Newby with nerves

[hebe]

Hi, and thank you for such a great forum.

I'm 44 and have just made my second start at cycling, having never learned as a child. My first start was in my late 20s, when I had a cheap and not very good bike, and I used to ride along converted railway paths. Very wobbilly, about 6 times in total. This meant that I never learned any real skills other than starting, stopping, basic balance and getting the bike on and off the car rack. I moved to a new city and stopped cycling.

Fast forward 16 years or so, and I now have a two year old who adores bikes and I'm increasing unhappy about my dropping fitness level and about using the car for 5mile errands. I want to be able to help my daughter learn to ride, and I can't do that if I don't ride competently myself. My husband took me to the LBS to choose a bike for my birthday, and bought me a Marin Stinson, a childseat and a helmet. I'm never going to race on it, but it is fine for what I want and I feel secure on it.

I'm taking a few lessons with a local bikeability instructor, and I can now start and stop from the kerb, go past parked cars, ride without too much wobbling, look behind me and do some left hand turns. I love it! My problem is that I really need to practise in between lessons now and I keep putting off going out on my own. There is virtually no traffic on my road outside of commuting times, and a small park less than 2 minutes ride down the road. It couldn't actually be any safer. Anyway, I want to do it this weekend, probably this afternoon or first thing tomorrow morning when it is even quieter and my husband can look after our daughter for a few minutes. I know that I should still be able to ride on my own, and that I'll probably wonder what on earth I was so worried about.

Anyway, I'll have a bundle of questions but I think that's enough to start with. Thank you for reading, and I hope you all have a great weekend!

[Blue_Fedora]

Everyone was new at one point and it's never too late to start. Baby steps... and celebrate your progress. Most of all ENJOY YOURSELF

[schnitzle]

Welcome Hebe, it sounds like you are off to a great start

[JennK13]

Hurray for you for trying again! Sounds like you're going about it all the right ways this time And I've heard of a lot of people who are anxious to go out alone - with your growing comfort you'll gain that confidence.

[PamNY]

Believe me, you will be fine. I bought a bike at age 57 after not biking for years, and now I easily do 40 miles alone. It's great that you are getting some instruction and generally going about this right.

You will find great support for bikers at every level here -- there is no snobbery that I've seen, and the most basic questions will be answered by knowledgeable people. Also, if you are scared or frustrated there will likely be understanding and support.

Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

[hebe]

Thank you so much for the welcome, support and inspiration. I finally made it out just before Sunday lunch, my dh distracted my girl with a glass of lemonade and I went for it. Just a little ride to the end of the road, back though a carpark and finishing up outside my neighbour's house (I braked too early ). Still, I didn't hit the kerb or any cars, I didn't fall off and I stayed on my side of the road. So I'm counting it as a success and am quite proud of myself. I'll go again tomorrow and concentrate on staying a metre from the kerb.

Thanks again