Show us your.......newbie progress! [4 Sep 2012 - 4 Oct 2014]

[Nigelnaturist]

My choices are Sora 9sp, and either a Tiagra or 105 triple 10sp I can save a bit on the chain and cassette i.e. KMC 10sp x73 and tiagra cassette's I can get a 105 set for £132 and Tiagra for £107 Sora just £90- 100, As much as I like the sound of the 105 the Tiagra sounds easier to maintain regarding cabling and setting up (just the same as the Sora) the down side I dont like the gear indicators, this applies to the Sora i currently have. I could have a 105 triple set up for about £165 in total tiagra about £140, because i suspect the FD will work as it is.

OR I could just quit, this last one sounds like a plan as it will be 2 1/2 months at least before I can do the Tiagra/105 the Sora in about 6 weeks. In the mean time the bike works on the 8sp but its down shifts are very poor though they work, but couldn't be sure about longer journeys.

 

[Mo1959]

OR I could just quit, this last one sounds like a plan

I am thinking about quitting 2014 and resurfacing next year. So far, Dad being quite ill, badly broken collar bone and this morning I stupidly left one of my windows open too wide and my little Siamese indoor cat got out while I was at the shops and I haven't seen her for 7 hours. Starting to fear the worst.

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

I am thinking about quitting 2014 and resurfacing next year. So far, Dad being quite ill, badly broken collar bone and this morning I stupidly left one of my windows open too wide and my little Siamese indoor cat got out while I was at the shops and I haven't seen her for 7 hours. Starting to fear the worst.

wait til she needs to be fed, she will be back. Dogs are the same just their dusk is about a couple of hours after ours so they tend to come home later than you hope for... but I will cross my fingers for you and hope you let us know good news before 8am tomorrow morning (when I am off - I have to know she is back safely so please lie to me if necessary!)

 

[Mo1959]

@SatNavSaysStraightOn She had gone in to my neighbour's house by mistake and she chased her not realising she was mine so I'm worried how far she will have gone. She is such a timid little thing and is only used to me and the dog. Only hope is she hasn't gone too far and might try and get home when it is quieter/darker. I will keep the windows wide open all night and hope she has the sense to jump back in if she makes it home.

 

[Mandragora]

Newbie progress this week:

1. Done a couple of rides on new routes (as well as plodding round the regular 'block' route most evenings), and upped my average speed on a couple of them to the astonishing high of being over 12mph on rides lasting longer than an hour (but still less than two hours!).
2. Had a new PB for 'fastest speed' on a ride yesterday. A scary 25 mph. Well, I would have been scared if I'd realised it at the time. Thus, not really a PB, because it was more by accident than design.
   
3. Sought advice on, and bought, a new handlebar bag, thanks to replies given to a question thread I started.
4. Been called a 'fool' in a reply for saying that I thought that a helmet and a high viz garment were useful things to get when starting out riding.

Yep, I think I've been blooded I've enjoyed the forum so far, and especially wanted to say thanks to those other users who went out of their way to post replies on the 'Welcome mat' and also to my inane witterings on this thread. It has made me cycle a bit more, and a bit more confidently. Onwards and upwards.

 

[Mandragora]

@SatNavSaysStraightOn She had gone in to my neighbour's house by mistake and she chased her not realising she was mine so I'm worried how far she will have gone. She is such a timid little thing and is only used to me and the dog. Only hope is she hasn't gone too far and might try and get home when it is quieter/darker. I will keep the windows wide open all night and hope she has the sense to jump back in if she makes it home.

Fingers crossed for you, Mo. I hope she turns up safe and well.

 

[welsh dragon]

Newbie progress this week:

1. Done a couple of rides on new routes (as well as plodding round the regular 'block' route most evenings), and upped my average speed on a couple of them to the astonishing high of being over 12mph on rides lasting longer than an hour (but still less than two hours!).
2. Had a new PB for 'fastest speed' on a ride yesterday. A scary 25 mph. Well, I would have been scared if I'd realised it at the time. Thus, not really a PB, because it was more by accident than design.
   
3. Sought advice on, and bought, a new handlebar bag, thanks to replies given to a question thread I started.
4. Been called a 'fool' in a reply for saying that I thought that a helmet and a high viz garment were useful things to get when starting out riding.

Yep, I think I've been blooded I've enjoyed the forum so far, and especially wanted to say thanks to those other users who went out of their way to post replies on the 'Welcome mat' and also to my inane witterings on this thread. It has made me cycle a bit more, and a bit more confidently. Onwards and upwards.

Won't worry about the ones calling you an idiot re a helmet and high viz. Its horses for courses. Each to his own. Just because some don't think they are needed, doesn't mean anything. If you think they are necessary, and they make you feel safer, then they are essential equipment.

 

[welsh dragon]

@SatNavSaysStraightOn She had gone in to my neighbour's house by mistake and she chased her not realising she was mine so I'm worried how far she will have gone. She is such a timid little thing and is only used to me and the dog. Only hope is she hasn't gone too far and might try and get home when it is quieter/darker. I will keep the windows wide open all night and hope she has the sense to jump back in if she makes it home.

Hope you find her Mo. Cats have an uncanny habit of being able to find they're way back home, even house cats. And don't give up on the cycling this year either.Give yourself time to heal, then see how you feel. Even if you want to take the rest of the year off, and re evaluate your whole cycling ethos, your help and advise is much appreciated, wanted, and needed on this thread.

 

[Mandragora]

Thanks, Welsh Dragon. I didn't worry, to be honest - it's a forum, and there's always going to be differences of opinions; what I thought was interesting was that I'd obviously strayed into a Hotly Debated Topic without even realising it. I soon stepped back out of the room and closed the door quietly. Every forum will have the equivalent HDT's , I know, which is why they all offer an Ignore button too!

 

[welsh dragon]

Thanks, Welsh Dragon. I didn't worry, to be honest - it's a forum, and there's always going to be differences of opinions; what I thought was interesting was that I'd obviously strayed into a Hotly Debated Topic without even realising it. I soon stepped back out of the room and closed the door quietly. Every forum will have the equivalent HDT's , I know, which is why they all offer an Ignore button too!

Yes everytime someone mentions helmets, there is a loud groan from certain sectors here. Some can be quite vitriolic in they're opinions. Just ignore the more hardcore people with immovable opinions and you won't go far wrong. And the people here are always ready and willing to help. Good luck

 

[SpokeyDokey]

Newbie progress this week:

1. Done a couple of rides on new routes (as well as plodding round the regular 'block' route most evenings), and upped my average speed on a couple of them to the astonishing high of being over 12mph on rides lasting longer than an hour (but still less than two hours!).
2. Had a new PB for 'fastest speed' on a ride yesterday. A scary 25 mph. Well, I would have been scared if I'd realised it at the time. Thus, not really a PB, because it was more by accident than design.
   
3. Sought advice on, and bought, a new handlebar bag, thanks to replies given to a question thread I started.
4. Been called a 'fool' in a reply for saying that I thought that a helmet and a high viz garment were useful things to get when starting out riding.

Yep, I think I've been blooded I've enjoyed the forum so far, and especially wanted to say thanks to those other users who went out of their way to post replies on the 'Welcome mat' and also to my inane witterings on this thread. It has made me cycle a bit more, and a bit more confidently. Onwards and upwards.

Re helmet & hi-vis garment. I think you are far from a fool - I wear both every time I ride. So we can be fools together if you want. Each to their own of course but you just do what you think is right.

 

[SpokeyDokey]

@SatNavSaysStraightOn She had gone in to my neighbour's house by mistake and she chased her not realising she was mine so I'm worried how far she will have gone. She is such a timid little thing and is only used to me and the dog. Only hope is she hasn't gone too far and might try and get home when it is quieter/darker. I will keep the windows wide open all night and hope she has the sense to jump back in if she makes it home.

Hope this all ends ok Mo - keep us all up to speed.

 

[SpokeyDokey]

I am thinking about quitting 2014 and resurfacing next year. So far, Dad being quite ill, badly broken collar bone and this morning I stupidly left one of my windows open too wide and my little Siamese indoor cat got out while I was at the shops and I haven't seen her for 7 hours. Starting to fear the worst.

You've got a lot going on Mo plus your operation hassles won't be helping at all.

I was really down about my enforced hiatus which lasted best part of 5 months.

Strangely, once I realised that my Consultant and Lovely Wife were right about me being an idiot even to attempt riding my bike or hiking in the mountains until I was well on the road to recovery - I was then able to make the decision to stop trying to do anything at all and I promptly took the pressure off myself.

I found it useful to put a hard date on my restart which also helped me forget about it if you see what I mean.

Maybe take your break Mo and then come back with a bang in 2015?

 

[Stonechat]

I am thinking about quitting 2014 and resurfacing next year. So far, Dad being quite ill, badly broken collar bone and this morning I stupidly left one of my windows open too wide and my little Siamese indoor cat got out while I was at the shops and I haven't seen her for 7 hours. Starting to fear the worst.

Things seem to carry on when you're struggling
At least I have no injury problems touch wood

As you know I have had a succession of problems - cycling is my escape
At least doggy is now well again (apart from devouring a lot of uncooked rice!!)

I wob't go into half of int but some of these wind up Mrs Stonechat terribly, but I refuse to be bothered by the lesser worries

All I can say is try to keep your chin up and keep positive, Try to compartmentalise the negative thoughts and shut them away

I am sure yo're made of tough stuff!

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

Re helmet & hi-vis garment. I think you are far from a fool - I wear both every time I ride. So we can be fools together if you want. Each to their own of course but you just do what you think is right.

add day time lights on to that list as well... topic always worth avoiding. Go with what you feel is right for you @Mandragora and don't let others sway you. I will happily ride in black clothing on a black bike with black panniers, but I will always have my front & rear lights on 24/7 even in bright sunshine - shade is very dark in these conditions and I usually cycle leafy country lanes living rurally.