I'm a newbie with injuries

[ColleenT]

Wow, thanks. I'm glad no one here is getting on me about my cheap bike.

I just went out riding in the rain. i could not help it. it has rained since i brought it home yesterday. so i went about 2 miles, and they were up and down hills with a few flat areas.. i really felt how out of shape i am. i came in the house and felt like i had to throw up. i pushed myself too hard. but i did learn about using the gears and how they can help you on the flat as well as on the hills. i hope i can get into this fairly quickly. it is fun, except for the feeling at the end..

[Dogmama]

First off, welcome to TE! The only requirement is that your bike have a couple of tires (maybe more if it's a recumbent or you need training wheels! ), a seat, handlebars & a couple of pedals. Sounds like you meet the "qualifications!"

Take it easy! Throwing up is optional and certainly not a requirement to belong to TE. Seriously, you may have gone too hard and/or your glucose level fell. What did you eat before your ride? Is there any way you can avoid hills in the beginning?

If your elbow or ankle hurt after your ride, be sure to apply ice. Frozen bags of peas are great and they are reusable!

I'm echoing the suggestion that you take it to a bike shop & have it looked over to make sure the assembly is good.

Finally - the BIG question - you are wearing a helmet, right?

[ColleenT]

yes i am wearing a helmet. i actually made sure it matched the color tone of the bike. i cannot have the fashion police pulling me over, i'll be too busy puking as i push my bike up hills ..my arm and ankle are ok, i had eaten dinner a half hour before i went out, and then a cookie, so not sure what happened. i try to stay hydrated, and my bike has a cute little water bottle holder on it..i may need a tune up b/c i noticed that i could not get the front gears to go back on the large chainwheel. i tried when i was on the flats, but it did not want to give. SO i stayed in the middle gear in front(21speed). i know of one place that fixes bikes around here, so i'll call them this week and see if they can check it.thanks for the advice

[KnottedYet]

Welcome to TE! (and a warm welcome to your bike!)

You won't run into much in the way of flaming around here, don't be shy!

I second you getting the bike a quick check-over, and also hope that you're wearing a helmet every time you ride! (don't be like me. I crashed without one once, and I was only going down the block. Not a good plan.)