Santa finally came (i'm51) and brought my new Pashley bike!

[stella2]

Hi girls,
I'm loving this women's forum I'm new to the forum and in the process of learning to ride. I never had the opportunity as a child. I always wanted to and I'm finally going for it. I started 2 weeks ago at the age of 51 and can now finally pedal along fairly straight. I have a bit of a fear of stopping though. I know how to do it properly, but I often get it wrong because I panic this comes after I fell off early when stopping. It wasn't that bad, but I am covered in bruises! Anyway, being worried about stopping gets in the way of confidence about going, but I'm getting there.

This is the bike I have. The Pashley Sonnet Bliss. It's the same as the Princess Sovereign except it doesn't have a skirt guard and not quite a full chain guard. Mine is in Claret and Cream, not the blue in the picture. It's very smooth and stable and I think it's making it easier for me to learn than it might be!

http://www.pashley.co.uk/cms/products/main_49.jpeg

[Catrin]

Congratulations! I just learned how to ride a mere 8 months ago myself, started 2 months after my 50th birthday! That is a pretty bike and you will find that it just keeps getting better

[Bike Chick]

Congratulations on learning to ride a bike, Stella, and welcome to TE!!! Keep it up. I love your bike!

[Biciclista]

that's a gorgeous bike! I'm proud of you. I HATE to fall!

[stella2]

Thanks girls. It's my calves that have taken the impact. My man has rightly pointed out that the left one has more area that is bruised than isn't - such an interesting array of colours

I plan to go out around the park again today, but I'm procrastinating because I'm nervous. I am pleased and a bit proud, but not entirely enjoying it yet (but I know I will)

[hebe]

Well done! I could have almost written your post - I'm 44 and learning in Wiltshire UK, and I have a perfect array of bruising on one calf too. I get nervous about signalling.

Good luck, and enjoy your beautiful bicycle!