Can I Really Do This?

[mimitabby]

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.

[Rosie8]

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.

[Starfish]

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!

[RoadRaven]

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

[HeatherErin]

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!!

[latelatebloomer]

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!

[Suzi-Sue]

well done for getting into the cycling

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!

[short cut sally]

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.