Newby with nerves

[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

[schnitzle]

Yay!! That's great Hebe! Every little bit builds confidence

[tctrek]

Welcome, Hebe! You can do it! Just take it a step at a time, build up your confidence and strength and you will love riding your bike.

[stella2]

Sounds like your doing fantastically well I can only dream of the day that can signal and look behind me

Where are you up to with the bike ability programme? I have had the first taster session and I'm now just practicing (which is what I need to do) until the next session (they just do it on the last Saturday of the month).

Anyway keep on keeping on

[hebe]

Thank you! :wave: to another UK beginner!

I'm taking 1:1 lessons with one of the local Bikeability schools instructors. She is in her 60s and brilliant. I've done Bikeability 1 and am working through 2 at the moment, I think we are doing right turns tomorrow. I have just spent the afternoon riding diagonally across the garden trying to get the hang of looking back then signalling without wobbling or going off course. The roads round here are pretty quiet but are full of parked cars this holiday weekend.

[stella2]

Waves back I stick to the park. Can't consider cars, at least at this stage. Had a good day today. I enjoyed it properly for the first time, peddalled further and lots of my stops weren't so 'suicidal'