A Fluffy Fifty Beginner (again)

[joannofsonoma]

Congratulations for getting back on the bike!!!! I too am in my 50s and just started road biking in April. I can honestly say that having a lightweight new bike REALLY HELPS!!!! We traded from mountain biking to road biking, got the expensive light weight ones and am VERY HAPPY. THey have a GREAT SEAT, the one I got is made for women which helps alot with a narrower handle bar and stuff like that.

After the bike, the first thing I got were a GREAT PAIR of riding pants. They make ALL the difference in the world and have really helped prevent riding soreness and such. The gel gloves you got were right on also...............enjoy the hills!!! They DO GET EASIER the more you do them!!!!

[posagirl]

I did a short ride today. My tender tushie was much recovered after 1 day of rest and after a minute or two of my ride today I didn't even notice it. I was saving the riding shorts for my "reward" for hanging in there....maybe I should go ahead and buy them? I like your idea of a lighter bike. However, I will plug on with my faithful Hard Rock for now. There is the River Canyon and other "rough but tame" places to go with my "steelie". I will start "test driving" other bikes, however. I was even looking into an electric bicycle for tackling my home commute hill, but haven't committed to anything.
I am new to toe clips and need to master the concept of "push-me pull-you" instead of just push-down push-down. I also need to remember to put my tushie bones back farther on the seat. I took my dog (a shepard/rott mix) on my ride today, which meant I braked down the hills, waiting for the dog and started with a very slow momentum on all the uphills. LOL! Should get me in shape fast! I have a narrow 1 lane country road, mostly shaded, and so I occasionally have to stop for cars, etc. My lighted vest really helps them see me. Thank you for all the input. I really appreicate it!