Anyone else feel this way?

[Bikingmomof3]

Denise,
I have only been on a bike for 6 days. Yes, at age 37 my husband and sons thought it was about time mom learned to ride. I was terrified. Each day my confidence grows stronger. At first I only rode in the cul-de-sac. At first when I went out I thought "all the neighbours are watching". Then a wonderful quote from Richard Feynman came to mind (actually his wife said it to him quite often), "what do you care what other people think?". You know what? I do not care. I am not ashamed that my children can ride circles around me. I am proud that I have conquered my fear of bikes and I look forward to being able to go out a ride every day. Even after 6 days I am beginning to get the urge to race-oh not anytime in the near future, but maybe next year in one of the local club charity races. Only time can tell.
Whew, that was longer than I intended it to be. Long post shortened. Enjoy your time on your bike. Do not compare yourself to others and who cares what anyone thinks. Enjoy yourself and be proud that you are going up hills! Some of us have not been that brave yet.

[Denise223]

Hi Ladies!

bcipam -- You are not old!! You know, I really am having more fun riding, and I'm not so self-conscious any longer, which is wonderful !!

posted by bcipam -- For every one of you are 1000 people sitting on a couch doing nothing but getting old fast!

Isn't that true -- I really hadn't given that much thought!

Bikingmomof3 -- Welcome to TE and to the wonderful world of cycling !!
I'll bet that your husband and sons are very proud of you, too! It took me awhile to be comfortable on the road -- I stayed in parking lots for a few summers, until June 5th of this year. My husband and I decided that I might be able to enjoy riding if we tried a bike path, which we did. Now, we enjoy riding on beautiful, scenic country roads .
It was like I was paralyzed being around cars & trucks (while on my bike). I was much too nervous to enjoy anything.

As someone else said here on this thread... PROGRESS NOT PERFECTION!!

Have a peaceful day everyone....

Denise

[plantluvver]

Denise,

I had to rerad this thread to be sure, but you started out worried about your comfort in traffic, and in less than a week, you are giving out the"wisdom of experience" to Bikingmomof3..

How's that for progress?

How is the soloing gong?

Mary

[Denise223]

Hi Mary:

I had to re-read to see exactly what I had posted....

Posted on 7/17/06 -->> plantluvver -- The only other rider I know is my husband. I've got a few girlfriends, but no one else rides bikes. So, I will make it my goal this week to get out at least one day by myself. Perhaps I'll make a riding friend when I'm out & about. Or, I really might enjoy going solo.

It's still "the week of the 17th", and no, I haven't gone out solo, just yet....
So...there's still time...

I had stayed riding around in parking lots for 3 summers, so.....I've made really good strides this year, in a month & half...

I'll be sure & let everyone know when I head out myself....because, that will be something victorious, for me, for sure!

Have a peaceful & great day everyone.

Denise

[plantluvver]

I ride the brakes all the way down, and I know this wastes all the energy I put in on the way up. So there is no anticipation of coming down, only releif that the climb is over. (And these aren't even hills, they are less than 5% grade.

I'd better follow Denise's example, and get back to the parking lot and learn how to brake. I've read interesting articles and realized how much I have to learn about riding technique and skills.

Mary