Afraid to get back on

[dachshund]

I also wonder if the gears are set properly for you to get going. Did the bike store go over the gear-changing at all? The idea being that setting the bike in an easy gear will help with pedaling from a stop.

[doc]

Consider borrowing someone elses bike that is way too small for you such that you can place your feet flat on the ground while sitting on the saddle. You would be very unlikely to fall in that scenario. Then when you get a little confidence, get back on your bike. Remember that the little bike is not going to be too comfortable to pedal, but you are working on balance first.

Also, I agree with above, make sure you do in fact pedal. The faster you go, the easier it is to balance.

And keep reminding yourself what an amazing person you are. You made a massive life change recently with the weight loss. And as you very well know, progress is made in tiny but steady steps.

[Selkie]

Keep going! Everyone has to start somewhere and believe me, the more time in the saddle, the more confident/better skilled you become. It's worth getting over the wobble. We've all been there. Take it slow, do what feels comfortable, and ride for enjoyment. It'll all come together for you.

You ARE amazing---56 years old and getting back on a bike after 40 years? Don't be so hard on yourself.

[li10up]

I also wonder if the gears are set properly for you to get going. Did the bike store go over the gear-changing at all? The idea being that setting the bike in an easy gear will help with pedaling from a stop.

I think you hit the nail on the head.

It sounds to me like you are starting out in too high of a gear. Lift the back tire of the bike off the ground and shift into a low (easy to pedal) gear. Then get on and try to ride. If you are starting out in a monster gear it will be too hard for you to pedal and get going...and we all know that without momentum you are going to fall over...unless you can master the track stand...I'm still working on that one. Good luck...you can do it.

[Kano]

People are talking about pedaling, for some speed to keep you upright, and that's a good thing -- but something else you need to do is NOT WATCH YOUR FEET! Along with that -- look farther ahead than your front tire, too! You want to be looking more toward the end of the road you're going down -- seeing everything between there and your front tire too, of course, but the thing is, you can't balance when you're watching too close to your feet...

Welcome back to biking! I'm finding it great "place to be"!

Karen in Boise