BeginnerBeginnerLikeReallyBeginner

[ClaireT]

I bought a mountain bike roughly 2 years ago, and don't think I've done more than 20kms on it since.

 

I was convinced (much to my objection), to go straight into cleats without really learning to ride the thing first. To say I fell a lot is an understatement. I was constantly on the floor, stuck under the bike. This was a huge put-off as a beginner, and I slowly lost interest and became more and more terrified of getting on the bike.

 

I recently decided to sell my bike, but have now decided to give it one more go before I get rid of the thing. Where do I begin?????!!!!! I can't go out onto the road as I'm absolutely terrified I'd just ride into a car or fall under one! (I'm really that bad!) I'm like an awkward toddler learning to ride a bike for the first time, except I'm stuck to the thing!

And I don't know anyone else who rides, let alone as complete a beginner as I am!

 

Are there any BeginnerBeginnerLikeReallyBeginner groups that meet anywhere?

Or anywhere I can go to just try to learn to stay on the bike? :-D

 

I'm in Northcliff by the way.

[mecheng89]

Hi Claire,

 

Firstly, welcome to this mad world of cycling. Non-cyclists don't quite understand our passion for this lycra-clad, milligram obsessed, cappuccino consuming, Specialized-hating sport, I believe you'll love it here!  

 

Secondly, coming to the Hub is the second best thing you could've done for your cycling. The first best is NOT starting out with cleats. This is an action that requires decent practice before being attempted out on the road. Only once you are comfortable with it, it becomes second nature (clipping BACK in is something even the pros struggle with, so don't ever try and understand that technique).  

 

Thirdly, I think the cars are more scared of you than you of them! (think spider in the corner of the room). Vehicles have become more aware than ever of cyclists, but it is a mutual respect between them that is still lacking ATM. You simply cannot be scared of the traffic, be we must respect one another. So begin by tootling in your neighborhood (assuming it's quiet). You can even join your local gym's spinning class and learn the BeginnerBeginnerLikeReallyBeginner basic of the bicycle   

Where abouts are you based? 

[Uni]

Hi Claire. When I started one of the guys here organized an absolute beginners ride and I couldn't even do that. It gets better, I promise. You're brave to have gone clipped in off the bat.

As mecheng says, I started by going around the block each night, being able to go further and faster bit by bit.

Near northcliff, botanical gardens might be an option. The other bits of the spruit I found highly intimidating when I started. The gardens you can ride off the paths and its soft landing should you fall.

 

Northern farms if you're prepared to travel is a nice safe place to get started on, the green route all jeep track,.

If you want some company to amble around the park, let me know.

I'm no good at teaching, but I can help you up if you fall

[Bonus]

 

I was convinced (much to my objection), to go straight into cleats without really learning to ride the thing first

.

 

That's not a good start. I fell when I changed to cleats and I'd been riding for ages!

 

Good luck!

[The_black_stig]

Where do I begin?????!!!!!

 

1. Keep your MTB
2. Replace your clipless pedal to a normal flat pedal
3. Ride around your neighborhood.

   Do this on weekend morning or late in the afternoon when traffic flow are low if you feel nervous around cars.

4. keep pedaling and look forward when you rides;

   (many people fall of their bike is because their eyes was fixed on everywhere but forward)

5. most important point, ride slow and watch the scenery. (else you'll ponder the reason on get onto one in the first place)

[Sidewinder.]

Hi Claire, I still ride flats. I like them, they work for me and to be honest flat pedals force you to have an efficient pedal stroke so you aren't doing yourself a disservice.

I remember when Uni first posted on the hub as a total beginner too...I would highly recommend meeting up with her for a friendly ride if she's offering. Botanical Gardens or Delta park are great beginner spots. Awesome to see more ladies on 2 wheels.

[Lurch the stalker]

Definitely have to echo what has been said about the cleats, swop them out for flat pedals - you will be infinitely more confident on those.

 

What I would also recommend is a skills clinic, Peach on here offers them, or there is the Tread skills, or if you would prefer a female coach with a female only class, Amy from http://www.overthebars.co.za/ is really good - she helped my sister a lot.

 

You're welcome to ride with my sister and I, maybe she can point out basic things she still thinks about that a lot of us have forgotten to consciously think about (she's only been riding a little over a year and I had to teach her from the absolute basics).

 

We've in Midrand.

[BenGraham]

Honestly. No one actually needs clipless pedals. I thought I might go clipless once I got confident; but once I got more confident I realised I didn't need them. The fact is riding with platform pedals will teach you things you won't learn with clipless pedals. Notice that all the best technical riders in the world ride platform pedals, yes there are exceptions but predominantly if people are looking to push the limits of what's possible they do it on flats. It is very important to get good shoes and pedals though. The pedals your bike came with won't cut the mustard. You need pins, yes they will catch you in the shins at some point but your feet will stay put much better than with horrible stock black plastic placeholder pedals. People constantly ask me how I keep my feet on my pedals riding my hardtail through rough terrain. The fact is that riding without the crutch of cleats holding your feet in place you are forced to learn to flow and move with the bike rather than muscling it around.

Have a read here. He's a bit militant but he makes some excellent points about flats. http://www.bikejames.com/strength/the-flat-pedal-revolution-manifesto-how-to-improve-your-riding-with-flat-pedals/

[Slowbee]

To add. Maybe consider those cleat pedals that are also a flat pedal. The wife rides with those. So it does not matter if she is clipped in on not, the pedals still turn. She is slowly learning the cleat "clip in" and "clip out" and the timing involved.

[BenGraham]

I sound a little self congratulatory in my above post so just to clarify. The fact is I'm not some amazing rider but I do some enduro events so I know my technical ability is at least above average. The fact is that I get very worried when people move to clips too soon before they're super comfortable on their bikes. I think its something of a scourge because it just results in people being super nervous and unclipping at the first sign of trouble and then wobbling through stuff because they're anxious. I shoot mtb events and I see it all the time. Clipless pedals hinder peoples ability to learn. Mtb is about confidence, if your nervous you won't ride very well.

[DJR]

 

1. Replace your clipless pedal to a normal flat pedal................

Hi Claire

If anyone has a way to get a pair of flat pedals from Cape Town to Joburg, then I have a used but still very functional pair you can have for nothing.

[ClaireT]

So much fantastic advice! Thank you all!

 

Ok. I am inspired to just get on the damn thing and go for a pedal!

 

Firstly, I am overwhelmed by the friendliness of you bunch   I must admit, going in for the 'first post' in a super established community is a little daunting! But, really, thanks all for your friendly and open welcome and for all the advice!

 

Uni, I seriously might just take you up on that offer one soon!

 

Lurch... also might take you up on that offer when I can stay on the bike for more than a couple of hundred metres 

 

And thanks DJR! But I think I still have the original plastic pedals lying around somewhere. Those'll do for now 

[DIPSLICK]

Find "riding mates" fastest way to learn and get stronger, and it's obviously the safest, riding with stronger groups makes you stronger, just ride with patient strong riders and not groups who enjoy making the noob(you) bleed from the eyes

[NicNacDH]

Never give up!

The very best still fall, with or without clipless pedals.

 

It is a fantastic, social sport, lots off nice places to visit, and you will be surprised, what trail gems sometimes hiding behind fences, you be able to visit with your mountain bike.

[Baaisikilist]

I'd be worried about taking anyone named Lurch The Stalker up on anything they offer...

 

Last thing you need is to wake up in his "sister's" basement...

 

Be safe out there, Claire.

[gummibear]

@TreadMTBmag: Ladies, a couple of spots left on our TREAD Ladies Skills Clinic at @BigRedBarnSA on Sat. Info/booking: https://t.co/qLWzzuQ1HA