Wobbly

[EYE-TYE-MAD]

Evening all, hope you can help.

By way of an introduction, I'm in my late 30s, my legs have packed in (and so has the running) so I've decided to get out and pedal a bit. I'm reasonably fit through the former running and a bit of time in the gym. The thing is, I learnt to ride a bike only in my twenties and then it got shoved in the shed and forgotten about.

I've since bought a new bike (an Apollo from Halfords, sadly - before I knew any better) and new found motivation. The thing is, I'm very wobbly. On the bike, I mean. I'm very fortunate to have good NCR paths within a few miles of me. Is it wise, early tomorrow with little traffic about, to cycle to the path OR do I drive it like a numpty with a bike rack and bike on the back for all of five minutes?

I know it's a daft question but you've all been "round the block" longer than me. What would you do?

Thanks guys. I've been loitering for a while but with pre-ride-anxiety-wine, I thought I'd ask.

Like many other things in life riding a bike really is a matter of confidence. Start by making sure the bike is set up right with everything doing what it's supposed to do, that way you will be at least assured that the bike is on your side, this can be an important factor in the confidence building exercise. Doesn't matter how daft you may feel, choose which ever option is the safest & the one you are most comfortable with. Work on control, control is king, gain control & confidence will come as a matter of course, even if you fall off, don't worry we all do, just try to relax & enjoy yourself, enjoyment is an integral element of cycling, good luck.