad you couldn't find someone to help you out and get you familiar with your gear changing and when and where to change (for differnt terrains,hills). I had no idea how to change gears and an older gentleman followed me for miles and would yell out to me to start shifting and that made such a world of difference to me. I acutally could go up a hill. I would shift way too late after all my momentum was gone and by then it was all over and i would have to walk. Good luck and enjoy.

I'm just jumping in late to this but I'm 55 years old and began cycling in March. I haven't been on a bike since 1982.:D :D
I set a goal for myself to be able to to the Trek Across Maine that took place this past weekend. If anyone had told me that I could bike 65 miles in a day I would have told them they needed to see professional psychological help.
My point to my posting is that I'm finding out that it's fun. I've learned to set very small but attainable goals. I'm about 60 lbs overweight and baby, oh baby, is it melting off....even by just commuting to work 3 days per week, 7.5 miles each way.
I'm a very slow cyclist and I'm not ever going to be interested in being a speed demon. I'm liking how stong I'm becoming, and most of my "old age" aches and pains in my back and legs are completely gone:eek: :eek: :eek: ..who would have predicted THAT????
My advice would be to take it very slow. My body reacted very stongly to this change,( whaddya mean we're not going to sit on the sofa and cruise through the channels????????). I'm still learning about hydrating myself and providing the right nutrition before,during and after riding.
I love thinking about myself in terms of my strengths. I'm 55 years old. I now think a 30 mile ride is just a good way to "stetch out":p :p :p . I'm gaining so much confidence in riding on the road that I'm now "taking the lane" like I own it...(well, in Maine I do...it's the law:D :D ). I like thinking of myself in terms of being an athlete. I really like seeing my shadow racing along in front of me in the mornings as I ride. I look really strong and sturdy !!!!!!!
I'm still so new at this that I still get a stupid grin on my face when I go downhill without using the brakes.... at 26 mph....bugs in my teeth.... the wind stretching my wrinkles back into my ears...natural face lift, I guess.
I come here most every day just to learn more and more from all these wonderful women; and like they have all said, ask,ask,ask.

Jan in Maine

Not sure if anyone mentioned this or not. Go to a "good" bike shop, not Wally World, K-Mart and talk to the guys there. They will show you how to properly use the gears which can make a BIG difference in your ride. You will really enjoy riding once you know a little more about it. Always wear a helmet and gloves and you might even want to get some good cycling shorts and a jersey once you get your mileage up, those can make a big difference too. I didn't start riding until I was 45 years old - ten years ago. I still don't go that far, usually 25 - 35 miles, the most I have ever done is 67. Riding with someone that is at your ability is always great. You will be amazed at how quickly you learn and really start to enjoy and look forward to riding.
Have fun and keep those pedals turning!!!;)

I was doing physical therapy for knee pain when I starting riding my bike. That was about 18 months ago. The doctor and the physical therapist said that biking was a great idea. My knees are arthritic, but building up the muscles around them helps a lot. I also wobbled at first, and had to get off and walk the bike to get up the little hill my house is on. Now I can get up the same hill without being in low gear! I feel a lot better, and my knees thank me every day. Last month we went on a bike trip in Europe, and I rode 30 miles every day for a week, and I wasn't exhausted or the slowest in the group! Yay!
I think you've already gotten some great advice from the ladies here. I just want to encourage you to keep getting on the bike and doing what you can, whatever that is. Some days it's hard to get started, and I'd rather make up excuses, but once I get out there, I'm always glad I did.

Kris

When I got to work the other day, a lady was pulling her bike up to the badly placed rack outside our door. She rides a recumbent trike, which, as it turns out has to be a mighty fine choice for her at least for now! On the back, she had a crutch and a kick board, along with her purse and such.

No one -- doctor, PT's -- had suggested this as a way to get strength back, but up until a week ago, she was in a wheel chair after a bad break skiing this past winter. (DH's comment: all this time? will she be ready for ski season? My guess is YES!)

Yup, we can do this!

Karen in Boise

I forgot to mention in my first reply that I, too, have a bad knee. Had to quit running a LONG time ago, and the knee still bothers me on hikes and stuff. But, I can bike! I ditto all the advice about using low gears to spin easy and really build up slowly. Now, I can handle muscle tension workouts with hard gears, but a couple years ago, they hurt and I couldn't do them.

And, I also ditto what someone said about just grinning, still, on a good ride. Yesterday, I had a great ride, and people driving by must have thought I was nuts, because I just kept breaking out laughing I felt so good, and so happy, to be out there.

Funny, I was riding my bike yesterday and I must have been smiling because a woman who was parked on the side of the road asked me if I was enjoying myself! I am hooked!!

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Originally Posted by amyelice

Funny, I was riding my bike yesterday and I must have been smiling because a woman who was parked on the side of the road asked me if I was enjoying myself! I am hooked!!

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Slight hijack...Amy, your "motto" says Truly Trying. Funny, several people in my life have been finding me Truly Trying for some time now! :p

Quote:

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Originally Posted by amyelice

Funny, I was riding my bike yesterday and I must have been smiling because a woman who was parked on the side of the road asked me if I was enjoying myself! I am hooked!!

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I always know I've been smiling a lot when I come home with bugs in my teeth.

I'm also 'Truly trying' according to those that know me best. ;)

Anne