Cadire
Well-Known Member
- Location
- Sawbridgeworth
So I bought this bike, and the gear to go with it, and an action cam, and gadgets to play with... but it seemed like I was putting off actually riding the thing!
I haven't ridden a bike since 1987, so a very long time indeed. I decided that for my 56th birthday, I would get fitter and lose a bit of weight; a bike seemed the perfect tool, and it had the added bonus of a social element (this site, clubs, etc). I spent an age researching (and sitting on) bikes and eventually plumped for the Giant Escape City. To be honest I didn't really know what I want so a hybrid, albeit a road-orientated one, seemed a good compromise.
From when the bike was delivered, until today, it has rained a fair bit. Not torrents, but enough to put me off getting out for a ride. However, after 3 days of this, I realised that I was putting off going for a ride because I was nervous. So today I bit the bullet, put on my gear and went for a ride....
I live near a river so there is a towpath that goes on, seemingly, for miles. I decided to use this for my first trip out as I wasn't confident enough to go on the road right away. I think I made the right decision there, as I was quite wobbly to start with (surprisingly so!) and I found myself trying to figure out gears and stuff.
... anyway, long story short I did 8.6 miles along the towpath, from Sawbridgeworth to Harlow and back. Some of it was more MTB territory I swear, but I did it without running anyone over or riding into the river Stort.
And I loved it!
My backside was a bit sore, as were my wrists (even though I had bought padded undershorts and gloves) and my average speed was quite low (according to Map My Ride), but 1 hour 23 minutes after wobbling out of my flat, I returned home with a little glint of triumph in my eye.
I can't wait to go out again tomorrow, along the same route, especially as I learned some valuable lessons during my first ride in nearly 30 years...
1. Close your mouth when riding along wooded towpaths! Insects seem to be attracted to the sight of an open gob.
2. When ducking for branches, don't forget to make allowances for your helmet, otherwise you are in danger of being plucked off your bike!
3. Smile and say hello to everyone you pass. I was surprised how many scowling faces turned to smiles when I greeted them.
But the main thing learned, was to stop prevaricating and just go out and do it!
Barry
I haven't ridden a bike since 1987, so a very long time indeed. I decided that for my 56th birthday, I would get fitter and lose a bit of weight; a bike seemed the perfect tool, and it had the added bonus of a social element (this site, clubs, etc). I spent an age researching (and sitting on) bikes and eventually plumped for the Giant Escape City. To be honest I didn't really know what I want so a hybrid, albeit a road-orientated one, seemed a good compromise.
From when the bike was delivered, until today, it has rained a fair bit. Not torrents, but enough to put me off getting out for a ride. However, after 3 days of this, I realised that I was putting off going for a ride because I was nervous. So today I bit the bullet, put on my gear and went for a ride....
I live near a river so there is a towpath that goes on, seemingly, for miles. I decided to use this for my first trip out as I wasn't confident enough to go on the road right away. I think I made the right decision there, as I was quite wobbly to start with (surprisingly so!) and I found myself trying to figure out gears and stuff.
... anyway, long story short I did 8.6 miles along the towpath, from Sawbridgeworth to Harlow and back. Some of it was more MTB territory I swear, but I did it without running anyone over or riding into the river Stort.
And I loved it!
My backside was a bit sore, as were my wrists (even though I had bought padded undershorts and gloves) and my average speed was quite low (according to Map My Ride), but 1 hour 23 minutes after wobbling out of my flat, I returned home with a little glint of triumph in my eye.
I can't wait to go out again tomorrow, along the same route, especially as I learned some valuable lessons during my first ride in nearly 30 years...
1. Close your mouth when riding along wooded towpaths! Insects seem to be attracted to the sight of an open gob.
2. When ducking for branches, don't forget to make allowances for your helmet, otherwise you are in danger of being plucked off your bike!
3. Smile and say hello to everyone you pass. I was surprised how many scowling faces turned to smiles when I greeted them.
But the main thing learned, was to stop prevaricating and just go out and do it!
Barry
