bicycle riding ?

Question

i never learned to bikerid when i was young .my husband bought me a bike .im fat n embarrassed n41 .is there anyone else that has this problem im afraid of people stareing n laughing at me .what should i do ? my hubby thinks i dont like the gift

Answer 1

Do not be embarrassed about people staring. That's exactly why I never attempted to learn when I was in my teens or in my 20's. I never learned as a kid because my Mom was too worried that I will get hurt biking in the busy streets where we lived so she never bought me a bike. Then as I was growing as a young teen, I felt conscious about the people who will see me struggling to balance myself on the bike. But I decided if I let being embarrassed bother me, I will never learn. And you being heavy will not be an issue, anyone can learn to balance themselves on a bike --- it just takes a little time and effort getting the confidence to do so.

So I tried to learn to ride the bike and I did . . . at age 35! Been riding now for 13 months and still can't get over the fact that I actually learned to ride!

If I can make some suggestions which I found helpful and effective . . . . .

First, choose a bike with a comfortable height and adjust the bike seat low enough so that you can easily lay your feet (or at least one foot) on the ground in case you feel like you are losing balance.

Second, think of the bike as being the machine and you being the person. You control the bike. The bike does not control you. Whenever you would feel like you are losing balance, be quick to put your rear brake on and at the same time lay your one foot on the ground (whichever side is more comfortable for you). This will give you the feeling of being able to stop or control the bike whenever needed.

One factor that makes it hard at first to learn how to ride the bike is that we hesitate to pedal (for fear of falling). It is a normal feeling. Push the pedal down with one foot then stop. Then try to pedal with the same foot then pedal down with the other, then stop. You may want to do this for a few times. Before you know it, you'll be pedaling for a few meters then for a few further more. Just keep trying. Once you gain some confidence with your balance, you'll be able to keep going. For a start, try learning on an empty parking lot so you can keep on cruising without needing to worry about making turns. Then much later, you can practice on making the turns.

There is a website called pedalmagic.com. I watched their short downloadable instructional video (cost me $20 Sept 2005). It gave me some insights on the physics involved in bike-riding. I personally do NOT think it helped me learn to bike. Quite honestly, I did NOT use the techniques taught in that instruction. Believe me, I learned to bike all by myself, alone, in 20 minutes and without the use of training wheels. I learned to ride the bike for the very first time at age 35. It was the most wonderful thing I have ever experienced. (dreamed of this since I was age 7). Even now 13 months later, it still is beyond my comprehension how I did it. But I did. And you can too.

Answer 2

There is no reason to be embarassed. Or fat. A very good friend of mine, a female who was 5'1" and 199 pounds took to biking like a fish to water. She is now, after 6 years, 128 pounds and in better shape than she has ever been. She is now 53 years old.

The cycling community as a whole are very cognizant of the efforts big people make. Even so, there will be the occasional brat or elitist that will smirk, but don't let that be your excuse to not become more healthy.

A thing that she noticed is that although she was losing inches, her weight remained the same or even went up a little at times. The reason is that muscle is 1/2 the volume and twice the weight of fat. A scale is OK for fine tuning your eating and exercise regimen, but don't count on it for day-to-day progress.

Answer 3

Don't worry about people watching you.... If they think they know everything, bad for them. You want to learn something new? that's always something to look forward to.

Talk to your husband and tell him that you like the bike, but that you're concerned that you don't know how to ride, but that you want to learn. I bet he will gladly try to teach you.

If you feel awkward about people staring at you, probably go to a park where there is lots of grass and few trees or any other obstacle, so you don't have many distractions.

Don't try to rush it, you'll probably take some falls, remember to wear a helmet. Probably some pads for your knees might help. 661 (a company) sells some veggie wraps (they're called that way) which are not cumbersome, but can help you in some falls. Also use some gloves.

Tell your husband to take it easy. Also, sometimes there are some riding clinics, you can go to some bike shops and ask for them. Some are women-specific, which might make it more confortable for you, just tell them that you're just learning to ride.

Biking is fun, so, take it easy, and be ready to have some fun.

Answer 4

Why don't you and your hubby have a fun little outdoor day. He can teach you how to ride, and then maybe you can go on an easy trail together. There is nothing to be embarrassed about! I have learned that being embarrassed about things is a waste of time. You are only on this earth once, so you might as well try as many things as you can. Who cares if your no good? At least you tried, right? And practice makes perfect..

Answer 5

You can learn how to shift the gears by putting it on a trainer and fitting it to yourself so you'll be comfortable on it. Then when you feel good about your abilities take it for a short ride around the block and see how it goes. The sky is the limit from then on. See you on the roads. As for the other people they're just jealous because you got a new bike.

Answer 6

You may want to go to a local bike shop, take the bike with you and ask them to help you with the features and how to use them. They may also have a trainer you can put the bike on to get comfortable with riding it. If the bike shop people are rude or don't want to help you, find another one. Some shops like helping newcomers, others tend to cater more to the experienced riders. Whatever you decide, get on that bike! I lost 30 pounds, got into shape and substantially improved my social life when I started riding my bike. Good luck!

Answer 7

So your 41 big deal. learning to ride a bike is no big deal. Don't worry about what other people say or do, by riding a bike you are the one too reap the benefits. I just hope hubby has a bike and is riding with you.

Answer 8

The regular bike would probably be a better workout because you can do hill climbs and sprints if you want to. The stationary bike can simulate these, but it's not quite the same. Plus with a regular bike, you can pick and vary your route and enjoy the outdoors; a stationary bike tends to get monotonous. Even with a TV hooked up since there's nothing but garbage on TV!

Answer 9

Well, do something about your situation! No amount of my pity will get you on that bike. Only you can control the things that goes in your mouth,the amount exercise and the way you ultimately want to look. Get your mind and body in gear and just do it.

Answer 10

Have hubby teach you how to ride. Let people stare...I'm thin and I get stupid comments because I wear the tight form fitting tight shorts...I just ignore them. Have fun and learn how to ride !