New Cyclist!!! Need advice.

[marni]

for those of us who learned to drive before cars had electronic turn signals, those are all familiar signals.

In addition I have seen a lowered hand, index finger out pointing at a road hazard, and shaken back and forth with fingers spread to indicated gravel, sand, or along with a vocal warning such as glass, gravel, sand etc. I have also seen the arm behind the back with the hand opening and closing as a slow down, caution or stopping signals. Then there is the patting the top of the helmet or waving it over your head when you need assistance. But above and beyond all is the importance of making eye contact with the drivers, being clear in what you are indicating and what you are doing.

As far as riding in the drops, until you are experienced, don't try it in curvy roads or around corners. It is just another riding position, as long as you are able to reach your brakes and stop easily. It takes a bit more arm and core strength and the wrist position is fairly critical, but if you have had a proper fitting, riding in the drops is a good way to lower your wind resistance- just don't do it in a group ride because your panic and reaction time is much longer.

You might also want to check out the bicycling.com site as they also have a lot of beginners code type articles on file.

Mostly just get out and ride, join some beginner rides through a bike shop or club, ask lots of questions, talk to people and stay tuned here, TEMKE (team estrogen members know everything.)

just my few random thoughts