Ronster Posted April 28, 2011 Posted April 28, 2011 Howzit, My wife is new to cycling, I'm looking for a flat route that she can learn on, in Gauteng. Any ideas? I dont think she is ready for mulders or suikerbos yet. Cheers, Andy
The Saint Posted April 28, 2011 Posted April 28, 2011 K, how new is she, first time on a bike or some experience? Can she clip in and out yet? Is she able to hold her own in a bunch without panicking? How fit is she? How long a distance ride are you looking at doing?
Ronster Posted April 28, 2011 Author Posted April 28, 2011 she's a complete beginner. Uses toe clips and cant ride in a bunch yet. She can do the mulders loop once at the moment, but I want somewhere thats flatter to ride as she struggles on some of the hills. I usually ride with her on my MTB so I can get some benefit out as base training according to my heart rate.
The Saint Posted April 28, 2011 Posted April 28, 2011 With a beginner you need to stay really isolated but I'm sure you know that already. Personally I would keep her on the Mulders route you guys are doing already. When she gets to know the route her confidence will grow and she will become more comfortable. Taking a complete newbie out of their comfort zone can create an even more nervous disposition and all it takes is one crash for her to never get back on a bike again. As for the hills explain to her that it is part of cycling and getting up them should become a goal rather than a struggle. Hills are good and she will see her fitness and strength increase far quicker doing them. I think first and foremost she needs to learn to have confidence and control and only once you are satisfied that she can actually ride a bike then start to take her into new territory. Are the no quiet suburbs around your area? Maybe a few loops around your suburbs with some right and left turns which will force her to change gears when stopping and get the feet off the pedals. This will also get some stop start practice and bike control skills. You could also consider purchasing a set of rollers which will help with balance and pedal stroke skills.
Seeker911 Posted April 28, 2011 Posted April 28, 2011 Dude no such thing as a safe route and it does not matter what part of the world you live in. Johannesburg has to be the worst though. Make sure your life insurance and income protector policies are in place and paid up.
Ronster Posted April 28, 2011 Author Posted April 28, 2011 Thanks for the advise chaps. So then if not Jozi, then where in SA is safe?
The Saint Posted April 28, 2011 Posted April 28, 2011 Ronster probably the safest place in Jhb to ride in terms of traffic is Suikerbos cause there is none but this is no place for a beginner who has no bike skills. Besides if she doesn't like the hills then she is going to hate the mountains. Safety in road cycling really does come from numbers in this country. You either need to be in a big bunch or totally on your own. In your case being in a big bunch will be very unsafe so it will have to be on your own in some quiet residential suburb somewhere. I don't think you will find one person on this site that will recommend any particular road or route as safe.
kosmonooit Posted April 28, 2011 Posted April 28, 2011 Suikerbosrand might be an option if you come in from the south west entrance - there is a reasonably long stretch of flat road there on the loop, and some climbs up the road if you so desire
David #7 Posted April 28, 2011 Posted April 28, 2011 Send her to the beginners clinic at the Lab, will do her the world of good.
CrashOrRide Posted April 28, 2011 Posted April 28, 2011 If you really don't mind to travel I used to live in Heidelberg and our routes were very quite and safe. But it is a bit of a drive
Big J-WP Posted May 3, 2011 Posted May 3, 2011 Howzit, My wife is new to cycling, I'm looking for a flat route that she can learn on, in Gauteng. Any ideas? I dont think she is ready for mulders or suikerbos yet. Cheers, Andy Turbo Trainer
phlat Posted May 3, 2011 Posted May 3, 2011 You could try the UP sports grounds if you're in pta (or willing to drive if not). It'll take about 10-20 min for a beginner to cover all the tarred/paved roads. Its relatively flat but there are some speed bumps and gradients so its not too boring. The suburb just outside the gate is also very quiet, especially on weekend mornings, so that could add another 10-15 min.
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