My girlfriend can't ride a bike...

[xpc316e]

I see that you live in Romford: I don't know about Romford, but Southend has some excellent National Standards Instructors. I am sure that they would be able to get your gf riding in next to no time and in a safe manner. Contact me if you need details.

 

[biggs682]

buy a tandem !

if local to me feel free to come and try one once the weather is better

 

[totallyfixed]

Get another woman to teach her when no one else is present, trust me on this one .

 

[ufkacbln]

'tis a slippery slope!

Soon she will start to learn things about bikes, things that wives and girlfriends should not know!

Then will come the day when you put a new piece of bling on your pride and joy.............

She will not only notice it, but also be aware of the true cost!

 

[danjanoob]

I see that you live in Romford: I don't know about Romford, but Southend has some excellent National Standards Instructors. I am sure that they would be able to get your gf riding in next to no time and in a safe manner. Contact me if you need details.

Thanks. That may be an idea, if she really doesn't want me to try and teach her. We're in southend quite a bit so may take you up on this.

Some very good advice, some funny posts, and some worrying (those wheels are too expensive! I can already hear her saying).

Cheers everyone! I'll update with progress. Got to get her a steed first.

Before i forget, has anyone been to Redbridge cycling centre?

 

[jefmcg]

Is it that complicated? I was never taught how to ride a bicycle as a kid - my father believed that cycles did not belong on the footpath, and children did not belong on the roads - but visiting my aunt (I guess I was 8 or 10) I spent an afternoon going up and down a driveway on my cousins bike. That's all the cycling experience I had for nearly 20 years, when I went out an bought a cheap-ass mountain bike, spent some time in a car park then started commuting on it; ironically, mostly on footpaths until I learnt how to signal without losing my balance.

 

[danjanoob]

Women are not always the most logical creatures. (No offence Ladies).

 

[snorri]

Is it that complicated?

I think it is that complicated.
Adults can develop inhibitions and lack of confidence when approaching something new, particularly if it is a skill most people have mastered in childhood.

 

[markharry66]

Dont ever do this sometimes thoughts that run through your mind you have to wonder
Sink or swim time find a the biggest hill you can. Walk to the top give her a bob sleigh start.
She will soon learn.

Dont

 

[Gravity Aided]

Cycling is not for all people , just like swimming .
My wife can swim well, but can't cycle, I cycle, but swim like a brick.

 

[danjanoob]

Cycling is not for all people , just like swimming .
My wife can swim well, but can't cycle, I cycle, but swim like a brick.

Good point. My girlfriend is annoyingly relaxed when she swims and after two or three lengths i'm coughing and sputtering trying to keep up. But she needs to at least learn to find out if she's any good or enjoys it.

 

[Gravity Aided]

Very true- have to give it the old college try, or you'll never know. It's a recreation I've been able to follow since my youngest days, and I've stuck with it long past baseball, American Football, or long distance running. Like your avatar as well. Danjanoob. Grew up near the Peoria Airport, and the P-51 Mustang kept our skies clear of threat well into the 1960's, thanks to the Illinois Air National Guard.

 

[Batgirl]

I put myself in this category, though i can 'make a bike go'.. I'm not much of a cyclist ( I think admitting to a 20 year gap will explain that) so am looking to change that as soon as mine is up and running.

I'm a bad parent too.. hubby can ride a bike but has no paitence with the kids, 2 of them have had bikes till around the age of 6.. and then nothing.. middle daughter would be a great one for cycling so am determined to get her a bike for xmas and teach her even if I have to take her somewhere to get help to do that. Once she gets it I know she'll love it, it's another small bit of inspiration to me getting back on a bike.

So, I reckon santa better have an extra big sack for our house this year.. as it might be 4x bikes under the tree. or 5x if your N+1 rule applies very soon!

 

[ufkacbln]

I put myself in this category, though i can 'make a bike go'.. I'm not much of a cyclist ( I think admitting to a 20 year gap will explain that) so am looking to change that as soon as mine is up and running.

I'm a bad parent too.. hubby can ride a bike but has no paitence with the kids, 2 of them have had bikes till around the age of 6.. and then nothing.. middle daughter would be a great one for cycling so am determined to get her a bike for xmas and teach her even if I have to take her somewhere to get help to do that. Once she gets it I know she'll love it, it's another small bit of inspiration to me getting back on a bike.

So, I reckon santa better have an extra big sack for our house this year.. as it might be 4x bikes under the tree. or 5x if your N+1 rule applies very soon!

I always thing that like puppies, Christmas is a bad time for bikes!

If you buy a kid a bike in June or July they have a whole summer of good weather* to enjoy it whereas at Christmas, it may be afew days before they can ride, and then riding will be infrequent ... they will not get into the habit



* OK - I admit to being optimistic

 

[Batgirl]

I always thing that like puppies, Christmas is a bad time for bikes!

If you buy a kid a bike in June or July they have a whole summer of good weather* to enjoy it whereas at Christmas, it may be afew days before they can ride, and then riding will be infrequent ... they will not get into the habit



* OK - I admit to being optimistic

That's a really good point though duly noted! Her birthday is in November so no better on that front, maybe easter present would be a better option.

Thanks,