New and perplexed

[Melalvai]

You're really brave and determined to still be talking about biking after your fall. I'm eager to hear about your next attempt (and of course I hope it goes a lot better).

After what you described of your fall, I would suggest that your next attempt, you ride with your seat low enough you can put your feet on the ground while sitting on the seat. As I mentioned before, that height will be bad for your knees when you start going on longer rides. But for learning, it will help with your stability. When you are comfortable riding, you can start learning the "power pedal" start & stop. (Easy to show, hard to describe. I'll explain better later.)

Said daughter objects strongly to the whole idea, and that is a bit discouraging to me. but is not a deal breaker.

This is kind of funny because it's my mom who worries about me biking. I went on a self supported, 744 mile tour, camping in state parks, solo, 3 years ago. One woman I met said, "Your poor mother!" However, she's come around, especially as I came through the solo tour unscathed and haven't done any more solo tours (yet). She's got a new bike and has been riding it more too.

I hope your daughter feels better when she sees how much you enjoy it, and some day joins you on some bike rides. I've inspired a lot of my family to bike more--not the one person I want to bike more than anyone else, but quite a few others!

[bikegranny]

Thank you, Melalvai. I've read about and others have suggested the "sit on seat and push" method of learning, and that is my plan when my soreness is healed. Wow, very impressive camping bicycle tour! Many years ago I often thought I would like that, but not sure I still want to.