Beginner cyclist.. any pointers?

jsocher

I drive up and down the george washington parkway from work and I got really inspired by the cyclists to get my own bike and learn how to ride. So I got my own bike and it's been YEARS since I've been on one and I'm a little nervous, but I'm determined.

Any of you ladies out there ride? As a beginner, what should I learn first, or how do I get started? (besides the obvious of just getting on the darn thing and go!)

 

membrn

I can hardly call myself a bicyclist, but my sister and her DH own a bicycle shop near St Louis.  Does that count?

Are you going to be riding to work or just for exercise in your free time?  

The only thing I can speak on from experience is riding clipped in - where your shoes clip into the pedals.  I definitely wouldn't recommend those starting out especially if you're using your bike to commute.  It takes a significant amount of practice and it always made me very nervous until I got the hang of it! If the bike comes with those kind of pedals, you could certainly just wear regular trainers with them.  (PS, I think it's actually called "clipless" which I've never understood but whatever...there are also pedals with a harness like thing you slide your foot into but I really did not like those...)

Good luck, happy riding and always wear a helmet!

kafunder

I've never done this, but I've heard you can take beginner classes through the Washigton Area Bicyclist Association. See this site:

http://www.waba.org/education/ 

jsocher

This is definitely just for exercise and for fun! I can no way see my self doing this commuting to work..maybe that will be a long term goal. HA! The clip-in look scary to me and since I'm so accident prone, I'll take your advice and avoid those for now.

Thanks for the link, I'll definitely check this out!

starbucksaholic

@jsocher - it's so fun! i just started this summer and i've had a blast. i do a lot of riding with meetup groups. there are a few good ones here that have good, fun beginner rides. PM me if you want more info, but i think it would be a good fit for you especially since you live close to the arlington area. 

@membrn - too funny! i'm thinking of getting the clip-in petals but am a bit freaked out by them still (i'm not exactly what you would call "graceful" :-))

kastle

If you don't have a bike, I *highly* recommend getting fitted for one by a bike shop.  I also recommend getting a seat designed for women.  IMO, a comfortable seat doesn't need to have inches of padding...it needs to hit your body in right places, not the ones that will make you feel like your butt bones are bruised!  And, of course, it goes without saying to wear a helmet everytime you ride.  If you'll be doing a lot of riding by yourself, consider putting emergency contact information somewhere on you--whether it's a piece of paper in your pocket or a RoadID.

WABA has a lot of great information.  Also, some of the local bike shops have organized group rides.  You can ask about the average skill level on the rides, I've never personally done it.

Have fun!

jsocher

thanks for the info! I actually did get fitted for the bike i have. And I think I will get a new seat! The one on there iust so comfy..