Back in saddle after twenty years

[Crimson Avenger]

Hi

I bought a new bike through the cycle to work scheme yesterday and am due to pick it up early next week but am a bit nervous as I haven't ridden a bike since the 1980s

I got on the seat in the shop and was a bit wobbly and found it a bit painful between my legs (being male and in tight suit trousers).

I'm really keen to use the bike as I am quite a bit overweight and want it for the excercise but am quite nervous about it.

 

[sticky sherbert]

Welcome Crimson, stick with it and you will soon have three bikes!

 

[HJ]

Warning cycling is addictive....

 

[sticky sherbert]

You picked a good time of year to start to as the weather is fantastic.

 

[bauldbairn]

Welcome to the CC Forum Crimson Avenger - stick with it, the first few weeks will be the worst(breaking the saddle in).

Then after that you'll be on here every night discussing lycra / helmets / tyres / bar tape / lights / wheels / commuting,etc,etc.

Anyway what type of bike did you get?

 

[Hacienda71]

Enjoy it. It is a really positive thing to do

 

[Debian]

Stick with it! Go for a few short safe rides to build up the confidence and get some padded shorts (the only essential 'cycle specific' clothing you'll need ).

I was much the same when I got back into cycling about ten years ago but it didn't take long to build the addiction back up. Now I have three bikes and think nothing of riding 20 miles cross-country on a Sunday morning as well as commuting 14 miles a day.

You've joined the right forum as well, we're a friendly bunch and quite open to discussing any and all aspects of cycling (and other things).

Well done!

 

[slowmotion]

Welcome.

I was in the same position eight months ago. Do not be scared. Little and often works, and then the terrible addiction sets in. Fun stuff.

Edit: as the others have mentioned, padded shorts help!

 

[Bayerd]

+1.

I got back in the saddle after 20 years about 7 months ago. I lost over 3 stone, and I'm as fit as I've ever been. Be careful though, it certainly is addictive....

 

[Chrisc]

Welcome! You're gonna love it!

 

[ACS]

I was an addict, but managed to control my addiction for about 15 years and now I am happy to say I have relasped.

Welcome, stick with it it gets easier on the legs and harder on pocket.

Echo the padded shorts advice and a good quality saddle.

Be kind to your bum

 

[MrVandal]

I just took up cycling after my knees gave in after loads of running. I wonder why I didn't try it sooner, you will love it, there are so many different aspects to it.

 

[alecstilleyedye]

welcome to the madness…

 

[jeltz]

I did the same as you last May, I'm loving it.

Just take it steady to start with as you build up your confidence. If you have cycle paths locally its a good way of reminding yourself of how to ride without having to worry about traffic.

 

[HobbesChoice]

Hey!

Also a big welcome from me.

As well as padded shorts, get yourself some sudocrem and rub that liberally around your "happy place" to keep it happy. Just around the area at the top of the leg which will rub against the saddle as you cycle.

CycleCraft is a great book to read about the rules of the road (although it's a fairly big book so don't hold off cycling to read it first!).

Lastly, I'd highly recommend the free cycle training that the Government offer. It's a 4 hour training session spread out into 2 x 2hr sessions to go through pretty much anything you want to at a time convenient for you. It isn't patronising and you don't feel silly as an adult doing it. I'm 38 and had a great couple of sessions with my instructor. There will be something for you, wherever you live, so just have an internet search for Free cycle training in "your location". Before, I was cycling like I was borrowing the road and not being particularly safe in that regard. Now, I'm "in primary" (cycling in the middle of the road to stop anyone overtaking you) with the best of them.

But I promise you that the bug bites quickly and it bites hard so stick with it and once you gain the confidence you'll be really glad you did.

You mentioning wanting to lose weight, well, have a read of this for some inspiration:
http://www.cyclechat.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=45615

Enjoy, and on the remote chance you're struggling to get into it, post on here again and we'll help you.