Bicycles are for Riding

Hello, just joined this group and hope it keeps me on track to do my commute to work on my bike. Just got it adjusted and a new basket to carry my work stuff. Now to get on it and ride! LOL...if it were dark in both directions this wouldn't be so hard!!

I love reading all the posts, it really gets you motivated to get started!

Good Luck! Commuting is a great way to get a workout in every day.

Make sure you are well lit up and ride defensively. Bikes are harder for drivers to notice in the dark.

Thank you!! I have a reflective vest to wear and a blinking rear light, along with a headlight so I am hoping that will be a good start to being seen in the dark. I started new workout classes the start of this month, so my goal is to have my nerve up the start of May(which is next week...eek)to start my ride to work program!!

Been using Fat secret of a couple of years, and only today got an account. I have been commuting by bike for longer than that, since about 2006. I still drive once and a while, but if you keep at it, biking becomes a way of life. In addition to lights and high-viz gear, route planning is important. Check out Ridewithgps.com.

Thank you Fogob! My commute to work is only 2 miles, but once I get settled in then longer rides will follow. I didn't even think of getting a GPS...great idea!!

Rubie, RidewithGPS.com is a website. If you have a smartphone, and download their app., you already HAVE GPS

Hi Rubie. I think I know what you mean about it being easier in the dark. I'd rather ride where no one can see me... lol. Although I'm smaller than I was I still get the feeling that everyone's watching and grinning at me wobble in my lycra.. lol! I'm fast on the flat and downhill but gravity is still holding me back on the climbs.

Ricardomundo, glad to know I am not the only one!! Makes me feel better and more confident! Thank you for that!!

My attitude is to "own it". I am proud to be a "Clyde". Look around and you will see that you are not alone.

If you do not recognize the reference, google [clyde bike]

Great advice FOGOB Confidence is key but not everybody finds it easily accessible.

FOGOB & Ricardomundo you are both so correct! I am sure once I get a few commutes under my belt I will have more confidence, but for now it is still developing.

Hey, I don't know what everyone thinks, but whenever I see anybody outside running, walking, riding, etc. I don't think about what they look like, I think that they're doing a great job getting out there. It's hard, but I don't believe anybody looks down on you while you're out moving around. It's encouraging to see people motivated.

Also, I know it's not on this forum, but I thought I'd mention that it's better to ride on an empty stomach. Anytime I eat before I ride I get sick to my stomach. Also, I believe if you ride with food in your stomach you only burn that off instead of any fat you're trying to rid your body of. It's better to wait till you get to work to eat something.

Thank you both for the confidence builder and the eating tip! I will do it before the summer ends!! I will!!!

Hi, how is the cycling going? I bet you are feeling so much better for it?

I have only just bought a 2nd bike in the last 6 weeks & its now like an extension of my body.

I too was more concerned about what others thought, but the support & encouragement from everyday folk & other cyclists has erased any doubts that I had.

I don't care if I have wobbly bits at the moment, for I know that every time I get on the bike I'm doing something I enjoy & the reward is I will get fit & trim in the process.