Every time when I do something new I get anxious. Riding my new bicycle today was no exception, even though I’ve ridden one for most of my life up to about 25 years ago.
When I got home with my new bike last night, it was after dark and I had lots of other things to do, so I didn’t ride it yesterday. But I took it all around the Tantra Lake complex just now.
I was afraid that I would forget how to ride a bike and fall down immediately. I even wore an old shirt in case I fell. However, I realize just now that I forgot to wear my helmut. Fortunately, my shirt and my head are still intact.
The first few seconds were indeed pretty wobbly, but I managed to stay upright, and as soon as I was in control my anxiety turned to fun. I also figured out the shifting right away.
Clearly, riding a bike is like swimming. It’s hard to learn and about impossible to forget.
My Wheels
Yesterday I bought all the recommended accessories, except special shoes. I’m not convinced yet that I need them. What do you cycling experts recommend?
I also realized on my maiden ride just now that perhaps I could use clips to keep the legs of my blue jeans away from the chain. What do you think?
4 responses so far ↓
1 Jack Tipton // Jan 17, 2009 at 2:03 pm
David,
I have been cycleing for nine years now, just turned 59 and have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes. Useing clips can be somewhat dangerous at first as they were for me, however as you become more into cycleing you will learn that your pedeling efficency will be greatley improved with clips. However it is certainly not a necessity. If you don’t plan on doing century rides I don’t think I would go for the clips. My step daughter bought me the book by Gretchen
Becker which is how I found out about your website. Just a little bit about myself, I am a construction professional build hospitals for a living, am an avid cyclist ride around 150 miles a week during appropriate weather and work at the YMCA part time as a fitness instructor teaching spin. Guess I would discern that my tendancy towards Diabetes is heriderity. I have also purchased a book called Diabetic Athletes Handbook written by Sheri Colberg PHD in order to learn how to continue with exercise at this level in conjunction with this newfound condition. I am also somewhat of a photography buff in a very amertrish way. I live in Nashville Tennessee out in the country with my wife of 20 years and am a “half glass full” kind of guy. I am sure that I will benifit from your website. Thanks for all that you do for this cause. I usually do the annual “tour de cure” ride in Nashville. It will take on a new meaning for me this year. Please overlook the spelling in this response since spell check in not in effect.
Jack Tipton
2 David Mendosa // Jan 17, 2009 at 5:29 pm
Dear Jack,
Thanks for your comment. I did get a velcro clip for my trousers, but I am still resisting buy speciality bike shoes.
The books by Gretchen and Sheri are great and will help you avoid getting diabetes. You are already at least half of the way there with your great exercise program. The other major key is diet and, if necesary, weight loss. A very low-carb diet is what has worked best for me and many other people.
Best regards,
David
3 Jim Knechtges // Apr 1, 2009 at 2:53 pm
I ride at least 30 minutes a day here in Fl. When in Ohio I miss a few days now and then.
If weather is good just wear shorts. NO CLIPS
I don’t plan on riding a century so no special biking shoes in my closet.
Wear your helmet and riding gloves.
4 Pennie Anzai // Jul 28, 2015 at 12:20 am
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