New and loads of questions

[Biciclista]

for short rides your athletic shoes are fine. Take little rides by yourself and build up. as you get more comfortable on those streets you will find being alone is less and less of an issue.
For me, if I have somewhere to go,it's a lot easier riding alone than when I am just out to exercise.

welcome to TE!

[Penny4]

Congratulations on your new bike! As the others have said, regular running shoes will be fine to start off with. After that...a helmet, a saddle bag (attaches under your seat), water bottle, and a flat kit/extra tube should be enough to get you going. I looked at your bike on line and it says it has puncture resistant tires, which is great, but it can't hurt to have an extra tube/flat kit with you. Make sure you carry your ID and cell phone with you, and maybe some cash.
Is there anything in particular you are nervous about? When I started riding i was nervous because I didn't understand the mechanics of my bike and I didn't want to get stranded far away from help if something went wrong. This forum, You Tube videos and your bike shop are great resources. Many bike shops offer basic maint classes, which are very useful for beginners. Good luck and enjoy!

[kziggy]

Penny I think I am afraid of being hurt and not being able to get help. I also have the fear that someone may try to abduct me while riding. I hope that neither of these things happen. Its not like I live in a bad part of town or anything its just that well I have always been freaked out by that.

[Crankin]

Sometimes when we are nervous about learning something new, we tend to "catastrophize" about what could happen. Is your fear of being abducted based on any reality, like it's happened in your area, or to you in the past? Having a cell phone takes care of just about any of the things that would normally happen on a bike, if you can't take care of it yourself. If you crash and get hurt, you call someone, or in an emergency, there will always be some good samaritan who does it for you. You should look into getting a Road ID www.roadid.com, so your information is accessible.
The key to getting started is to practice, practice, practice. I also second the suggestion in the other thread you started; take the Traffic Skills 101 class, or call one of the LCIs who might give you some private lessons. Go to a bike shop and ask if there are any rides for beginners or anyone there would be willing to ride with you in the spring.
Everyone has their own learning curve, and the key is to do what is right for you, but not let the fear be paralyzing.

[kziggy]

yes well I have to say that we did have someone abducted. I live in a area where a little girl went missing I was about the same age as that girl she has been missing since its been a long time that she has been missing. I however think I will get over it once I get on the road and get riding. I just have to wait until it gets warmer out and I can get riding. I know its silly that a 28 almost 29 year old is afraid of being taken. My husband has said the same thing you will get over it once you get out there.

[jyyanks]

I'm new to cycling too and am about to buy my first road bike when I get my bonus.

I too am afraid of riding alone but realize that my fears are probably unfounded. I always try to ride on the bike paths in the middle of the day when it's light outside. I carry a fully charged cell phone which actually is trackable via "find your iPhone". The bike path close to me is quite deserted and goes through some shady neighborhoods going south and runs along the parkway going north. As I ride more, I've become more comfortable with riding alone though I do look forward to the day that I can participate in group rides.

As far as equipment, I started off with a helmet and my regular sneakers.
As I've gotten more and more into it, I've also purchased some breathable T-shirts, cycling pants and shorts(Can't ride in my yoga pants because they keep getting caught in the chain) and a wind proof jacket. My bike came with a water bottle cage but I carry a spare water bottle (along with a cell phone, tissues, and money) in a small backpack.

Good Luck and Happy Cycling.

[GrooverBrisbane]

My advice regarding being scared of riding alone would be this: Maybe you can find a friend between now and spring, someone who would be happy to accompany you on your first few rides. Maybe another young mother like yourself, or just a friend who likes riding a bike, too. Preferably someone experienced.

It will help you greatly getting used to the bike. Once you are confident riding your bike and you know your route, then ride the same route several times alone.

By then, you will probably be ready to explore new areas on your own or your daughter in tow

Always let someone know where you are going and when you are planning to be back!

But the most important things is: Always have fun!

[Crankin]

KZiggy, you experienced a trauma (an abduction of someone your age, in your neighborhood) when you were little and it hasn't been processed. If you are 29 and this happened when you were a little girl, you are experiencing the feelings of a scared little girl. My bet is that no one really talked to you about it back then, and of course, this would be scary to any kid. The problem is, that these feelings are stuck in your brain and you are re-experiencing the fear, like a flashback. You might want to see a therapist who is knowledgeable about trauma to help you. My guess is that this would be a short term thing.
FWIW, bike trails in the middle of the day are always going to be more isolated than riding on the road. So, if you want to be around people, it's worth it to develop your road skills.

[Catrin]

yes well I have to say that we did have someone abducted. I live in a area where a little girl went missing I was about the same age as that girl she has been missing since its been a long time that she has been missing. I however think I will get over it once I get on the road and get riding. I just have to wait until it gets warmer out and I can get riding. I know its silly that a 28 almost 29 year old is afraid of being taken. My husband has said the same thing you will get over it once you get out there.

It isn't silly, you lived through an event where you saw a girl your own age abducted and that leaves a mark. As you ride more and more on your own that fear will finally take a hike. I was a little concerned myself about riding solo, my mind came up with all manner of bad things that could happen, and none of them did

I highly recommend your purchasing a RoadID or something similar so that in case something does happen an emergency responder can gain access to your health/contact information.

Another thing that might help with the fear is to come up with some little saying to yourself to drive that fear away when it comes. It is easy for someone to say that you will get over it, and you will, but it is still a process. Some of us have a little saying to get us up steep hills, this same approach might help in your situation.

Welcome to TE and to riding!

[Penny4]

Totally understandable concerns. Wearing a helmet and carrying your phone and id should help with #1. As for #2...well, you are on a bike, so hopefully you could get away from someone if you had too
Maybe just start on well used paths, avoid going at off hours, see if there are any groups that ride in your area, or perhaps stick to riding around your neighborhood for a while if it is rideable.
There is a path near me that is pretty busy at the trail head with walkers/runners, but by mile 2-3 it is pretty quiet. I do get a bit nervous riding it by myself, but ultimately I am not going to let it stop me.
Also, always let someone know when/where you are riding if you are going to be out alone.