I started biking again last month after nearly 20 years!!!
@Masihi (4413)
Canada
June 4, 2011 10:33pm CST
At the end of last month, my husband and I went on this reallyreallyreally long bike trip - for a beginner - all over my city, for about 4 and a half hours, including some small breaks. Boy, did I ever feel it in my whole body!!!! Even my butt was sore, and I was sitting on a mega-gel pad for my seat, and it's from a good company, CCM. Anyway, It was a rough start, and I really had to snuggle up to Mr Ibuprofen for comfort.
Today I went on a big fat biking trip, and we stopped for supper and walked around a bit, and Hubby was really good to me today. I like that, biking on the trails, then walking around between stores (we had to get a few items), then stopping for supper at Subway, then biking back home along the trails. We have such lovely trails as well, made from old train tracks, and our local gov't has started paving the trails to convert them into biking trails all across the province. Nuffin' like a nice smooth bike ride for us beginners, hehehehe!
I told my husband that I want to bike with him to Costco so that he doesn't have to take the van, since gas is too expensive now, a buck-twenty a litre now. Not only that, we can purchase smaller amounts of items and each carry backpacks several times a week, thus get our exercise in at the same time. He agreed with me.
Just so happy to have a meaningful exercise, not just walking on a threadmill or lifting weight just doing an exercise, but doing an exercise while getting things accomplished at the same time. It's been nearly 20 years since I last hopped on a bicycle and now that I'm getting older - or semi-older - I do want to get my body toned up into shape again.
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12 responses
@agent807 (751)
• United States
7 Jun 11
I had recently bought a bike myself, but what was funny is that I have been trying them out for some time to see how well I would ride on one. It had been quite some time since I rode a bike last, and that was traveling around a hilly school campus. But from the last time I rode, and now, I kind of focused on becoming bigger and stronger, so instead of a big boy riding a bike, I was shopping to see how well it can hold up to me being this bulked up tank. The weight of the bike was no problem because I can literally carry one on my shoulder, but I was making sure it was well built like would the frame bend from my weight, so I tried to bend it without anyone looking. I think I bent one (sorry, stupid strength), but most I tried held up. I bought one, but couldn't ride it right away because it needed air, so I actually did put it on my shoulder to carry it home so I wouldn't damage the rims (tires had no air). I prefer this over walking because I am a speed freak, and it is amusing riding a bike with suspension on it, when some ride better than a car. The first day, I rode this thing everywhere. We do have some bike trails in the city, some were converted from old train tracks. Most of the time, one would have to ride in the street. Since so many people have bikes now, drivers are respecting that more. Also, it helps when the buses have bike racks to get to another place, for I have no car right now. And it is good for quick runs somewhere. This town is too big to ride across (thanks urban sprawl). I thought I would have a hard time riding it since it had been such a while, and that I have grown considerably since then, but it was practically easy. I am probably the only person who bulked their legs up on a bicycle because I never learned to have it in the right gear.
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@Masihi (4413)
• Canada
7 Jun 11
Ya, I have trouble with my gear-shifting as well, mine is an 18-speed mountain bike, and them speeds confuse the lights out of this simple old lady! 

@Masihi (4413)
• Canada
9 Jun 11
That was funny! My husband is actually teaching me how to use the gears as we go along, but just the basic ones, I think there's others that are more complicated than what even he knows. I have brakes on the handlebars myself, and I admit I do like it better than the old fashioned brakes as we live in a hilly area so we can break softly or hard, depending on the situation.
@ShepherdSpy (8544)
• Omagh, Northern Ireland
5 Jun 11
I'm about 4 miles from work and take most chances I can get (dry,being the main requirement-Not easy,here in Ireland!) to bike in to work...I did so yesterday,but it doesn't look like happening again today-(heavy rain forecast..)
It sounds as though you have one of the regular "Diamond Frame" type bikes,resulting in your buttache from the conventional saddle design putting all your weight on a small seat area,even with the gel seat..and possibly sore wrists too from leaning on handlebars..?
I could recommend 2 methods of dealing with getting back in the saddle...more comfortable or efficient ones,anyway..
#1 is look into trying or buying an E-bike-I have a folding one that'll go in the back of my car..it's a regular bike with 6 speed shimano gears,but has a rear wheel hub motor that'll take the strain off on hilly bits,or carry you along at about 15mph on the flat (Local laws may vary-the 15mph top unassisted speed is a uk requirement-a higher top speed is possible,but would see it legally considered a scooter or motorbike)..range by the makers is listed at 10-15 miles,which is plenty for a commute,and longer range options are out there..there are 2 power use options..a twist grip throttle,good for accelerating and on the flat,or "Pedelec" =Pedal+Electric = You pedal,and the system assists you-best for hilly bits.So,You can still get a workout on your bike ride,but the assist means you'll get there more smoothly,maybe faster,(Unless you're a pro racing cyclist!) and definitely less tired/sweaty..
#2-Look into trying or buying a recumbent bike-they don't have saddles,they have supportive seats you can lean back into,helping your legs pedal more efficiently.no More Numb Bum...there are various types,some like "chopper" bikes with above seat steering,long wheelbase ones,short wheelbase ones,and underseat steering ones..they generally have your feet in a forward position,so bloodflow back to the heart is more on a level,and centre of gravity is lower,so they're more aerodynamic-a lot of bike racing is fighting wind resistance..same for leisure cyclists too..did you know the cycling speed records are held by recumbent bikes? also,the layout is safer,as you're unlikely to go over the handlebars as on a "sit up and beg" bike's head forward position..
Happy Cycling!
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@ShepherdSpy (8544)
• Omagh, Northern Ireland
6 Jun 11
I'm always looking out for suitable "Weather Gear" for bike use,but I try and avoid biking in the wet,as I'd be concerned about being visible to car and truck drivers,and being soaked with spray flying-not good on a commute,wishing for a shower when you arrive!
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@Masihi (4413)
• Canada
5 Jun 11
Hmm, didn't realise the speed limits on the bikes here in our country but I'll definitely look into it, for sure. I do prefer the normal old-fashioned bikes, and I can sit up a bit, so my wrists aren't really sore, just a little bit, but not as much as the bottom part of my butt, though. It's also probably due to the fact that I'm heavy, as well.
My husband wears heavy raingear and rubber boots in the rain, and he stays nice and dry :-) I might do the same thing myself next year.
@Masihi (4413)
• Canada
7 Jun 11
You can probably get suitable rain gear in work shops, my husband has a heavy-duty rainsuit, it's yellow, but it has been provided for him by his employers, they're quite expensive if you were to purchase them yourself, though. You can also look around for what we call "fishermen suits" which is fairy good,, with drawstrings and visors on the hood. I might look around on Ebay or a similar site for that perhaps next year.

@Masihi (4413)
• Canada
6 Jun 11
Thanks, I do want to get into shape again, that's for sure, I mainly want to become stronger and toned more than anything, in all honesty.
@marguicha (230350)
• Chile
5 Jun 11
Hi friend,
Mayby through biking you can do some bonding with your hubby again. Men are nuts for any kind of sports and you can pick nice places to picnic on your way to your chores.
Luck and take care!

@Masihi (4413)
• Canada
5 Jun 11
Yes, I am hoping the same thing, actually, Hubby does like the outdoors and he does like hockey and footy, but I find those boring, however I do like outdoors stuff like camping, hiking, biking, and even hunting. Well, I do want to learn how to skin rabbits to make stuff out of their skin, while Hubby gives the meat to his parents, who loves rabbits.
@Masihi (4413)
• Canada
7 Jun 11
I did download the .pdf file regarding curing skins of any kind, and there's a few videos on Youtube that gives a good demonstration, I learn by watching more than reading, because sometimes I have trouble reading (comprehending) but some reading materials are good if they're explained simply, though. I'm always watching videos on how-to's same as my husband.
@Guit08 (597)
• United States
8 Jun 11
Yeah, biking is a lot of fun!
Just last night I went on an hour-long ride around my neighborhood and went like 12 miles. It was a lot of fun and I forgot how much I enjoy riding my bike! :D
Now that it's Summer time I'll have to ride a lot more! :)
@Masihi (4413)
• Canada
18 Jun 11
That's really good, well, it's bee raining quite a bit here, more than usual, so I haven't been on the bicycle in a while, but hoping for more sunny days soon, especially since the gas prices are really high.
@Porkchopchop (324)
• Hong Kong
5 Jun 11
You are brilliant!
I have tried my very best to learn how to ride a bike but fail. I could not balance and I dare not lifting my leg up from the ground. Originally I planned to have a bike trip with my friends when I was studying in Scotland and eventually I failed. My friends did not abandon me and they just gave up their bike trip. I feel sorry for them. They later on went to Switzerland to have their bike trip. Do you have any tips on riding bicycles?
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@Masihi (4413)
• Canada
5 Jun 11
My daughter faces the same challenge, I know it took me about a year to be able to get over my fear of being off the ground and balancing, it was over 20 years ago when I first learned to rid my bike so I can't remember how I started, I think it was because my foster family kept on encouraging me and trying to get me to start off, and they never gave up, and finally one day I did take off on my own....only to stop by dragging my toes on the ground because I was too scared I was going to fall over when I brake. LOL After about a month, I found the courage to brake normally (yes I learn slow!).
@GardenGerty (169479)
• United States
5 Jun 11
Yeah, don't let your body get away from you for too long, it does not like to be whipped back into shape. I still have not gotten rid of the bruises on my leg and shin when I felloff the bike. I count mowing the lawn as aerobic exercise and I get to do that. Plans are to bike to some of our shopping, but a lot of it is over thirty miles away. I like going to the gym. I am glad that shopping and biking are turning into family time for you and hubby.
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@Masihi (4413)
• Canada
5 Jun 11
30 miles??? Wow, that's close to 70km!!!! eeks! Well, my husband was making noises about biking across the province but I told him "NO!!!!!" flat out - at least not this year, hehe. But he has this streak in him that he's gotta push it hard.
Hopefully I'll be able to get into good shape by July, though, as we plan on biking the trails and doing overnight camping in woods and crown land a few times, on the weekends, that is. I do like the idea of biking to shopping, big time, though. Before I met Hubby, I was really, really in shape, I walked all over my city for hours, nearly every day. If I did it once before, surely I can do it again :-)
@maximax8 (31042)
• United Kingdom
5 Jun 11
I used to cycle every day and was ever so fit. All that ended when my disabled son was born. When I worked in the city I cycled eight miles a day. Then I got a job in a seaside town. I cycled to my local train station two miles, got two trains and then cycled to the school I taught at. When I worked in a village school I had to cycle twelve miles a day and my journey involved hills. Then I got another teaching job in the city so I went back to cycling eight miles a day.
I got on local trains and buses. I put my bike in my shed and after moving in my garage. It had been stored away and hasn't been in use for five years. Now I drive to work in my car because last year I finally passed my practical driving test. I would so love to go back to cycling to get fit again. I feel overweight and wish to lose about two to four stone. Petrol is expensive so I am looking forward to the autumn when my disabled son goes to primary school. I would love to buy a folding bike that I can get my car and take somewhere scenic to ride.
I am delighted you have got back into cycling.
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@Masihi (4413)
• Canada
5 Jun 11
Ya, special needs children does take a lot of attention, that's for sure, I have 2 of them myself, but I still am trying to push my youngest into getting over her fear of biking, my son is good on it, though. Sometimes I wonder if owning a vehicle is good in the long run, I mean it's convenient and all that but it doesn't contribute to our health at all, in my opinion. We're trying to give up our vehicle and only use it for neccessary driving, or long trips in the summertime.
@salonga (27775)
• Philippines
2 Aug 11
Many people love and some have even gone crazy over biking. Maybe because it gives them the opportunity to not just work out but to see places too. My husband is crazy over biking. He has two bikes, a racer and a mountain bike and would use this alternately to go places together with his fellow bikers. It is his way of enjoying nature while working out at the same time. I am not an avid fan of biking. I would rather jog or do aerobics.

@Masihi (4413)
• Canada
5 Jun 11
Once the initial soreness from using my muscles and I feel more confident on the bicycle I'll be able to bike more often, so, that's what I'm aiming for next year :-)
@hardworkinggurl (37062)
• United States
5 Jun 11
Oh good that is excellent exercise and will also cause you to exert some unwanted negative energy. See something about biking for me allows me to get some outdoor therapy and allow me to release stress and any negative type feelings.
I do ride my bike outdoors from time to time but mostly I have a great indoor one I use routinely.
I am glad you are outdoor bicycling and hope you continue as it is true fun.
@Masihi (4413)
• Canada
5 Jun 11
It's actually starting to turn into one of our main modes of transportation now, my son also does biking and now we're trying to get our daughter to get over her fear of biking, so we can all bike as a family.
@jameygc (452)
• United States
5 Jun 11
Biking is a great exercise. I never have practicing as an exercise routine (just spinning class) but I have some friends how do it and they love it. My husband and I have been talking about buy two bikes to go and ride together, but I am scare of buy them and then don't use them. I always have been very energetic and fitness oriented so maybe we may try. Any way if doesn't work I can sell the bikes later or something like that. Thanks for sharing your experience. It motivates me to start.
@Masihi (4413)
• Canada
5 Jun 11
Well, I'm glad I've helped motivate someone, hehe, I tell you, it is a lovely companionable feeling when husband and wife bike together, i really good feeling.












