charityadventure

Hi,

I used to love riding my bike as a kid, and finally 2 years of spinning classes later, I decided it was time to get back on the real thing.

So, I just bought a bike. Any tips for a new rider (or one that hasn't ridden properly on over 10 years)???

I just found your website - I think maybe it is time for me to challenge myself with a charity ride.

Nice to meet you all!

Ruthie

Hi Ruthie, great to see another returnee to cycling.

My advice is to buy yourself some good cycle specific clothing. Having the right kit makes riding easier and more comfortable. I saw a poster in a Lake District walking shop which said "There is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing" That is true to cycling too.

In the first instance look after your three contact points.
Hands feet and bum.
Gloves or mitts with a gel palm isolate you from some vibtation, keep your pinkies warm and should you be unfortunate enough to fall off your hands are almost always the first part to hit the ground. ( I was that crash test dummy ) so they will be protected too.
Padded shorts or underwear, protection and comfort for your 'sit bones' will make the bike more comfortable and allow you to ride for longer.
Less important but a good buy are cycling shoes, you can get them fairy cheaply. Something you can easily walk in as well as ride in is best. The soles are stiffer and transfer your effort into the pedals which bendy trainers will never do. Also many shoes have lace covers to prevent the old lace in the chain mishap. The cause of several of my early crashes.
Cycling plus magazine has articles and adverts for many of the clothing brands. Sue my wife, loves Corinne Dennis clothing.Great quality and fit.
WWW.Corinnedennis.co.uk.
To meet other like minded folk you could try the Cylist's Touring Club(CTC) They do day rides for all abilities, insurance, holidays, their own shop with member discount loads of other events including The York Rally each June. www.ctc.org.uk and www.CTCshop.com Their bimonthly mag is one of the best. Look forward to seeing you on a Charity Adventure ride.
Hope this is of use. Happy riding Andy

Thanks! I have gloves and cycling shoes (I bought them for spinning classes) - I'm too chicken to take them on the road. I have visions of myself falling over still attached to the bike if I can't unclip them smoothly!!

I will look into shorts and jerseys ! I like the look of Corinne Dennis! Thanks for the link .

Hope to see you on a charity ride in 2008!

Ruthie

Ruthie
If you are nervous about clip in pedals, Shimano do a model PD 324 pedal which has SPD clips on one side and standard pedal on the other. RRP £35,99 from any good bike shop. I have seen them cheaper.

Good to get you used to clipping in when you want to. I use them on my commuter bike, so I don,t always need cycling shoes.

Sue has them on her bike, she,s not sure about clipping her feet in either.

But once you get used to them, you'll wonder how you rode without cleats.

Corrine Dennis has a stand at the York show each year. Some items 50% off or more if you buy a couple of items.But you'll have to wait until June AW

And a BIG Hello to you too, Ruthie!

Welcome to CharityAdventure!

I know what you mean about cleats. I was exactly the same, but it's amazing how quickly you learn - it took me 3 weeks and several near misses when coming up to roundabouts to get used to it! Now I use them all the time!

And we plan to be at the CTC show in York again this year - we had a really good time as well as meeting loads of people. Including a certain Mr Wills!

Which ride tickles your fancy?

Thanks Matt!

I like the look of the Amsterslam rides! I think I should challenge myself properly and think about Sea2Sea and HadriansWall. I'm pretty fit, if not bristling with cycle confidence so it would be a good fitness goal for me.

I come with another half who I ride with so I think we'll both have to look into our holiday schedules and sign up for at least one ride in the new year!

I doubt I'll make it to the CTC show in York - bit far to travel really as I'm not in that neck of the woods unfortunately!

Ruthie

Hi Ruthie and welcome to the forum

I can't add much after Andy's done his bit but can highly recommend the Amsterslam08 event if you're coming with the other half.

It sounds like you have most of the necessary equipment already, although Andy missed off "GOOD" waterproofs!! The downside to cycling outside of the gym at this time of year I'm afraid!!

I'd also recommend overshoes to keep your toes warm and to keep your shoes and socks dry whatever the weather.

Where abouts are you from by the way?

Hi everyone,

I'm very interested in the Amsterlam but just concerned there might be some rough going, my bike is strictly a roadie!

Charles

Hi Charles.

Fear thee not, as quite a few of our past Amsterslam riders have made the trip on road bikes.

There is a section on the banks of the Humber that will shake your bones a little but apart from that it's all road / cycle path (tarmac'd or concreted!).

Where there's a bridleway option we also have a road-route for road bikes and hybrids with skinny tyres.

Hi Charles.

Fear thee not, as quite a few of our past Amsterslam riders have made the trip on road bikes.

There is a section on the banks of the Humber that will shake your bones a little but apart from that it's all road / cycle path (tarmac'd or concreted!).

Where there's a bridleway option we also have a road-route for road bikes and hybrids with skinny tyres.

Thanks Craz.

My form will be in the post this week.

Charles

Woohoo!

Hello there Charles!

You'll love the 'Slam - my favourite bit last year was going through the dunes (a little bit of the North Sea Circular) and that's easily done on a road bike.

Welcome aboard!

Cheers,

Matt.

Thanks for that Matt, really looking forward to it.

Charles

Charles... your form has arrived, welcome to team Amsterslam08!

Thanks Craz. I'm sure it'll be great.

Cheers
Charles