TREK! 1.2 Triple WSD!

[redrhodie]

20 miles is great! Good for you! I thought of a couple more tips you might want to know:

You should pump up your tires before every ride, and it's a good idea to clean and lube your chain after every ride. Learn how to change a tire. Change out of your shorts right away after a ride to prevent UTIs or yeast infections. A good quality chamois creme will help prevent irritation from an uncomfortable saddle. Wear gloves to protect your hands if you fall. Carry a cell phone and ID (I put my name and home phone # on a sticker inside my helmet).

Enjoy being 19! 40 is better

[withm]

Probably one of the most impportant things you should learn right away is how to change a flat tire. Preferably BEFORE you need to.

http://www.teamestrogen.com/articles/asa_levers.asp

Check out the other "how-to" guides right here at TE for lots of good info.

[OakLeaf]

(I put my name and home phone # on a sticker inside my helmet)

If you're unconscious, emergency personnel will (should) not remove your helmet until they get your neck stabilized. Carry your ID information, including your insurance card, somewhere else - jersey pocket or seat pack, or one of those spiffy bracelets.

Welcome to our addiction letsride! Don't let all the emergency preparedness tips scare you. Have fun!

[Starfish]

Welcome to our addiction letsride! Don't let all the emergency preparedness tips scare you. Have fun!

I agree with all the posts about safety, and practicing changing tires, etc.

And, hoping this is not too big a thread drift, the other thing I would say is that perhaps you will find a way to talk with your mom about all the precautions and safety information you are learning. Perhaps it will reassure her that you are learning to ride smart. (And, perhaps not, of course some folks are anxiety-ridden.)

I, personally, really hate being told to "ride safe," or "drive safe," or whatever. (As if I am going to be reckless unless they warn me?) I know that the people who say this mean well. However, as I have explained to a few of my friends, I have enough fear in life on my own. When others consistently warn or admonish me about being safe, it feeds my fear, not my courage. I need to be surrounded by people who literally "encourage" me, rather than worrying about me. Their worry does not keep me safe.

So, I do the best I can to take precautions, whether I am riding my bike or driving across country alone, or camping alone, or whatever. Then, I like to be encouraged with "have fun," and "go for it" rather than "be careful!"

Several of my friends have changed how they speak to me, because they care about me, and my need for confidence. I have explained that I need their boldness, confidence and belief in me...more than I need their worry about me.

I don't know if any of this rambling makes sense. Just thought I'd throw it out there.

[redrhodie]

If you're unconscious, emergency personnel will (should) not remove your helmet until they get your neck stabilized. Carry your ID information, including your insurance card, somewhere else - jersey pocket or seat pack, or one of those spiffy bracelets.

Welcome to our addiction letsride! Don't let all the emergency preparedness tips scare you. Have fun!

Thanks for telling me that! New ID going into saddle pack. Hopefully, no one will need to see it!

[Crankin]

Well, I am old enough to be your mom and I can't believe your mom won't "let" you ride alone. You are an adult. Sit down with her and tell her all of the safety precautions you take. She should listen to you and understand. But, after that, if I were you, I would still go out alone. I mean, do you have to tell her everything you do? I bet you don't tell her other stuff...
My son started riding and racing at age 14. I worried when he was out training, but I knew he was doing all the safety stuff and he would call if he needed me.
Good luck.