Newbie weekly achievement thread

[tbl35]

I did a 7 mile loop on one of the trails here on Tuesday. Really impossible to not stop when it's 90+ degrees & you're on asphalt. Thought the wind in my face the last 3 miles would kill me though!

Finally got my bike computer last night so I can monitor how far/fast I'm going.

[linzq]

Ok, I had a rather embarrassing day yesterday...

I bought my first roadbike in February, and yesterday was the first day I got to ride it outside with my partner (experienced road cyclist & racer).

So we get kitted up, and I'm SO excited, and we get downstairs and outside, and I just can't do it. I have no idea what happened, but I freaked out and started crying. I've never done that before, and I'm just not normally that kind of person. Rock climbing? No problem. New adventures? Bring it on. So it was a really new and odd experience for me.

We went back inside, and end result was we put me on the trainer for 40 minutes and did some drills. I got used to my new position, how to shift gears, and even tried the brakes a couple of times.

I think I just had too many new-to-me things going on:

• starting/stopping when my feet don't touch the ground
• brakes that don't give the same 'feedback' as MTB brakes, so I feel like they don't really work
• new (more aggressive) position
• new bike
• clipless pedals (I had them for 3 rides on my MTB last summer)
• traffic!

So now, I'm feeling good that I'll be able to get outside on my bike this week, but I don't want a repeat of yesterday. My partner already feels that he pressured me into buying a bike that's too much for me. Ack! He's been nothing but supportive, and it was totally and completely me that pushed to get me a road bike!

Any suggestions? Hugs? Words of advice or stories of how you were just brave and conquered your fears?

Thanks for the help. I know I can do this, and already did another 20 min on the trainer this morning. I just need a little positive reinforcement.

[Lavigne]

@linzq, I wish I could give you a hug. It sounds like you need one. I am a newbie too. I have just shy of 100 miles on my bike and I have learned a few lessons the hard way. I've taken baby steps. My first goal was to learn to start and stop with my clipless pedals. I barely left my driveway and I didn't stop unless my DH was standing right there to catch me which he needed to do quite a few times. Once he pointed out that I should unclip as soon as I can and not wait until I'm almost stopped, it helped a lot.
I had my longest ride yet this weekend. I rode 35 (flat) miles and only fell once. The lesson learned there was don't try to clip in and get started when you are in the big gear.

It sounds like you have a very patient and caring partner like I do. Remember that you don't have to get it all down overnight. I suggest finding a flat area with little to no traffic and practicing until you feel comfortable enough to get on a road. That's what I did. Every rider I've talked to has stories of falling thanks to those stupid pedals. You probably will fall at least a couple of times. You will skin your knee and maybe an elbow. It's not pretty, but it's not too bad. Don't be scared or nervous. Just think "I can do this." When I fell this weekend, the DH said "that's enough...we're going home." I refused to let it get to me and we rode another 20 miles.

I too wonder if I got in over my head with this new bike thing. When I start feeling that way, I just think, "One more ride then I'll decide." It gets better every time.

I know you can do it too.

[Catrin]

Linzq,

First of all, welcome! I think you are doing a great job - and you are certainly adding a lot to your plate all at the same time!

The trainer is a nice idea, that will help you get used to the new way of shifting (says she who has never ridden with non-trigger shifters). Is there a nice quiet parking lot you can go to for practicing with the new bike? All of that new stuff + traffic can be, well, a little nerve-wracking. I know it would be for me

Is it an option to put platform pedals on your new road bike until you are more comfortable with it? This would give you one less "new thing" to focus on. The important thing is that you feel safe, and especially where clipless pedals are concerned there is quite a difference on how it feels on the trainer than it does on the road. At least that is my experience...

Congratulations on the new bike - and before you know it you will be having fun on it and forget this part of the process

[jelee1311]

!!Linzq --- hugs to you! Breathe and know it does get better maybe even fun soon. I agree with Catrin ditch the clipless pedals if they are making you anxious. I fought using them for awhile and then realized going up big hills is easier with them. Everyone I know has turtled and crashed in them for me its been part of the learning curve. I laugh about it now. Give yourself a break and remember riding a bike is fun,or at least it should be.

[rubysoho]

aww, linzq! Don't be discouraged or think of yourself as silly. Try finding a quiet parking lot or paved trail (ie, away from traffic) to get started. Nice and easy. No need to go all out on a first ride. ((hugs to you!))

And it is okay to wear normal shoes. I switch back and forth depending on what I am feeling. For new challenges I've been going with the stock pedals because I feel more comfortable with the freedom right now.




I pulled a newb moment on my first 50 mile ride this weekend. Was chatting with my cycling buddy, looked over and didn't hold my line. Ended up riding INTO him (thank god he is waaaay more experienced, has been in races and bumped shoulders, so he held steady) and I freaked, over corrected and wasn't recovering control (had I stayed still I would have been fine!). Ended up bailing off the back of my bike, landing on my feet and catching Ruby by the seat in one movement - no way did I want my bike falling! It was quite the experience. My friend and I had a good laugh but I really need to work on multitasking and being able to hold my line. Lol.

I did master grabbing the water bottle from the cage AND drinking AND putting it back - all without wobbling all over the place - on that ride.

[Bethany1]

Ditch the clipless for now. I like mine, but if it's too much, you can add them back on later. My new Sirrus hybrid just has regular pedals since it goes so much faster than my Hardrock MTB and I'm not used to going really fast yet. I panicked on the way home and probably wore out the brakes today. LOL.

If you need to (I did) lower your seat so your feet can touch the ground and ride around for feeling safer. As you get better, raise your seat back up to where you should be. It will make sense why the seat is high after you get used to it. Falling off my bike is the most terrifying part of biking for me and I've done it once with the clipless. Knowing I could put my feet down on the ground helped my confidence.

Go someplace quiet with less traffic or just practice going around the block. I thought I'd get run over when I started, but most cars just go by without any issues..even the semi trucks. I do ride on the sidewalk in my small town because it isn't safe using the road until you get further up a few more blocks. I'm not brave enough to make a left turn and use the crosswalks. I don't live in a huge city so managing full-time traffic would be hard.

My Sirrus has funky brakes as well. My MTB will almost dump you over when using them and my Sirrus seems to take forever. I've thought about adding disc brakes to my Sirrus but not worried about it right now. I've only had it since Saturday and figure I'll get used to the brakes.

The important part is to have fun. You can do this!

[tbl35]

I did master grabbing the water bottle from the cage AND drinking AND putting it back - all without wobbling all over the place - on that ride.

I haven't mastered that one yet, though I keep trying!

As a newbie, I have no words of wisdom for you linzq but remember to have fun out there. You are braver than many, trying all those new things PLUS traffic! I like the parking lot suggestion until you are more comfortable.
---
I did 10 miles on Sunday, my longest yet. Next time though, I'll remember the sunblock. Temp on my bike computer read 105.5 (asphalt trail)!

May I add, bikers are so nice. Had to stop a few times outside of rest areas and every time I did, everyone passing asked if I just resting or needed help. I really liked that.

[rubysoho]

I did 10 miles on Sunday, my longest yet. Next time though, I'll remember the sunblock. Temp on my bike computer read 105.5 (asphalt trail)!

May I add, bikers are so nice. Had to stop a few times outside of rest areas and every time I did, everyone passing asked if I just resting or needed help. I really liked that.

Definitely take it easy in that heat!





Rode 20.4 miles in 1h and 22m today. The first 10 miles I tried to go easy but then pushed pretty hard the last 10. I am excited to have a new 'puter on my bike so I can start tracking this type of data and hopefully see improvements! Next goal: Thirty on Thursday. Why? Because that is all I need to break 100 miles this week!

[Silverado]

I finally got my bike out and decided to start riding again and I found this forum. So many helpful tips and friendly advice that I decided to join you all. There is no question I have a lot to learn!

I have done two 5 mile rides this week. Hills, hills & hills. Hopefully, soon I won't have to stop and walk up some of them.

[tbl35]

Rode 20.4 miles in 1h and 22m today. The first 10 miles I tried to go easy but then pushed pretty hard the last 10. I am excited to have a new 'puter on my bike so I can start tracking this type of data and hopefully see improvements! Next goal: Thirty on Thursday. Why? Because that is all I need to break 100 miles this week!

Nice! I also love the computer, makes it so much easier to see what I'm doing and to give myself little goals to meet.

I finally got my bike out and decided to start riding again and I found this forum. So many helpful tips and friendly advice that I decided to join you all.

Welcome! I'm new myself and love the info here.

I have done two 5 mile rides this week. Hills, hills & hills. Hopefully, soon I won't have to stop and walk up some of them.

Awesome, keep it up!

[Bike Writer]

Ok, I had a rather embarrassing day yesterday...

I bought my first roadbike in February, and yesterday was the first day I got to ride it outside with my partner (experienced road cyclist & racer).

So we get kitted up, and I'm SO excited, and we get downstairs and outside, and I just can't do it. I have no idea what happened, but I freaked out and started crying. I've never done that before, and I'm just not normally that kind of person. Rock climbing? No problem. New adventures? Bring it on. So it was a really new and odd experience for me.

We went back inside, and end result was we put me on the trainer for 40 minutes and did some drills. I got used to my new position, how to shift gears, and even tried the brakes a couple of times.

I think I just had too many new-to-me things going on:

• starting/stopping when my feet don't touch the ground
• brakes that don't give the same 'feedback' as MTB brakes, so I feel like they don't really work
• new (more aggressive) position
• new bike
• clipless pedals (I had them for 3 rides on my MTB last summer)
• traffic!

So now, I'm feeling good that I'll be able to get outside on my bike this week, but I don't want a repeat of yesterday. My partner already feels that he pressured me into buying a bike that's too much for me. Ack! He's been nothing but supportive, and it was totally and completely me that pushed to get me a road bike!

Any suggestions? Hugs? Words of advice or stories of how you were just brave and conquered your fears?

Thanks for the help. I know I can do this, and already did another 20 min on the trainer this morning. I just need a little positive reinforcement.

As others have said, that is a whole lotta stuff to bite off in one sitting!

I give you tremendous credit for attempting it. Hugs, empathy and mucho support coming your way! There should be no shame in trying all those things at once it's only a lesson that you can take advantage of. The advice so far is good and should be followed.

1. ditch the clipless pedals
2. lower the seat
3. practice in a "safe environment", not traffic
4. have fun
5. you bought a bike to have fun
6. fun should be the primary objective
7. other goals will follow if this is fun; if it isn't fun you won't have the ambition to try new things.

and welcome to the forums at TE!

[linzq]

Oh my goodness, thank you so much Lavigne, Catrin, jelee1311, rubysoho, Bethany1, tbl35, and Bike Writer for your replies!!!

I told my partner about you lovely ladies, and I'm so happy I have extra support from you all!

I've now been on the trainer a couple of times, and have sorted out shifting (phew!) and have convinced myself that these brakes work even though I don't feel them gripping as-tight-as-death.

I've got the 1/2-1/2 pedals with SPDs on one side and flat on the other, so I'll try them out flat, with my lowered saddle.

And I've convinced the boyfriend that our next ride out will be a tour de parking lot. He's happy, I'm happy, it's all good.

Can't wait to update you all on my success and FUN!

[Roadtrip]

Great to hear from everyone and their accomplishments!! Got out for a 15-18 mile ride (computer glitch, not sure exactly how ar it was, tho according to trail maps closer to 18) ride this morning... Stopped at LBS on the way home and bought a new pair of bike shorts on clearance.

All in all-- a good day!!

Shannon

[rubysoho]

biked the entire George Washington Memorial Parktrail yesterday. Definitely had some bigger hills than what I normally face but after 36.5 miles my legs could have gone further! Yay! Though today I am a bit tired, however I think that is a combination of the entire weekend (rehearsal dinner/open bar Friday night, friends' wedding/open bar Saturday night, no sleep either night because of frat boys staying at the same hotel as me, woke up at 5:30am Sunday to get back home for the bike ride by 11/noon).