Help! Don't know how to relax ..........

[loni0908k]

I never lost balance b/c of a tight grip, but when I started biking, late last year, I was really sore b/c of how tense I got on the bike. It's probably just going to take TITS (time in the saddle) to cure this one, you are going to become more comfortable each and every time you ride your bike, and you wont feel the need to hold on for dear life anymore! So, relax, know that if you fall, you'll just have to get up, and keep cycling, it gets better, and more fun every day!

[FreshNewbie]

I figured that would be the solution to my problem I am just can't wait to get more comfortable on the bike so I can ride longer and faster. My boyfriends says that he saw my hands go white when I hold the handlebars Anyway, thank you for the input.

[alison_in_oh]

My boyfriends says that he saw my hands go white when I hold the handlebars

Wiggle your fingers every so often, like you're playing air piano. And practice riding a straight line (stay on the edge line of the road for example); you'll find that you need a delicate touch to do this.

[FreshNewbie]

I am going to try this coming weekend, also I changed the saddle position as it was tilted downward a little ( maybe that was the problem ) . I found myself enjoying it so much, and also addicted to this forum. It's sad that i didn't discover this sport before.

[DeniseGoldberg]

If you use your abs & back muscles to support your upper body, you won't need to have the full weight of your body (and the associated pressure) on your hands.

Also - make sure you aren't riding with your elbows locked. A slight bend is a good thing.

--- Denise

[FreshNewbie]

This is amazing how supportive women at this forum are!
Reading all the posts I am actually thinking to consider getting myself clipless soon, but before this I want to get control of that "relaxation" problem I have. Riding in my Nike Shox is not something I wanna do for much longer

Marina

[slinkedog]

Hey Fresh! Welcome aboard!

I, too, was having tension issues. One thing that helps me is using breathing techniques. I try to regulate my breathing as much as possible and concentrate on it. It also helps me to make sure I'm not locking my elbows, change hand positions frequently and roll my shoulders often.

[RoadRaven]

Hey there Fresh, welcome to the forum
I agree with the others too. Just let yourself relax into it, it may happen slowly, but it will happen. And all of a sudden the bike will feel like an extension of yourself and you will wonder why you ever held on tight in the first place.