Hi, I'm new...me and my son are cycling together!

[happinesshill]

Hello. I am new to this bike-riding thing. Well, I rode my bike all the time as a kid. But in order to get in shape and get my back better (I've had a bad back for years now and I'm just tired of it!) I've started an exercise and riding regime. I am bringing my fourteen year old son along for my rides because he's active, likes to get out of the house and do ANYthing! I love riding, I can't wait for the next ride. We've been doing it for about 10 days now. At first, we went 4 miles. Then we found an awesome, hilly six mile path that leads in a circle back to our house.

We've been doing the six mile every other day. On my off days, I work-out or walk or both. Anyway, I don't know ANYTHING about bikes or anything any of you pros are talking about. My husband, however, does know a good deal about bikes, having built them a lot during his adolescent/teen years. He fixes whatever is wrong on his 21-speed mountain bike and I ride it. It's a good bike, I like it...but it's old and not in the best of shape. By the way, we're poor and can't afford anything new and fancy. LOL

So, the first few days of riding, I thought I'd die, huffing and puffing and blowing. My lungs. It hasn't bothered my legs nearly as much as my lungs.
I had to stop constantly and my son must've been so bored out of his mind. But he said "Take your time" every time, sweetheart that he is!
So I take my time and do what my body can handle. This last ride surprised me, I was yawning through it. That same six mile ride that killed me is now easy and I am wanting more!! In ten days! It's amazing. Our goal is 18 miles out to the state park near where we live.

The hills that are hard, you just have to remember...they go down on the other side. Usually. :0) I look forward to learning more here and sharing our journeys as we get stronger and go longer!!

[badgercat]

Sounds like you're off to a fantastic start! You'll be riding farther and farther before you know it!

[warneral]

Welcome! That's great you're riding with your son! I love taking my kids on bike rides. I hope they'll always love to ride

[hebe]

Welcome, and well done!

I'm new to cycling, and have noticed that my asthma is much improved even on the very modest rides that I'm doing at the moment. It's a miracle, isn't it?

[warneral]

Regarding asthma - that is weird! I'm having a pretty bad "asthma" reaction to this virus I have. I even ended up in urgent care last night coming home with oral & inhalable steroids. Yet all week while I've been fighting this bug, I noticed I don't have any coughing or breathing problems when riding. My sister (a doctor) said it must be adrenaline but I'm also wondering if it isn't the position on a bike? I think that other types of athletes typically have flareups from doing activity.

[Catrin]

Regarding asthma - that is weird! I'm having a pretty bad "asthma" reaction to this virus I have. I even ended up in urgent care last night coming home with oral & inhalable steroids. Yet all week while I've been fighting this bug, I noticed I don't have any coughing or breathing problems when riding. My sister (a doctor) said it must be adrenaline but I'm also wondering if it isn't the position on a bike? I think that other types of athletes typically have flareups from doing activity.

I also have asthma, and significant allergies. However, since I started riding this year - NO asthma (not even when riding in 93 temps with humidity) OR allergies. See, cycling = wonder drug as well as being the fountain of youth

[stella2]

Welcome what a lovely name you have chosen.