Just starting out

[Pat "5mph"]

Hi and welcome @Jonesy123
Why not do your planned 3 miles in the local park until you can afford lights?
If you have a smart phone there should already be an app to record distance. Pick a suitable time of day, enjoy!

 

[Gravity Aided]

Fine looking bike, and good for you getting started. After you've been at it a while, you can tell others you got started in cycling during the grievous winter of 2013-2014.

 

[Justiffa]

when u're just starting out don't think too much, just ride and enjoy urself

 

[Jonesy123]

Hi and welcome @Jonesy123
Why not do your planned 3 miles in the local park until you can afford lights?
If you have a smart phone there should already be an app to record distance. Pick a suitable time of day, enjoy!

In Preston we have the Guild Wheel which is a dedicated 21.5mile circle cycle route, aiming to do this on a regular basis, check it out on YouTube (guild wheel x 4 speed) one thing Preston has got right!!!!

 

[Jonesy123]

This is my bike :-)

 

[MattMM]

+1 for the building up slowly, Aldi clothing advice. I started out just over a month ago on a similar Ridgeback hybrid doing about 5-6 mile loops to my local park and back, now hitting over 17. Don't kill yourself on hills, be unafraid to drop down to the easy gears and focus on keeping your cadence (pedal turn rate) smooth and steady by shifting freely between gears. Another essential purchase is a spare inner tube, tyre levers, pump and bag (either frame or saddle) to keep them in. These can be had very reasonably on Amazon or Wiggle. Also get some chain lube and use at least every 2 weeks, otherwise your chain may start to seize up,with winter road salt. Use the famous Mickle method - can be found on here or by googling. Finally get at least one bottle cage plus bottle - these can be found cheaply from sources above. Good luck!

 

[Jonesy123]

Chain lube is great advice, thanks

 

[Cyclist33]

Have fun. I credit my (now long since sold - via this forum as it happens) Claud Butler with firing up my current cycling addiction. It was one of these:

http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/for-sale-two-bikes.61104/#post-1147856

And while not the classiest in its class it was less than £400 new and suprisingly light, and did me proud for some years of commuting and general leisure as well as it was pretty quick and taught me the pleasure of longer road rides.

 

[Pjays666]

Don't get too hung up on detail , speeds, distance etc just enjoy the journey and when the addiction takes over (as it will) the rest will follow. I have only been cycling for 15 months and all my clothing is aldi which I find good value . Welcome and enjoy.

 

[Wonder Wheels]

I'd aim higher than 3 mile with each cycle. After you do a 3 mile, aim for 4, then 5. God this sounds like a condescending math lesson. Have fun above all else, it's tough going in the wintertime but trust me when spring/summer hits, you'll be glad.

And possibly get a camera too. The number of times I've Homer Simpsoned a "DOH!" when I left my camera or phone at home while seeing a possible desktop wallpaper on my travels.

 

[Easytigers]

+1 for the mickle method...doesn't take long and keeps the bike running sweetly

 

[Jonesy123]

Did my first commute to work, all that said it is only 2miles, but 4 miles a day plus a bit of riding after work will hopefully pay dividends. One thing is that i have to cross a National Speed limit dual carriage way to turn right at a set of lights. Luckily this morning it wasnt too busy and i was let out from the N/S, anyway i found it hard to turn and look safely, any tips?? or am i better getting to the lights and pulling over?

 

[ClaireSaud]

When I turn right, I remove my right hand from the handlebars and let my right arm dangle down. I then turn my head to check over my right shoulder. This stops me from wobbling all over the place. I always check at least twice before moving out and then again when I do move out. There is no shame in stopping/pulling over. I've done this in the past and it is always better to be safer rather than sorry.

 

[WellyWonkey]

Welcome m8. Good to hear you've made the step up to get yourself out there. I'm a newbie too and am enjoying my new found freedom Take it easy and follow your own body's signs. It won't be long until you build up your stamina.

 

[Jonesy123]

Got a feeling I'm gonna get hooked!!!