LexieB Posted January 30, 2016 Posted January 30, 2016 So since I started cycling, I've been hiding out in the suburban back roads, going down the same roads over and over again, trying to get my balance, confidence etc up before attempting to venture out into the scary world of main roads and traffic. I've been playing with this balance business and hugging the edge of the road as much as I can (without wobbling all over the show), and I'm finally at a point where I can say I have a fairly decent level of balance This week, I even managed to get my water bottle out of the cage, have a drink, and get it back in, all while moving and without experiencing the cruel side of gravity I have also managed to get on the bike, get going, and get my feet in the baskets, without any assistance from walls (if you read my previous thread, you'll know all about the walls ) So feeling rather full of myself and somewhat adventurous (think Bilbo Baggins as he runs off through the hills yelling "I'm going on an adventure!" - that was pretty much me this morning) I ventured out into the real world.... I'm proud to say that today I took that big (in my mind!) step and did my first main-roads-mild-traffic ride I am even more proud to say that I came out alive, didn't have any near death experiences, and didn't need to change my shorts! I kept my cool (and balance and straight line) when a number of cars came flying past at what could only have been the speed of sound, had no wobbles, and hugged the kerb like I'd been at this for ever (at least, that's how it felt. I could have looked far less elegant than what my mind perceived) So now I am on another cycling-induced high, knowing that I can start extending my rides, being able to use more than just my suburb (20km down the same roads SUCKS) I had an awesome 27km ride with fresh scenery and new challenges (who knew there were so many hills in PE?? ) So next time you see a bight turquoise clad rider casually sipping water while cars go by, it could very well be me! (although probably not, because I am still not 100% sure I actually looked that casual )
Uni Posted January 30, 2016 Posted January 30, 2016 Hahaa each little achievement on the bike is awesome.When you look back a year down the line you'll be thinking why'd that freak me out.I still don't like being around cars, but that's just me - I can ride on the road if I need /want to now, but when I started I stopped every time I heard a car coming up behind me.
LexieB Posted January 30, 2016 Author Posted January 30, 2016 Hahaa each little achievement on the bike is awesome.When you look back a year down the line you'll be thinking why'd that freak me out.I still don't like being around cars, but that's just me - I can ride on the road if I need /want to now, but when I started I stopped every time I heard a car coming up behind me.I'm hoping that I generally won't encounter anything busier than what I did today - weekends are pretty quiet where I am and during the week there's not a soul out at the time that I'm out. But at least now I'll have the confidence to explore more and take on different routes. I need a change of scenery every now and then to stop me getting bored [emoji23] just wait till you start mountain bikingI have already got this notion floating around my head... Too many things I want to do, not enough time!! I am super keen to try it though [emoji2]
CJG Posted January 30, 2016 Posted January 30, 2016 I have already got this notion floating around my head... Too many things I want to do, not enough time!! I am super keen to try it though [emoji2] Try it out, rent / beg/ borrow a mountain bike and see if you like it
CJG Posted January 30, 2016 Posted January 30, 2016 I have already got this notion floating around my head... Too many things I want to do, not enough time!! I am super keen to try it though [emoji2] Try it out, rent / beg/ borrow a mountain bike and see if you like it
LexieB Posted January 30, 2016 Author Posted January 30, 2016 Try it out, rent / beg/ borrow a mountain bike and see if you like itHmmm I actually have a friend with a spare mtb.... * shuffles away, mumbling and scheming * [emoji2][emoji2][emoji2]
ZakAttak Posted January 30, 2016 Posted January 30, 2016 Love it... feel good story... keep up the good work bud...
LexieB Posted January 30, 2016 Author Posted January 30, 2016 Love it... feel good story... keep up the good work bud...Thanks! [emoji4]
Lurch the stalker Posted January 30, 2016 Posted January 30, 2016 I always love reading newbies stories (especially well written and funny ones) and to see how excited they get when they overcome little things.It's a breath of fresh air from us chasing those KOM's on Strava. I must say I did wonder if you had been ridden over since you hadn't said anything on that other thread you started about getting in to riding, haha.
LexieB Posted January 30, 2016 Author Posted January 30, 2016 I always love reading newbies stories (especially well written and funny ones) and to see how excited they get when they overcome little things.It's a breath of fresh air from us chasing those KOM's on Strava. I must say I did wonder if you had been ridden over since you hadn't said anything on that other thread you started about getting in to riding, haha.I'm glad I'm keeping you all entertained - just wait for when I experiment with cleats, I'm sure there will be a number of gravity related stories for you to chuckle over! Haha I was trying to curb my excitement and not be that overbearing newbie (10 week old jack Russells are only entertaining for the first 30 minutes, then it gets a bit much [emoji23])
Mntboy Posted January 30, 2016 Posted January 30, 2016 Hmmm I actually have a friend with a spare mtb.... * shuffles away, mumbling and scheming * [emoji2][emoji2][emoji2]Remember that N+1 is applicable to all bike types, so definitely get your hands on that mountain bike. And if your friend is a guy that is very good news for you as we men are spectacularly easy to bribe/convince as per the hot aunty rule. Show as much cleavage as you dare (or is comfortable with showing) whilst being doe-eyed and offering to purchase a decent amount of beer. I know that would totally work on me. I am a sucker for a damsel in distress. Oh and well done on the drawing your bidon while riding. The more you do it the easier it'll become, the same goes for riding in/with traffic. And just some motivation to help you get that mountain bike from your friend, some photos:Oak Valley!
Lurch the stalker Posted January 30, 2016 Posted January 30, 2016 I'm glad I'm keeping you all entertained - just wait for when I experiment with cleats, I'm sure there will be a number of gravity related stories for you to chuckle over! Haha I was trying to curb my excitement and not be that overbearing newbie (10 week old jack Russells are only entertaining for the first 30 minutes, then it gets a bit much [emoji23])There is never a reason to curb your excitement about cycling
Lurch the stalker Posted January 30, 2016 Posted January 30, 2016 Remember that N+1 is applicable to all bike types, so definitely get your hands on that mountain bike. And if your friend is a guy that is very good news for you as we men are spectacularly easy to bribe/convince as per the hot aunty rule. Show as much cleavage as you dare (or is comfortable with showing) whilst being doe-eyed and offering to purchase a decent amount of beer. I know that would totally work on me. I am a sucker for a damsel in distress. Oh and well done on the drawing your bidon while riding. The more you do it the easier it'll become, the same goes for riding in/with traffic. And just some motivation to help you get that mountain bike from your friend, some photos:Oak Valley!20150801_124522.jpg20150801_124713.jpgHell, most of us would fall for just the beer and take anything else as a bonus haha
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