Hello & Thanks

[Barney28]

Hello & Thanks



I just wanted to post something on the site to say thanks to all who contribute here.



I’m another newbie regards cycling and as much as it was a bit difficult starting out again, I really am enjoying the whole cycling experience.



I’ve been cycling for about 10 weeks now and from my first cycle being approx 3 mile, and absolutely knackered after it, I have now just last week done my first full commute to work, which is just under 22 miles round trip.



I’m in my early 40’s and well over weight and haven’t done any real exercise for a number of years so for me the last 10 weeks have been absolutely great. Not only am I now exercising regularly but I’m really enjoying it as well.



The main point of my post is this, I’ve got to admit that the first few weeks were difficult and at times I wasn’t so sure I would reach my target of being able to cycle to work and back. It was finding this forum that really gave me the belief to keep going and get over those first few barriers. It was great to know there was a few other people out there in the exact same position as me, and it was also great to see the support/advice that the more experience cyclists on this forum gave to people starting out………believe me I’ve been reading all the posts over the last few months and it really has inspired me to keep going.



I reckon this is one of the most positive internet forums I’ve ever been on and it’s good to know there is a bit cycling community out there.



So good luck to all the beginners out there and thanks to everyone who contributes on the forum.

 

[Globalti]

Lovely post, thanks!

I remember the first time I rode a bike after a 20 year layoff, I bought a Raleigh Maverick MTB from a shop in Ripon and rode it the 5 miles home. I was absolutely shattered by the time I got home and shocked because I'd considered myself fit, having been a climber all my life. I hardly touched the bike for the next 6 months but gradually the obsession took hold. 15 months ago I acquired a road bike and this has taken the obsession to a new level, just when I was growing bored with MTB riding. Even 15 months ago if you'd told me what kind of rides I would be doing this summer I'd have laughed at you. Now the idea of a 22 mile commute over a biggish hill doesn't bother me at all although I won't do it because I'd rather confine my riding to longer trips on the quality, traffic-free roads north of me in the Ribble Valley and Bowland Forest.

Cycling has kept me young and fit, my resting heart rate has dropped from 52 to 48 since I started road riding and my waist remains resolutely at 32 inches despite me being 54 years old! I thank God I am not confined to the occasional weekend of mountain walking like my father was, he was unfit and overweight and he used to suffer!

Keep it up, get a riding buddy who's slightly fitter than you and you will reach new levels.

 

[summerdays]

What a lovely first post - that first time back on the bike after a long time off is daunting and it does seem that slight slope you hadn't even noticed in a car turns into an enormous mountain, and yet a few weeks later you realise that someone has levelled it for you and you barely even noticed its there. I still go past one tiny tiny slope and remember how I felt the first few times I went up it ... and it makes me feel good that it doesn't feel that way now. Still struggle with the larger ones though

 

[longers]

Great post Barney , hope you continue enjoying the cycling and making progress.

Everyone here has been a beginner or born again at some point and there's some very helpful people on here and plenty of sources of inspiration.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

Nice one Barney, good for you!

 

[Dayvo]

Yabba Dabba Doo! (well, someone had to say it! )

Nice post Barney!

Cycling is an obsession that slowly takes you by surprise and then you're hooked!

Glad to hear it's had such a positive effect on you and your life.

Like most/all of us here, cycling (whichever means we use it for) is a VERY important part of our daily lives.

Keep posting and look out for CC forum rides in your area!

 

[Rubber Bullets]

Really great post Barney, very well put.

I absolutely feel the same, I've not posted much here since I joined a few weeks back, but I read frequently, and am often given a real boost by the positive stories that get told, and the genuine warmth and enthusiasm of those that answer and encourage.

I am so pleased to have found a community like this where I know that I can find the advice I need, and that I can ask the stupidest question and get a tolerant and helpful reply.

RB

 

[Barney28]

I should explain that my 22 mile commute consists of 19 miles dedicated cycle path and only 3 miles on minor roads. I live quite near Glasgow and can get quite easily to an old railway route that is now a cycle path and then onto the Forth & Clyde canal. I work in north Glasgow so when I come off the canal path I’m only a few minutes from work.

There is no way that I would have been able to do the 22 miles if it was on busy roads. I’m very lucky that I do live close enough to a good cycling network of paths. Fair play to anyone who does cycle on the roads in any city, I’m nowhere near confident enough on a bike yet to try and take on the traffic. As soon as I hit the cycle path I know I can relax and enjoy the ride without worrying about the traffic.

Globalati: I’m also lucky as I’ve got a good friend who has got back on the bike over a year ago. We both work similar shifts so when we’re both off we meet up at the canal and I do my best to keep up with him. My partner has also got the bug now so when the weather has been good we head out on the bikes.

Summerdays: I managed to beat my own wee heartbreak hill recently….as you say, it seems nothing in a car but the first time on a bike was a bit of an eye opener…….the big hills can wait, I don’t have a problem getting off and walking up them, the way I see it I’m still exercising by walking up the hill anyway!!!

 

[skudupnorth]

Welcome to the happy world of CC,as you have already found out it is a good place to be Glad you enjoying cycling again,i cannot think of a better way to travel.
Thanks for the nice post,stick around and become part of the furniture !

 

[RichardWHardwick]

I'm just a few months ahead of you Barney, in cycling and in reading all the posts on here. Likewise I have found this forum interesting, helpful and inspiring. I haven't ridden for a week because of work and feeling under the weather and I can't wait to get back on the bike. Now the light's closing in I'm really looking forward to riding in the dark (though I haven't got any lights yet. Do I have to have front and back?) I drove back from a show my daughter was in tonight and couldn't help thinking how great it would be to be cycling in the moonlight.

 

[summerdays]

Now the light's closing in I'm really looking forward to riding in the dark (though I haven't got any lights yet. Do I have to have front and back?)

If you were only going to have one ... which bit of you would you light up?

The law requires you to have a front and rear light that you can be seen by. Start with those anyway ... if you decide that you want ones that you can actually see with then the first set of lights become your spare/back up lights.

There are various threads about lights ... I like the Smart 1/2 Watt superflash - about £10-15 I think - I have several so that I can always find one or two. I prefer 2 rear lights so that if one fails and I don't notice that there is a second set. I'm not sure what the recommended front light to be seen by is ... I'm moved on now (after 2 winters) to the see with variety and have a Hope 1 - because I have one unlit stretch that can be badly potholed.