Aren't Bicycles Great.

Marco_Panettone

brat wrote: »

I just wish we had the weather and the attitude towards cyclists that seems to predominate in the European towns and cities. I've spent a few holidays in south Germany (Black Forest and Bodensee) and Switzerland, and everyone cycles. All shapes sizes and ages. There is no sense that you don't conform. They buy comfort bikes, and electric bikes are everywhere. As a consequence virtually every route into a town or city has an accompanying well made cycle path.

You've got that the wrong way round - everyone cycles BECAUSE of the infrastructure. There's no "safety in numbers" but plenty of numbers in safety.

Johnmcl7

I wouldn't say it's unusual or daft to be afraid of riding the bike particularly if it's a more upright position on the bike which puts less weight on the front wheel and makes it feel more wobbly. I take part in local social rides to encourage people to get on their bikes and there's frequently people who are worried about falling off their bikes.

Although you may not realise it, balance is a such a crucial factor and it's affected hugely by confidence. The more you worry about falling off the bike means you're more likely to fall off the bike so when you have a wobble or a fall it means you lose further confidence and even more likely to fall off.

I very much agree with the post above that we all have fears when riding, I certainly do with mountain biking - I started off a couple of years ago and progressively got better at it then bought a better, faster bike and improved further even taking part in a 24 hour mountain bike race. Going into the winter though and back into the dark, slippery forests I had quite an impressive crash which I escaped with hardly any injuries but a huge dent to my confidence. After that I was slower and more careful but made it worse, at lower speeds there is less control over the bike so I had more falls, chickened out of more sections and got progressively worse. Although frustrating at times I've just stuck with it and kept going out doing sections I'm comfortable with and building myself back up.

John

so_very_confused

melanzana wrote: »

I have a bike in my shed. It's been there for years.

I am afraid I will fall off it and break my teeth or my head for example. Terrifies me. And I cycled to school for years, but that was a long time ago.

How do I get my confidence back?

I suppose the answer is logical, get up on that bike and try it out!

Just wondered if anyone else is a bit scared!!

Not been on a bike in 30 years until a few weeks ago, I was terrified! The first couple of times very wobbly but it just gets better.
I was lucky as have a local council who provide classes which have proven helpful but truly it's just doing it. I have slid off a couple of times but I was in the park where I am still perfecting my technique.:)

I had forgotten what a terrific experience it is. The pleasure now far outweighs the fear!

brat

Did my first 100 miler of the year today. A wicked wind and a 10 minutes of rain were the only minor spoilers, but once the sun came out, the trough of Bowland was looking its splendid best!

Just do it!

elisebutt65

I've just bought my first bike in 20 years, using my 50th birthday money. Going to go with little to the park at weekends as its a nice 3 mile circumference. Then I may try it going to the next town as I get fitter & its cycle paths off-road all the way.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00BWUHX6G?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01 price has gone up now as I got it for 143. Fun little bike. Lol.

armyknife

elisebutt65 wrote: »

I've just bought my first bike in 20 years, using my 50th birthday money. Going to go with little to the park at weekends as its a nice 3 mile circumference. Then I may try it going to the next town as I get fitter & its cycle paths off-road all the way.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00BWUHX6G?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01 price has gone up now as I got it for 143. Fun little bike. Lol.

Excellent, no better time than the present, being 50+ like me and the weather's pretty good at the moment too. :-)

Johnmcl7

After a few challenging rides last week with the wintry weather coming back, finally some great weather here:



I might have to rethink my summer off road equipment though as the 4in tyres were hard work as they don't get any faster on dry tracks whereas normal mountain bikes do. On the other hand, it makes for a better work out.

John

armyknife

Johnmcl7 wrote: »

After a few challenging rides last week with the wintry weather coming back, finally some great weather here:



I might have to rethink my summer off road equipment though as the 4in tyres were hard work as they don't get any faster on dry tracks whereas normal mountain bikes do. On the other hand, it makes for a better work out.

John

Nice scenery, John.

Good going with those mammoth tyres. :-)

brat

Heading out today to exorcise the demons that are Hardknott and Wrynose!

Never done them before, so I need to see how much of a challenge they are before 'The Fred' in 3 weeks! :eek:

KathyBerry

wow that looks fun! Enjoy