How Long It Take To Learn To Ride A Bike

How to Get Back on a Bike—Years Afterward (viii Uncomplicated Tips)

Posted 07/09/15 past Amy Kapp in Trail Utilise

Photo courtesy Bicycle Firm Tallahassee

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I'g in my later thirties, and I recently started riding a bike again later a long time.

The last and but bicycle I e'er owned was a no-frills, bluish iii-speed purchased when I was 15, and while I loved it, rode information technology to all your typical teenager destinations, I was never a pro. It was just fun. A driver'south license at 17—and my life in general—turned that bicycle into a distant memory. And after two unpleasant experiences getting back on i, I told myself, "I'm not a cyclist."

Cutting to present day: I work in a place where 95 percentage of my colleagues use bikes regularly for commuting and recreation, and it'due south an envy builder—hearing their stories and watching them wheel effectually Washington, D.C., and striking trails together. Yeah, I desire a piece of the action. So with a new blue (10-speed) bike to boot, I'grand sorting things out every bit I go. Hither are a few things I've learned so far.

Don't be agape to enquire for assist.

At that place are lots of great bike share programs, simply I decided to buy/acquire my own bike so I tin abound with it and use it daily. I was a bit clueless most where to kickoff.

Talking to other bicyclists, particularly my friends and colleagues, steered me in the right management. They offered to let me try out their bikes and to connect me with people who refurbish used bicycles. My coworker Elissa went with me to a bike shop and explained how specific models (with dissimilar frames, gears, wheels, handlebars, etc.) back up different types of riding, such as long-distance route cycling vs. commuting. Information technology was centre opening—and empowering.

It's okay to have a little anxiety. Information technology will laissez passer.

Equally a runner and dancer, I've stayed agile. Simply for years, when people offered to bike with me, I turned them down. Secretly, I was afraid I'd embarrass myself because it had been a while, and the two times I'd tried to ride again didn't finish well. In those cases, one bike was in bad condition, and the other wasn't a skilful fit for my short legs. Simply both times, I thought it was me.

I just needed to requite myself a take chances. When I tried out bikes this time around, I relaxed, got comfortable (on a bike that fit me) and gave myself some fourth dimension to settle in. And after a few minutes, I did. And it was awesome.

Photo courtesy Hakan Dahlstrom | CC past ii.0

Make certain you lot're comfy.

Honestly, when yous are picking out a wheel (used or new), you lot can worry most a million things, but my coworker Ryan gave me a bully piece of advice: How the cycle feels to you (and how you feel on information technology) iscardinal.

Get-go modest.

Accompanied by my married man, I took my first ride back on the residential streets of my neighborhood. I expert turns and mitt signals in a cul-de-sac. Got comfortable with my new helmet. Went upward and downward some hills. Basically, information technology was a fun time in a familiar, low-key (non-scary) setting.

Practice the basics of safe, responsible riding.

Bated from being a nifty fourth dimension, my practise ride told me I need a little more practise before I hit busier/urban streets.Another thing I realized was that—despite all the biking I did as a teenager—I need to accustom myself with a few things things, similar (blench) how to make a proper left turn. I programme to grab some knowledgeable friends and striking some less-busy roads for a tutorial.

Trying on helmets, June 2015| Photo past Elissa Due south

Too, in addition to a helmet, I did acquire a wheel lock that was highly recommended and a small-scale (very affordable) allen wrench ready. (I'll exist raiding my cupboard for some visible habiliment, besides.)

Hit the trail.

Okay, trails are great options for every level of biker—whether novice, returning or pro—since they providecondom, flat and visually magnificent riding environments away from motor vehicle traffic. And every bit TrailLink demonstrates, in that location are lots of 'em!

On a related note, RTC's Share the Trail entrada provides some peachy trail use tips.

Explore your local biking groups.

There are biking groups with programs designed specifically for commencement-fourth dimension or long-time-away riders. Detect out when local rides are taking place, so you lot don't accept to go it alone!They have wonderful support systems and can provide resources—like this Women & Bicycles Workbook from the Washington Area Bicyclist Clan. The League of American Bicyclists likewise provides a comprehensive set of online materials and offers classes around the country.

Have fun!

Every bit a planner, I can get stuck in the weeds at present and again. Earlier I bought a bike, I asked my coworker Katie, an avid and very maintenance-savvy bicyclist (she's even ridden her bicycle cantankerous-country) if there was one tool I should never exit for a bike trip without. She looked at me and said, "Don't expect to bike because you don't have a specific tool! Go out and accept fun!"

Don't get me wrong; Katie is a big advocate for biking self-empowerment. Merely her point was clear: Enjoy yourself!

I plan to.