I dont think I'll be going for a run anytime soon

[Stu9]

Stu9, I suspect that your coming on here and telling us you were thinking of quitting shows that, deep down, you really don't want to - you want/ need some re-assurance that you can do it

No I was serious....and still kind of am, but I'll go out this week at some point and see how it is

 

[tomahawk]

There are some sections of roads the most experienced cyclists tend to avoid, or at least dislike, but I can't believe all of the roads in your locality are so bad.
It sounds as if your confidence needs a boost, it might be worth signing up for an adult cycle training course.

Agree with this ... Since i learned on how to position myself in traffic, use primary position where appropriate and give clear signals and stay a better distance from the kerb i personally have felt much more in control and safer on the roads - even on sections that i used to dread years ago.

 

[GBC]

Stu, if you are in the Mearns, just get on the A77 cycle path and head south for as far as you are comfortable. The cycle path is on the road at Mearns Cross, and to the north, but going south, once you are past The Malletsheugh, the cyclepath is separated from the roadway as far as Kilmarnock near enough. You could also head out the Humbie Road towards Waterfoot or Eaglesham - a wee bit lumpy, but very little traffic.

And yes, I know what you mean about drivers in Newton Mearns

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

Another vote for not giving up. Okay, a 20 mile ride doesn't seem doable for you at the moment, but we all started somewhere. In my case I used to think 5 miles was a pretty big ride and I hardly ever went out from October until Easter.

It's difficult finding motivation at this time of year but if you can find somewhere quiet and go off for a gentle ride I think you'll enjoy it and want to do more.

You might find this useful: the maps on the Sustrans website. (it takes a moment to load). This shows the National Cycle Network and is colour coded to show which sections are on or off road.

 

[Stu9]

Stu, if you are in the Mearns, just get on the A77 cycle path and head south for as far as you are comfortable. The cycle path is on the road at Mearns Cross, and to the north, but going south, once you are past The Malletsheugh, the cyclepath is separated from the roadway as far as Kilmarnock near enough. You could also head out the Humbie Road towards Waterfoot or Eaglesham - a wee bit lumpy, but very little traffic.

And yes, I know what you mean about drivers in Newton Mearns

I was up the old 77' last week on my old mtb, only did about 1mile though, I probably could have went a wee bit further but didnt. But I know this area and will maybe try it

PS...I dont know what the problem is with drivers here, male and female, but there is one and a bloody big one!



Phil....as above, will try and get out try something somewhere, yes I picked up free a cycling at Dales last week, it's got a few maps in, will maybe trying at short one and take it from that

 

[Peddlar]

You will be amazed at how quickly you improve and how addicitve cycling becomes, I started last summer and a 2 mile ride was killer.

Now i spin 4 times a week (hard) and try to get 2/3 20 milers in and growing, you feel better and the mental filing defintely helps! Keep at it

 

[Pat "5mph"]

PS...I dont know what the problem is with drivers here, male and female, but there is one and a bloody big one!

Stu, to build up confidence in traffic, you could try a short ride early on a Sunday morning, say, 7am, there really is hardly anybody on the roads at that time.
Great if you want to tackle your first roundabout or just try out a stretch of unknown road.

 

[ACS]

Stu

Give it up pal: take up snorting crack, get a World of War Craft account, take up heavy drinking or loose women or both if you can. You will save sheds loads of money. Save yourself while you can because once you work out you can ride 10 miles (and you can), you'll be well on your way to becoming an addict. Gear ratios will be your hot topic, surfing the web for bike porn will be your secret obsession and her in doors will have a go because your legs will not walk past bike shops.

We all suffer. I started back in 09, 5 flat miles took nearly an hour, now........its every opportunity, 4 bikes in the garage, 5000 miles a year commuting, joined Audax UK and ride long distance stuff most weekend just to feed my craving.

Get away while you can.

 

[Shut Up Legs]

Stu

Give it up pal: take up snorting crack, get a World of War Craft account, take up heavy drinking or loose women or both if you can. You will save sheds loads of money. Save yourself while you can because once you work out you can ride 10 miles (and you can), you'll be well on your way to becoming an addict. Gear ratios will be your hot topic, surfing the web for bike porn will be your secret obsession and her in doors will have a go because your legs will not walk past bike shops.

We all suffer. I started back in 09, 5 flat miles took nearly an hour, now........its every opportunity, 4 bikes in the garage, 5000 miles a year commuting, joined Audax UK and ride long distance stuff most weekend just to feed my craving.

Get away while you can.

No shame in at all, naturally. Hello, my name is Victor, and I'm a cycloholic .

 

[Crankarm]

Man up.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Man up.

You forgot the smiley.

 

[byegad]

Sounds to me like the OP has his saddle way too low. Aching thighs in 3 miles is the clue.

 

[Stu9]

Stu

Give it up pal: take up snorting crack, get a World of War Craft account, take up heavy drinking or loose women or both if you can. You will save sheds loads of money. Save yourself while you can because once you work out you can ride 10 miles (and you can), you'll be well on your way to becoming an addict. Gear ratios will be your hot topic, surfing the web for bike porn will be your secret obsession and her in doors will have a go because your legs will not walk past bike shops.

We all suffer. I started back in 09, 5 flat miles took nearly an hour, now........its every opportunity, 4 bikes in the garage, 5000 miles a year commuting, joined Audax UK and ride long distance stuff most weekend just to feed my craving.

Get away while you can.

Fkn briliiant


Bygad....the hight's fine, it's doesnt help when it's years since you've last pedled anywehere

 

[vickster]

Perhaps find someone else to ride with (there seem to be a few CCers advising on your locality) or perhaps see if there's a Skyride local, they are good fun, and gentle as many are family oriented

http://www.goskyride.com/SkyRideLocal

http://www.goskyride.com/location/index/5