Just want to share my excitement (new bike!)

candistyx

So I got a bike for Christmas. I've not ridden a bike since I was 12 or so because when I was a kid I was too embarrassed to do the hand movements and I knew that I'd no longer be allowed to ride on the pavement now I wasn't a "kid" anymore.

I have ridden my bike three times since picking it up from the shop last week (the two days I didn't ride it were because I had no clean trousers and my long skirts seemed too likely to get caught up in the spokes). First time was right after getting it when I rode around at the park a bit on the way home and got it covered in mud. Second time was when I rode around the park with it and got myself covered in mud. Third time today was when I rode up and down the cycle path and avoided getting covered in mud.

I didn't want a bike for "fitness" rather for mobility. Especially since I got plantar fasciitis. Walking has become more painful and I want to be able to get out and about and not be stuck at home all the time. However goals aside, clearly I am way less fit than I believed, and I thought I was unfit. Riding my bike leaves me exhausted. What is really awesome though is, I HATE exercise. I am the kind of person who moans and whines and looks for the first excuse to stop and give up because it hurts and I don't want to do it etc. I freaking LOVE riding my new bike. It's a heavy, clunky hybrid. I am ridiculously unfit (weirdly its my arms more than my legs that feel worn out after riding. Trying to keep the steering on an even keel is doing them in more than peddling is doing my legs in - although the inclines get me on both, keeping on an even keel is harder because I am going slower and legs are all "what... work? what is this new miraculous thing...") and despite all that it's SO much fun. Moving fast. Woosh. Yay.

So excited. Love my bike. Love riding it. I want to ride it everywhere. I want to ride it everyday. I can't believe I didn't get one earlier. So much fun.

I hate sports, I hate running. I hate pain and I hate discomfort. I love cycling, even when it starts to be painful (in the case of when I faceplanted in the mud it starts to be painful with extreme rapidity) it's the most awesome thing ever.

And tomorrow I get to do it again! YAY!

cheshirecatastrophe

That's so awesome! Yes, biking in the real world as opposed to a spin bike is a surprisingly full-body effort.

If you're thinking you might be riding in longish skirts, you could invest in a skirt guard like this:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/75053008/bicycle-skirt-guard-femme-fatale

"Heavy, clunky hybrid" = gateway drug bike. Just wait.

candistyx

chesirecatastrophe wrote: »

If you're thinking you might be riding in longish skirts, you could invest in a skirt guard like this:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/75053008/bicycle-skirt-guard-femme-fatale

Oooh how delightfully girly

JohnH71

Cycling is great exercise, and can be enjoyed at a level that suits your own fitness and goals. I have found it superb for weight loss / management, and general health and well being. As you say, it's also tremendous fun! However be warned, as has already been pointed out, it is addictive!

I started cycling just over 2 years ago, as I also hated exercise of any type, and thought it was the only thing I could possibly stand that might help me loose weight. I started with a fairly cheap, but decent, mountain bike.

I now own four bikes of various types, have started to do duathlons (so now I'm running), go to the gym 3 times a week, go swimming, etc etc. If you had told me that 3 years ago, I would have laughed heartily in your face.

However, I still enjoy getting my mountain bike out and going for leisurely rides around the countryside as much as I enjoy an 80 odd mile sportive on my fancy pants race bike.

That is the true beauty of cycling as a hobby. Have fun!

bluebug53

I started riding again at 45years old, when someone asked me to do a 150mile in 2 days fundraiser. I loved it so much this May will be my 11th time doing the fundraiser, and I usually put about 2500miles or more on my bike a year. Like the saying goes "when I am on my bike I feel 17 again!!!" Glad you enjoy it so much! For me it never feels like a workout. Before long you will be doing tons of miles! Just take your time building up to it and remember to have fun! fitness is suppose to be fun! Enjoy! And congrats on the new bike, they can be life changing!

jayclock

Do little and often....

candistyx

Thanks for your replies guys. I can't wait till I have the confidence to ride on the roads and actually go places.