General Discussion & Chat: Best/Worse/What did I learn today? chat with friends...., 2 by Sarahskeeper

Sarahskeeper wrote:
The above pics are 'destination' shots. It's better for me to have a destination on rides to keep me focused.
I wish everyone could experience the exhilaration of speed & ease on a good bike. I'm finally starting to call it Mine rather than my sisters bike. I was very shaky at first after 25 years of not riding. One mile left me winded, 5 miles left me with jello legs. It still takes 1 mile to warm up but jello legs are gone even after 15 miles.
Cycling uses all your senses including your brain, lol. Watch the road, plan ahead for stops & hills, be careful for car doors that suddenly open, smell the cooking or flowers as you pass. Shift, shift & shift some more to keep a steady cadence, don't get carried away with a fast downhill run.
City roads terrified me at first because I was unsure of myself, slow & unsteady. 50 miles eased my concerns & 300 makes traffic a challenge/fun. I can see over most cars when standing.
Find your local independent bike shop & talk about which bike fits you best. Take one out for a test ride. Expect to pay at least $400 which sounds like a lot. It's too much if it's going to sit unused but nothing if you're riding almost every day.
Tallulah, try riding again. Telling yourself you can't do it is the surest way to fail. But it's like anything else, you either get the bug or not.
I soon realized I needed the right gear like riding shorts & gloves. Riding shorts are padded & keep you from chafing, the gloves cut down on vibration and save your palm skin if you fall. Don't forget the helmet, a good one with lots of ventilation because you're going to sweat. You will feel stronger within 2 weeks, guaranteed. Find a positive bike forum to get tips & advice.
The only competition is yourself. Skinny seniors wiz past you up hills, youngsters fly by you on their speedy road bikes. They are part of the scenery not your competition.
My bike is a Canadian built Devinci hybrid with shocks everywhere, 24 speed, aluminum frame with road tires. Speedy but not a racer. I added an under saddle bag and a speedometer/odometer.
Andy P