All alone on the road bike for first time!! (gulp)

[Bike Goddess]

LSR- Well, at least you had your flat at the END!!!!!

I've learned that riding in traffic requires some determination AND nerves of steel!

Although I don't have to go through traffic very much on my rides, when I do, I just be sure that I am visible and out there where people can see me. This means wearing bright colors (flourescent yellow really stands out). Also, when people wait for me I always wave a thank you. That way they are acknowleged for their good deeds!

As the others have said before me, it will get easier as you get more confidence in your abilities.

Congratulations for getting beyond your fears. That's always the hardest part (for me)!!!

[spokewench]

Good for you! We all have our fears to overcome and your doing it right - on your own terms.

[light_sabe_r]

Thanks guys You guys are FANTASTIC encouragement you know that???

Strange that none of this traffic stuff seems to bother me on the hybrid, which I use to ride to work every day usually...

But on the roadie I think it's the lack of experience, new riding position, unfamiliarity with the riding style, and the clipless pedals that get me all "nervy"

^_^

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I don't blame you at all!
I know I felt the same way (nervous) when I switched from a loaner hybrid to my road bike....and I don't even "do" clipless!!!

[suzieqtwa]

Good for you...my clip less road bike sits in lay away ,as I have a fear of riding it. I'm so comfortable on my hybrid...I ride in the busiest of traffic ,I go through intersections ,and make left turns in the turning lane. My one biggest fear (of a road bike) is getting a flat. If I didn't ride in traffic I couldn't ride at all.
Suzie

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Suzie, you can always put regular pedals on your new road bike for a while so you can get used to riding it before you put the clipless pedals on it. Hey...Whatever gets you riding and having fun!
So amazing how you are taking control of the riding in traffic situation. Just remember- always err on the cautious/safe side when making decisions in traffic. Expect cars to do the wrong thing and turn in front of you etc.

You GO girl!!!

[suzieqtwa]

Lisa..............Thank you SOOOOOOO much. Im going to check with the LBS ,and make sure they will fit the bike. They install everything for free the first 30 days.................the 25c will be good for me. hey, I may get the bike out sooner.

[suzieqtwa]

Lisa..............Thank you SOOOOOOO much. Im going to check with the LBS ,and make sure they will fit the bike. They install everything for free the first 30 days.................the 25c will be good for me. hey, I may get the bike out sooner.

[pll]

Another idea for Suzie is to get a second set of pedals for your road bike. In that way, if you feel like riding the hybrid (or if you have a visitor), it is ready to go...

[RoadRaven]

Light Sabe_r - you absolutely achieved... way to go girl!

The road bike is quite remarkably different to a hybrid, and I am so used to being on a road bike I now I feel the same way when I hop back on a hybrid as you do about a roadie... positions, weight dispersal, even gearing... every seems different

But well done, and keep on... I find road bikes excellent to handle in traffic - much more responsive and lighter...

Keep us posted about your increasing accomplishments with it.