I’ve noticed a lot of posts with the recurring theme of people having a hard time getting comfortable on their bikes. Some just don’t feel stable; others have problems learning to shift or problems going clipless. So I’m just curious, have the people who take to all the things associated with riding a bit easier than others been “athletes” all their lives and those experiencing more difficulty new to the “athletic” world?

As for me I grew up in a small country town with a higher ratio of boys to girls so a lot of “sports” were played. If you wanted to play baseball or football, or whatever you better be pretty good at it or nobody wanted you on their team. So, I’ve been involved in sports (not necessarily organized) all my life. My mom liked the word “tomboy.” (Although that’s a whole other post. ) I played volleyball, softball and basketball in high school. I also play racquetball. So I consider myself an athletic person. After a 22 year or so absence from the bike I really didn’t have problems starting up again…other than the location of the brakes and shifters being different. And there was one fall associated with going clipless. So, as I said, I’m curious – were you an “athlete” prior to taking up cycling? If so (or not), how hard was it for you to start cycling, i.e. stability, shifting, clipless, etc.?