Some tips needed for a more robust beginner

[Panter]

Done!

Headed to Picton Cycles in Liverpool today and they recommended a nice Saracen Hybrid, the lads in the shop were mega friendly and great to deal with. I rode home from the train station (10-15 minute ride maybe?) and fitted a little computer so I can keep track of my distance. Then I failed miserably at fitting a bracket for the lock I picked up.

I was nackard after riding home. I really am incredibly unfit. Hopefully soon this will start to change

Congratulations, enjoy

 

[PaulSecteur]

Well done Biglad!

I remember being shocked at how unfit I was when I fisrt started. I had a route planned that was 10 miles, by the time I had done 2 I was out of water and heading for home!Now when I get to my previous 2 mile mark Im just warming up.

Keep riding, as often as possible. It dont have to be huge distances or going for speed at this stage, its all about saddle time. If you are lucky enough to live near canals they are great for riding, especially once you get into it and want to push your speeds or distances, as being mostly flat they are constant and you can track your improvements easily. (Make sre you lube your chain ever few rides as towpath dust can really eat into chains)

Paul.

 

[biglad]

I live very close to a canal, About 15 minutes ride. Once I'm comfortable riding round the estate a few times comfortably, I'm really looking forward to going along the canal paths

 

[PaulSecteur]

Thats good then, Just a few tips for you...

1-Be careful going under bridges, they can have very limited visibility and low roofs. Also the surface may change from gravel to cobbles that can be interesting when wet. Best to get off and push.
2-Keep an eye on your mileage. Its very easy to go a considerable distance, just remember you have to do it all again to get back home!
3-Keep an ear open for faster cyclist, it can be a shock when someone comes belting passed.
4-Keep an eye on the time too, it seems that going one way on the towpath during daylight hours can be very nice, but at dusk and after they attract some "interesting" charicters that might like to have a go on your bike.
5-Make sure you have enough water and food. Especially if your route takes you through unfamilier teritorry. You might be 20 meters from a shop but never know it. I have a cable lock that I keep wound around my seatpost so I can lock it up for some very quick shop stops.
6-Use googlemaps to check out your local canals, and spot routes or curcuits.
7-If you are in the Midlands have a look at this site for route ideas... https://sites.google.com/site/westmidscycle/

 

[ashleygreen14]

I once got pushed into the canal in London by a fella who had just been bumped into by Jimmy Somerville riding a bike. I said 'Hello' as i tried to glide past at about 3mph and he turned and shoved me on the shoulder into the canal. Went in up to my chin, with the bike and a rucksack stuffed with £1000 of insurance-replaced stolen camera kit. Filthy, black, disgusting mess. Climbed out and saw the front wheel of the bike disappearing so leaned as far as I could and just rescued it!! Camera kit was luckily ok as I was going away to shoot a project in the USA the next week. Phew! I went mental at the guy 'what the f... was that for! why did you do that?!?! i've got to go to a&e now. what the f... was that for?!?!' he just looked completely stoned.

Didn't ride those towpaths again for a while.