Riding Practice

[Catrin]

I did not learn how to ride as a child, so at 50 years old am finally learning how to ride my new bicycle for two reasons - health and fitness. Having some fun along the way is a great attraction as well

Right now I am in the parking lot stage - last week I just practiced starting/stopping, and rode in circles. Now it seems time to broaden my practice horizons... someone has suggested that I practice figure eights, are there other things that it would be good for me to practice? While I do have an instructor, I won't be meeting with her until we get a warmish break in January.

Practicing alone in a deserted parking lot seems to make me a little more cautious than I might be with an instructor - but considering my tendency to push myself this is not actually a bad thing. 50 year old bones aren't as flexible as the average 10 year old - but I figure the quicker I can increase my skill, then the odds of falling over just to fall over is decreased.

[Crankin]

I wouldn't worry about "falling over." Once you can ride in a straight line, you can ride. I would think the next step would be to ride on neighborhood streets and/or a bike trail that isn't crowded. Practice using turn signals with your arms.

[sarahspins]

I wouldn't worry about "falling over." Once you can ride in a straight line, you can ride. I would think the next step would be to ride on neighborhood streets and/or a bike trail that isn't crowded. Practice using turn signals with your arms.

I agree Riding in a parking lot may be a good confidence booster, but it's enough different than riding on a road/path that it's good to get out there and do that too - don't worry about speed, but remember to follow any road rules that apply (signaling, right of way, etc).

[Tri Girl]

Good for you! I can't imagine how much more difficult it is to learn at 50. When you're a kid you're fearless- not so much when you get older and KNOW things can break.
Definitely practice signaling and steering with one hand for brief moments. Then, once you're completely comfortable on the bike- practice reaching down to your bottle cage to get a drink. I used to ride with a woman who had to stop every time she needed a drink. It took us forever to ride 10 miles and I think it was much less safe stopping every 5 minutes to dismount and mount again than to learn to reach for your bottle- but that's just one girl's opinion.

Are you having a blast on your bike?

[Catrin]

...Are you having a blast on your bike?

Oh my yes, but the weather keeps interfering! It seems prudent to avoid possible weather conditions where there might be ice right now - considering my current skill level. I am champing at the bit waiting for my next practice opportunity!

I am only sticking to parking lots right now until I can ride in a relatively straight line. I hadn't thought about needing to take a hand from the bars to signal - but I am sure my instructor would have thought of that. I haven't fallen over in a couple of sessions, but my riding seems to be more of a curve than a straight line. Crankin - thanks for reminding me of the need for signaling turns with my arms

Once I can get more consistency in that way, there is a local bike path that is about a mile long right now and is relatively straight - that will be my next target. After that there is a wonderful park with beautiful drives and very slow moving car traffic - and lots of bikes.

I have to admit that the thought of removing one of my hands from the bars makes me somewhat nervous, but I also remember having that problem when I first learned how to drive a car. That will pass.

Thanks for your suggestions, I will certainly incorporate them in my winter practice sessions!

[Catrin]

I think that I am about to graduate from the parking lot to a much more interesting, large, and scenic, park

I can ride in a straight line now, do figure eights without falling over, start and stop without falling over. This may sound simple, but am having a blast - though the large parking lot has become boring...

All I am waiting for is to be able to do some kind of hand signals without falling over... I tried taking my hand from the bike today for a split second to signal a left turn - while I did become unstable I did not fall over

Occasionally I work with a certified cycling instructor, and we are going to meet Monday. Shifting still gets me off balance a little, especially the large gears, and I want to work on signaling safely. I am hoping that after my lesson Monday that I really can graduate to that park!

I am still having a blast - and am looking forward to that continuing as I gain confidence, skill, and strength!

[Ana]

Oh my yes, but the weather keeps interfering!

Wow, it sounds like you are making good progress and having a great time Welcome to cycling That pesky weather will cooperate sometime