Can I Really Do This?

[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.

[MaineMaid]

I'm just jumping in late to this but I'm 55 years old and began cycling in March. I haven't been on a bike since 1982.
I set a goal for myself to be able to to the Trek Across Maine that took place this past weekend. If anyone had told me that I could bike 65 miles in a day I would have told them they needed to see professional psychological help.
My point to my posting is that I'm finding out that it's fun. I've learned to set very small but attainable goals. I'm about 60 lbs overweight and baby, oh baby, is it melting off....even by just commuting to work 3 days per week, 7.5 miles each way.
I'm a very slow cyclist and I'm not ever going to be interested in being a speed demon. I'm liking how stong I'm becoming, and most of my "old age" aches and pains in my back and legs are completely gone ..who would have predicted THAT????
My advice would be to take it very slow. My body reacted very stongly to this change,( whaddya mean we're not going to sit on the sofa and cruise through the channels????????). I'm still learning about hydrating myself and providing the right nutrition before,during and after riding.
I love thinking about myself in terms of my strengths. I'm 55 years old. I now think a 30 mile ride is just a good way to "stetch out" . I'm gaining so much confidence in riding on the road that I'm now "taking the lane" like I own it...(well, in Maine I do...it's the law ). I like thinking of myself in terms of being an athlete. I really like seeing my shadow racing along in front of me in the mornings as I ride. I look really strong and sturdy !!!!!!!
I'm still so new at this that I still get a stupid grin on my face when I go downhill without using the brakes.... at 26 mph....bugs in my teeth.... the wind stretching my wrinkles back into my ears...natural face lift, I guess.
I come here most every day just to learn more and more from all these wonderful women; and like they have all said, ask,ask,ask.

Jan in Maine

[MyLitespeed]

Not sure if anyone mentioned this or not. Go to a "good" bike shop, not Wally World, K-Mart and talk to the guys there. They will show you how to properly use the gears which can make a BIG difference in your ride. You will really enjoy riding once you know a little more about it. Always wear a helmet and gloves and you might even want to get some good cycling shorts and a jersey once you get your mileage up, those can make a big difference too. I didn't start riding until I was 45 years old - ten years ago. I still don't go that far, usually 25 - 35 miles, the most I have ever done is 67. Riding with someone that is at your ability is always great. You will be amazed at how quickly you learn and really start to enjoy and look forward to riding.
Have fun and keep those pedals turning!!!