Newbie weekly achievement thread

[jelee1311]

I think this is a great idea. I am just coming back to riding after an injury.I rode for the first time in almost four months last Monday. I was only riding about eight months before I got hurt so I am still new at this. I look forward to posting and hearing about others triumphs.

[Nessa]

My husband and I got bikes about 3-4 weeks ago. I've always worked out so I am in pretty good shape, but I'm 55 and the old engine go like it used too!!! Anyway, last Friday we went to North Little Rock and parked about 1.5 miles from the Big Dam Bridge. We rode over the bridge, which crosses the Arkansas River, back over the river to the Rivermarket area, ate, then back. This was a 23 mile ride! LOVED IT!

Here is the link to the Big Dam Bridge...it is such an awesome bike path!!!

http://www.bigdambridge.com/index.htm

[hebe]

wow Nessa, the views from that bridge must be amazing! That sounds like a great ride.

I'm feeling very proud after my lesson, not least because I did everything in the wind and rain and got home more than a little damp. I did roundabout practice, then rode along the route that I use to take my daughter to soft play - it's up a hill and along quite a busy road on an industrial estate - lots of drives and carparks and lorries. No cycle lanes for most of it. Anyway, I was very proud of myself, as was my instructor. Then on the way back we stopped so that I could learn how to set off and stop without having my bum on the saddle. This always looked so easy but took a few goes! I need to get the hang of this or else drop the saddle, and I'd rather not drop the saddle.

Anyway. Next lesson in a fortnight to give me some time to practise. I'm going to drive to a nearby town and hire a bike and trailer for the towpath to see how I get on with dd in a trailer. My instructor is sure it would work for me so I'm going to swallow my reservations and give it a go.

How's everyone else doing?

[stella2]

I did roundabout practice, then rode along the route that I use to take my daughter to soft play - it's up a hill and along quite a busy road on an industrial estate - lots of drives and carparks and lorries. No cycle lanes for most of it.

My God woman, you're a heroine

[hebe]

I think I have a good instructor, but thank you. The big test will be cycling with my daughter. Every time I have a lesson it boosts my confidence no end. Don't you have another session coming up?

[stella2]

I just go out practicing with my partner and I push myself a little more out of my comfort zone each time. I do Bikeability level one (apparantly all about control and riding around cones) on 28th.

[Nessa]

This week.....I had my FIRST wreck! Don't know how, no clip-ins....just fell over and got a bloody elbow! I really feel like a cyclist now!

[hebe]

I just go out practicing with my partner and I push myself a little more out of my comfort zone each time. I do Bikeability level one (apparantly all about control and riding around cones) on 28th.

Is it today, Stella? Good luck!

[Jaynee Beyond]

wow Nessa, the views from that bridge must be amazing! That sounds like a great ride.

I'm feeling very proud after my lesson, not least because I did everything in the wind and rain and got home more than a little damp. I did roundabout practice, then rode along the route that I use to take my daughter to soft play - it's up a hill and along quite a busy road on an industrial estate - lots of drives and carparks and lorries. No cycle lanes for most of it. Anyway, I was very proud of myself, as was my instructor. Then on the way back we stopped so that I could learn how to set off and stop without having my bum on the saddle. This always looked so easy but took a few goes! I need to get the hang of this or else drop the saddle, and I'd rather not drop the saddle.

Anyway. Next lesson in a fortnight to give me some time to practise. I'm going to drive to a nearby town and hire a bike and trailer for the towpath to see how I get on with dd in a trailer. My instructor is sure it would work for me so I'm going to swallow my reservations and give it a go.

How's everyone else doing?

What is your bike make and model number? Your photo shows a beautiful bike! I hope your having great fun!

[hebe]

Thanks Jaynee! Enjoy your new bike Will you share some pictures once you have it set up, please?

The bike in the picture is my 2012 Specialized Vita Elite. It has completely changed riding for me, so easy to ride and confidence-inspiring. Accessory-wise I swapped out the saddle for Selle Italia Diva Gel Flow, and added fenders, rack and a Detours Fremont pannier.

[Jaynee Beyond]

Thanks Jaynee! Enjoy your new bike Will you share some pictures once you have it set up, please?

The bike in the picture is my 2012 Specialized Vita Elite. It has completely changed riding for me, so easy to ride and confidence-inspiring. Accessory-wise I swapped out the saddle for Selle Italia Diva Gel Flow, and added fenders, rack and a Detours Fremont pannier.

Hello Hebe,

Your bike sounds like a best friend. I hope mine will be also. I will,happily share some photos of it. Still waiting for it to come in from the warehouse. Got the last one from the Trek Wisconsin warehouse. Just can't wait to get it. Your accessories sound good. I want a back pannier also and have a easy rack bought to snap different ones on and off. Have a front basket also, I expect I may need this, however I will see. It is such a treat to look forward to. Enjoy your ride! Thanks for your kind response.