Company is nice!

[Archie_tect]

[Go on, try a tandem.... ]

 

[Joshua Plumtree]

I did once consider cycling with the old gal, but she will keep falling off and slowing me down!

 

[Supersuperleeds]

I ride alone virtually all the time and enjoy my own company. Saying that, most Sunday mornings I go for a pootle with our lass and despite it being slow I do enjoy that as well, especially as I get a coffee half way around the ride.

 

[jonny jeez]

i try to always ride with pals.
its so much more enjoyable. I've ridden so much with one mate in particular that we seem at times to move as one.

we know instictivly when the other is struggling and just move about to share the wind clear around traffic, sort of protecting each other,calling out hazards (left turning cars, pedestrians, even drivers driving oddly that may be a risk) and keeping a terrific pace.

we have had strangers sort of "tag" along on commutes and comment on how we ride together,a couple have thanked us for the "lift".

its a great feeling riding with a pal like that and gives huge confidence to your riding style.

 

[Ganymede]

i try to always ride with pals.
its so much more enjoyable. I've ridden so much with one mate in particular that we seem at times to move as one.

we know instictivly when the other is struggling and just move about to share the wind clear around traffic, sort of protecting each other,calling out hazards (left turning cars, pedestrians, even drivers driving oddly that may be a risk) and keeping a terrific pace.

we have had strangers sort of "tag" along on commutes and comment on how we ride together,a couple have thanked us for the "lift".

its a great feeling riding with a pal like that and gives huge confidence to your riding style.

That's so nice.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

I ride mostly alone, as my cycling is 80% utilitarian.
Then there is the ladies group, sometimes I lead their rides, this requires a good understanding with your back marker, so I tend to ride with other leaders when we scout for a new ride for the group.
I quite like riding with better/faster cyclists, don't do it very often because I'm conscious of being slower.

 

[Freds Dad]

Being fairly new to this cycling lark I go out alone but sometimes think that if I had some company I would cycle further and maybe faster.
I see the local club, Macclesfield Wheelers, out on rides but at the speed they move I couldn't keep up so this has stopped me joining them.
I'm sure I will find someone to cycle with although I do tend to call it on the day as to whether I'm going out for a ride.

 

[Dibdib]

Being fairly new to this cycling lark I go out alone but sometimes think that if I had some company I would cycle further and maybe faster.
I see the local club, Macclesfield Wheelers, out on rides but at the speed they move I couldn't keep up so this has stopped me joining them.
I'm sure I will find someone to cycle with although I do tend to call it on the day as to whether I'm going out for a ride.

Chat to the club, or see if they have a website - chances are, either they or another local club will have a social, beginner's or development ride.

Obviously it's no fun getting your legs ripped off but a good club will have a ride which won't leave you behind and will be an achievable challenge for you. And you might be surprised at how nice it is to ride in a bunch, how much easier it is when you're getting sucked along in the slipstream, and also how quickly your fitness improves. Persevere and in a few weeks you could very easily go from barely hanging on to sitting in the group quite comfortably!

 

[Batgirl]

Way to go, sister!

Just a thought - is your saddle high enough? If you sit on the saddle and put the heel of one foot on the pedal (with the pedal at the bottom of its turn), your leg should be pretty much straight. When you then move to the ball of your foot your leg will be just slightly bent. This is the most efficient position and best for your knees. (sorry if you knew this already!)

not aimed at me but it did apply to me too - my legs were aching but I have put up my saddle and am planning to do so again soon but yes I do think it needs to go up a bit.. just confidence needs to come! I can 'just' touch the ground and to stand I come off the seat. I am getting my feet to the pedals easier now - there was a thread I accidentally dragged back up from a couple of years back.

 

[Mummy3monkeys]

I need to raise my saddle a bit then, as my knees are quite bent, thanks!!

 

[Nigelnaturist]

not aimed at me but it did apply to me too - my legs were aching but I have put up my saddle and am planning to do so again soon but yes I do think it needs to go up a bit.. just confidence needs to come! I can 'just' touch the ground and to stand I come off the seat. I am getting my feet to the pedals easier now - there was a thread I accidentally dragged back up from a couple of years back.

Try setting your saddle at a height were you can reach the ground by slightly leaning the bike to one side, once you are not so wobbly on setting off you could rise it to the correct height.

 

[Batgirl]

Try setting your saddle at a height were you can reach the ground by slightly leaning the bike to one side, once you are not so wobbly on setting off you could rise it to the correct height.

That is my next stage and will do so soon - am getting used to riding at the higher height. I figured putting it up a little at a time was wise as I still get nervous at the very start of riding. Sounds daft I know. i'm ok once I'm going.

It's not as messy as it used to be so likely the seat going up again needs to happen soon and will solve the problem, I figured out with hubby too that I've been pushing off with my left leg then pushing down on the pedal with my right so need to stop that habit - seat height will prevent it.
Practice and height will make perfect. Then I can start learning to use my gears.. lol I only ride in one gear at the moment!

 

[Nigelnaturist]

That is my next stage and will do so soon - am getting used to riding at the higher height. I figured putting it up a little at a time was wise as I still get nervous at the very start of riding. Sounds daft I know. i'm ok once I'm going.

It's not as messy as it used to be so likely the seat going up again needs to happen soon and will solve the problem, I figured out with hubby too that I've been pushing off with my left leg then pushing down on the pedal with my right so need to stop that habit - seat height will prevent it.
Practice and height will make perfect. Then I can start learning to use my gears.. lol I only ride in one gear at the moment!

I do that, however I am off the saddle, and the push lifts me back onto the saddle, and I still have the odd wobble.
Just try practising around the yard, I presume you have the space as you have horses.

 

[crdf]

not aimed at me but it did apply to me too - my legs were aching but I have put up my saddle and am planning to do so again soon but yes I do think it needs to go up a bit.. just confidence needs to come! I can 'just' touch the ground and to stand I come off the seat. I am getting my feet to the pedals easier now - there was a thread I accidentally dragged back up from a couple of years back.

I did raise my seat twice yesterday and I think I just reached the highest point possible. It feels much more comfortable. In total I did raise it 5 cm during this week.

I do that, however I am off the saddle, and the push lifts me back onto the saddle, and I still have the odd wobble.
Just try practising around the yard, I presume you have the space as you have horses.

According to Sheldon that is the one correct way to mount a bike: http://sheldonbrown.com/video/start-stop.ogg

 

[Bryony]

I probably ride on my own most of the time, but I have joined an all ladies social cycling club and go out with them when I can. My partner cycles but we don't often go out together as he's a lot quicker than me!! We did go out together last Sunday for the first time in about 6 months and it was quite enjoyable!