Im Starting to Ride Bicycle Again

May 15, 2022 Post a Comment

How to Get Back on a Bike—Years Subsequently (8 Simple Tips)

Posted 07/09/15 by Amy Kapp in Trail Utilize

Photo courtesy Bike House Tallahassee

Read this web log in Spanish.

I'g in my later thirties, and I recently started riding a bicycle over again afterward a long time.

The last and simply bike I ever owned was a no-frills, blue 3-speed purchased when I was 15, and while I loved it, rode it to all your typical teenager destinations, I was never a pro. It was merely fun. A driver's license at 17—and my life in full general—turned that bike into a afar retentivity. And after two unpleasant experiences getting back on one, I told myself, "I'm not a cyclist."

Cut to nowadays day: I work in a identify where 95 percent of my colleagues use bikes regularly for commuting and recreation, and it's an green-eyed builder—hearing their stories and watching them cycle around Washington, D.C., and hitting trails together. Yeah, I want a piece of the activity. So with a new blueish (10-speed) wheel to kick, I'm sorting things out as I get. Here are a few things I've learned so far.

Don't be agape to ask for help.

There are lots of cracking bike share programs, but I decided to buy/acquire my ain wheel so I can grow with information technology and utilise it daily. I was a fleck clueless about where to start.

Talking to other bicyclists, particularly my friends and colleagues, steered me in the right direction. They offered to permit me effort out their bikes and to connect me with people who refurbish used bicycles. My coworker Elissa went with me to a bike shop and explained how specific models (with different frames, gears, wheels, handlebars, etc.) support unlike types of riding, such every bit long-distance road cycling vs. commuting. It was eye opening—and empowering.

It'south okay to accept a footling anxiety. It will laissez passer.

Every bit a runner and dancer, I've stayed active. But for years, when people offered to bike with me, I turned them down. Secretly, I was afraid I'd embarrass myself because it had been a while, and the two times I'd tried to ride once more didn't finish well. In those cases, 1 bike was in bad condition, and the other wasn't a proficient fit for my short legs. But both times, I idea information technology was me.

I just needed to give myself a chance. When I tried out bikes this time around, I relaxed, got comfy (on a cycle that fit me) and gave myself some time to settle in. And later a few minutes, I did. And it was awesome.

Photograph courtesy Hakan Dahlstrom | CC past ii.0

Brand sure you're comfy.

Honestly, when you are picking out a bike (used or new), you tin worry almost a million things, but my coworker Ryan gave me a swell piece of advice: How the bike feels to y'all (and how you feel on information technology) iskey.

Start small.

Accompanied past my married man, I took my outset ride back on the residential streets of my neighborhood. I practiced turns and manus signals in a cul-de-sac. Got comfy with my new helmet. Went up and down some hills. Basically, it was a fun fourth dimension in a familiar, low-key (non-scary) setting.

Practice the basics of prophylactic, responsible riding.

Bated from being a great time, my practice ride told me I demand a footling more than practice before I hit busier/urban streets.Some other thing I realized was that—despite all the biking I did as a teenager—I need to acquaint myself with a few things things, like (cringe) how to make a proper left turn. I plan to grab some knowledgeable friends and hitting some less-decorated roads for a tutorial.

Trying on helmets, June 2015| Photo by Elissa S

Besides, in addition to a helmet, I did learn a bike lock that was highly recommended and a small (very affordable) allen wrench set up. (I'll exist raiding my closet for some visible habiliment, too.)

Striking the trail.

Okay, trails are great options for every level of biker—whether novice, returning or pro—since they providesafe, flat and visually magnificent riding environments away from motor vehicle traffic. And as TrailLink demonstrates, at that place are lots of 'em!

On a related notation, RTC's Share the Trail campaign provides some cracking trail employ tips.

Explore your local biking groups.

There are biking groups with programs designed specifically for first-time or long-time-away riders. Find out when local rides are taking place, and then you don't accept to get it alone!They have wonderful support systems and can provide resources—similar this Women & Bicycles Workbook from the Washington Area Bicyclist Association. The League of American Bicyclists also provides a comprehensive set of online materials and offers classes around the country.

Take fun!

Every bit a planner, I tin can get stuck in the weeds at present and again. Before I bought a bicycle, I asked my coworker Katie, an avid and very maintenance-savvy bicyclist (she'due south even ridden her cycle cantankerous-country) if there was one tool I should never leave for a bike trip without. She looked at me and said, "Don't await to bike considering y'all don't have a specific tool! Leave and have fun!"

Don't get me incorrect; Katie is a big advocate for biking self-empowerment. But her signal was clear: Relish yourself!

I programme to.