How to gain confidence on my bicycle?

[Bea]

Hello everyone. I need a bit of advice please. When I was a kid / teen, I used to ride a bike very well. Now in my 40s and didn't ride a bike for more than 20 years. Lost my confidence totally. I have no car and riding the bike would make my life so much easier. I thought about tricycle, but there is no way that I'll be able to afford it, even second hand... Now, I am simply scared of riding a bike. It is not just road scare (no way I will ride there!!!), but also riding on the pavement gives me a shiver. In my town many bikers use the pavement, so it's nothing unusual here. I can get rolling, but I am so wobbly that I can fall over any moment. I need my bike, I love my bike, but I am scared of using it. What shall I do? By the way - I have nobody to ride with, so I have to deal with it on my own - BUT HOW??? Any advice will be appreciated.

PS. The bike size is correct and all settings as well - I triple checked.

 

[jim55]

Where r u , there will b a refresher course in your area no doubt

 

[BLUE(UK)]

Go to the park and practice/get to grips with it.

 

[vickster]

Perhaps go out with someone else, quiet park best I'd say

Good luck

 

[Bea]

Where r u , there will b a refresher course in your area no doubt

Hello.
I am in Maidstone, Kent. I heard about those courses, but I cannot afford them (Sweet JSA receiver lol). I will have to deal with it "DIY" somehow. Thanks for your reply though.

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

Can you find a quiet practice area - a no through road or a empty car park? For balance, try lowering the saddle so that you can get the balls of your feet on the ground, forget the pedals for a bit and just scoot off until the bike feels like it's going where you want it to.

 

[Bea]

Thank you BLUE and vickster and jim55!!! I didn't expect replies so quickly! I have just made my profile and it was my first post! It's great to find a forum that is actually LIVE!! Will visit here very often - I can feel it!!!

 

[AndyPeace]

Using fatter tires or running lower tire pressure may help the bike feel more sure footed.
tbh you probobly just need to relax a bit and build up your confidence.... (p.s. if you are my sister who recently started cycling, I would point out that you're a mum to 5 children so riding a bike should be no challenge at all )

 

[MrJamie]

You'll build your confidence the more you ride Parks could be quite good if you go while the kids are at school or early at the weekend. When ive been trying to get my sister out on her bike, who is a bit scared and doesnt like negotiating walkers, putting the seat down a little so she could touch the floor comfortably made her feel a lot more steady to begin with.

If you can go with someone else (who knows to give you plenty of space), they can check behind for you etc

 

[Bea]

Using fatter tires or running lower tire pressure may help the bike feel more sure footed.
tbh you probobly just need to relax a bit and build up your confidence.... (p.s. if you are my sister who recently started cycling, I would point out that you're a mum to 5 children so riding a bike should be no challenge at all )

HAHAHAHA - thanks God I have just two adult kids. More than enough. I am the most calm person in the world, so relaxing will not be a problem.

 

[mark st1]

Probably no help at all but i like you hadnt ridden a bike for years when i jumped on a mountain bike a year ago and just assumed id be fine "cos id ridden before" (about 15 years before) i was poor no control think at one point i was overtaken by the local drunk on a pre world war folding bike ! I honestly found it easier going out at night like 9-10 pm for a few weeks sticking to main well light roads not much traffic about and zero public on the pavements to see you weaving around like a drunk.

Im trying to convince my wife at the minute to come out with me (she now has the mountain bike ) she seems to be lacking in confidence with going on the road so this topic is helpfull to me aswell

 

[HLaB]

Hello.
I am in Maidstone, Kent. I heard about those courses, but I cannot afford them (Sweet JSA receiver lol). I will have to deal with it "DIY" somehow. Thanks for your reply though.

Have you tried contacting the council; here the first 90minutes is free.
I think the best way to get more confident riding is to ride. Ideally find a large flat'ish area of good quality, where you can ride without having to think about other things or the condition of the tarmac. Good Luck

 

[Bea]

Have you tried contacting the council; here the first 90minutes is free.
I think the best way to get more confident riding is to ride. Ideally find a large flat'ish area of good quality, where you can ride without having to think about other things or the condition of the tarmac. Good Luck

I'll give it a go. Thank you very much!!!

 

[ianrauk]

And stay off the pavements please...

 

[Bea]

And stay off the pavements please...

I'll try...