re-learn how to ride a bike

Someone I knew was killed while riding a bike when I was young. That was over 20 years ago, and until recently I hadn’t ridden a bike since. I feel like I’m missing out on an effective way of getting fit.

I bought a bike a few weeks ago, and have been out on it once or twice so far. I’m just building up the courage to go out more often. I’m planning on riding more often earlier in the morning at the moment, before too many other people are out and about – so I don’t get in the way of other traffic. Except that requires me to get out of bed early. I’m sure I’ll do it soon enough, though.

but tonight I rode all the way to Ross Station Road and back – that’s 3 1/2 miles.

I lost control twice but never actually fell, so that’s pretty great. I think it’s just a matter of practicing now.

Yay! It’s fun when you’re going downhill.

Still not easy but getting better. I’m not terrified anymore.

Practiced a few turns in the parking lot down by the plant. I can’t believe how much my hands hurt though. I think I may need to have someone who knows something take a look at the height and all and make sure it’s correct.

Also, do you eventually develop crotch calluses? Because this just isn’t even slightly comfortable.

Went back and forth to Graton and Green Valley Road twice, (which is about a mile all together) telling people “Warning, beginning biker!” as I neared.

Pretty good: made one 180 without trouble, managed to compensate for wiggling mostly.

So tiring on the shoulders and hands. I know I’m gripping way way too tight, but can’t do anything about that yet.

I got back on the bike today. My god, I’m lame.

It was much easier this time, although, my that’s an uncomfortable position. Went all the way to Green Valley Road, then turned and went nearly to Graton and back. I even managed to turn around in a nice wide driveway a couple times.

Only a few moments of utter terror. Still wildly unsteady though. And why does the steering home in on posts like that?

But I now understand the gears enough to make basic adjustments and so do not need GG’s help for further practice. So I’ll go out on it every day this week and should be able to make the goal.

My friend Kate has promised to loan me her old skuzzy bike and help me re-learn. I would love to be comfortable enough on it to use it as a means of transport, but one thing at a time…

I got on the bike.

And now I remember why I forgot how, I’m really not very good at it.

But despite near blinding levels of terror, I was able to bike, with many stops and starts, the 300 yards to my mom’s house and back again and even managed to turn in at our driveway. And I didn’t fall.

OK. I will try again within the next 3 days. I really will.

but it’s raining and the chum had me up from 1 to 3 and that’s after we got home after midnight.

Not the best day for a new endeavor – but tomorrow! Or Monday! Got to find a time without the mega-bikers in their spandex doing the 20 mile a day thing to see my shame.

The bike has actually gone into a bike shop for a tune up.

Do you think it’s really that hard to ride it? I guess I’ll be finding out soon.

ZOMG, I DID THIS LAST YEAR, AND I ENDED UP USING THE FRONT BREAKS AND FLIPPING THE BIKE WITH ME ON IT AND FLYING OFF.

My friends were down the street behind me, when this happened they all ran up to me and They were laughing >;P

I was ok, I landed on my hands, but It still hurt, and…

I HATE FRICKEN BIKES. IM AFRAID OF GETTING HIT BY ONE MORE THEN A CAR, CUZ CARS HURT LESS THEN BIKES TO ME.