I have had a bike for almost a year, courtesy of DH who is an avid cycler. Following advice on this forum, I started out using the clipless pedals, which scared me to death! Of course, the first time I rode, I unclipped from the left and leaned to the right, toppling over like that old guy on Laugh In. (Showing my age, yes?) I got pretty scraped up, and put the bike away for a few months.
Next time I got on, I rode around my yard, stopping and starting, clipping in and unclipping. I did this for about 2 miles. Put the bike away again.
Yesterday, I got fed up with being a chicken. I got on that bike and rode a loop around the neighborhood totalling 6 miles. I got home, got on a local forum and found a ride for this morning.
I recruited my 12 year old soccer-player son to join me. He has his own road bike, and was happy to go. I was so excited and nervous before the ride. I had barely even shifted much before today, and had next to no traffic experience. However, the only way to get experience is to go and do it, so there I went!
The people in the group were so kind and welcoming. I ended up doing 12 miles. We were originally set to do 20, but one of the other riders was a new mom who was coming back after several months off, and she wanted to shorten the ride a bit. Since it was my first, I wasn't sure how I'd hold up, so I welcomed the opportunity to cut it short, too!;) My son, hammerhead-in-training, went 21 miles with the men and kept up near the front.
Once we got back, I realized that I could have done the 20, so next time out, that's what I'll do.
Anyway, I am excited to be a cyclist, although I am so green I glow! I got lots of shifting practice, took a few hills and in general, had a big ol' time!
Thanks to everyone here who shares their wisdom and experience. If not for you, I would not have perservered with the clipless, and my bike would still be gathering dust in the garage.
Safe riding,
Sal
