Happy Labor Day to all of my US readers! Hopefully, as you read this you are enjoying a relaxing day off from work. I unfortunately, am not lucky enough to have the day off today. But before I head off to work, I thought I’d let you all know that yesterday was the day! I no longer have to walk with my head in shame for I am now among the brave. Sit back with a cup of coffee or a mug of tea and let me tell you all about it.
Over breakfast yesterday morning, my husband put down his coffee, set his hand gently over mine and looked deep into my eyes. He said, ‘Honey, I think that today should be the day. You’re forty-one and I think it’s time that you stop putting it off.’ I was hesitant (as usual) and started thinking of excuses as to why I just wasn’t ready yet, but in the end I knew that he was right. I took a deep breath, and agreed. It was time.
The only proof I have in my possession that it even took place are a few embarrassing photos along with surprisingly achy legs – well, that, and my behind is still pretty sore.
Hmm…that description sounds a bit misleading (and a tad vulgar, while I’m thinking about it) so why don’t I just hurry up and tell you what I did:
Yesterday, at approximately 12:20 PM EST I learned how to ride a bike!
We headed off towards our local State Park. Things were going along just fine until we got to the above sign that pointed to the bicycle rental. Since it was Labor Day Weekend, the park had tons of bike riders – from the little two-year old on her pink Big Wheel to a 70+ year old grandfather; they were everywhere! When we parked at the General Store, I noticed racks and racks of bikes outside. Just beyond that were hoards of kids eating ice cream cones and Mountain Dew Slushies at the nearby picnic tables, their bikes all lying in a heap on the ground near the picnic tables – which happened to be facing the lot where people go to give their bike a spin before renting it. My husband parked the car, gave his hands a clap and said, ‘OK! Let’s go pick you out a bike!’ My response a very calm, ‘Um…no.’
‘Why not?’ he asked.
‘Because I don’t want to learn how to ride a bike in front of all those kids who’ve obviously been riding since they were old enough to walk and can obviously ride circles around me. They’ll all laugh at me!’
Oh, my God. I was talking like an 8 year old.
‘C’mon…you’ll be fine. Those kids are going to leave as soon as they eat their ice cream. By the time we pick you out a bike, they’ll be gone.’ and he headed towards the bike racks before I could utter another whine.
As I approached the series of parked bicycles, my only demand was that I could touch the ground while sitting on the bike. I sat on several different styles while my husband went alongside and lowered each seat as far down as it would go. By this time, a man in his early 50’s – we’ll call him Bike-Rental Guy – came out of the store and asked if we needed some help.
“Oh, we’re just trying to find a good starter bike for my wife, here.” said my husband as I awkwardly waved at the man.
“Been awhile since you’ve been riding, huh?” said Bike-Rental Guy.
“Well, no. This is my first time.” He just stared at me in bewilderment. “Really?” he said.
“Yep. I even brought my camera to record the event.” I said, and shook my camera bag at him.
“You know,” he said, “A woman from Chicago brought her 16 year old son out here last summer. Said he’d never been on a bike. They rode around in that parking lot there for over 4 hours. That kid fell so many times, he had cuts and scrapes all over. His Mom looked at me and said, ‘I’ve got all day and we’re not leaving until he learns to ride a bike!’ He eventually got the hang of it…..kind of.”
I nodded my head and smiled as I was sure he must have told me that story to make me feel better….um, right?
Moving along, my husband and I found two bikes that were as good as any, I guess. We went into the General Store, filled out our paperwork, left some ID, and headed out the front door. Right before the door shut, I heard Bike-Rental Guy say, ‘We sell band-aids and Antibiotic cream if you need ‘em.’
First off, I have to say how great my husband was during all this. Encouraging, supportive; my own personal cheerleader. He took all of the photos while I spent all of my time concentrating on not falling.
Here I am, all relaxed prior to my first spin:
By now some of you may be wondering, ‘Ellen, you don’t know how to ride a bike? Where on earth is your helmet??’ I opted not to wear one since it had already been predetermined by me that I was not leaving the bike lot area. That, and the fact that knew I’d be moving along at a snail’s pace, so Worry Not! A helmet will definitely be replacing my ball cap when my ventures take me past the parking area.
OK, here are the nail-biting photos you’ve all been waiting for:
Kidding! Just kidding! I did not fall due to my magic hand-waving trick. My husband thought it would be funny to pretend that a runaway bike mysteriously cut me off and then landed on top of me. No bloggers were hurt in the above photo.
So, let’s quickly recap:
I caught on fairly quickly. Well, by the time we were finished my balance was pretty good, anyway. However, even though I tried repeatedly, I couldn’t get the hang of turning in circles; I kept feeling like I was going to fall over. I don’t want to brag or anything, but I must say I’m quite the wizard at bicycling in a straight line.
I had fun. Kind of. In all honesty, I was so focused on trying to stay upright that I couldn’t relax long enough to call it enjoyable. I was seriously white-knuckling the handlebars so badly that my hands ached by the time we called it quits for the day.
I’ll be out there biking again! I think I need a better bike, though. The seat was making my butt ache after the first 10 minutes and I noticed my lower back beginning to hurt a little (which was my real worry) but I think that if I had a bike that was fit more for ‘me’ I’d ride a lot more comfortably.
Well, there you have it. Pour forth your bicycling adventures or advice for this newbie. She’s got a lot to learn.
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Giveaway…
…….many thanks to those of you who entered my Smartwool Socks giveaway on Friday. I numbered each commenter in order of comment posted (minus my non-US commenters and those whom did not wish to be entered) and then gave Random.org the task of selecting the winner.
And the winner is: Lucky number 4: Marsial! Email me with your mailing address by 9 AM EST on Wednesday morning and I will send out your Smartwool socks this week. Congratulations!
To the rest of my readers, there are more prizes coming; just keep a lookout for more Memory Lane Posts throughout the month of September!
See you all on Wednesday!
You’ll be a pro in no time! Sounds like a great start. I’ve ridden a bike all my life, but have never had a great sense of balance, so there are times I still feel as if I might fall and I’d never attempt riding one-handed even for a wave! So don’t go thinking you are all inept just because you’re a “newbie.” Bike riding is something that once you get the hang of it, you are an equal with everyone else.
Thank you, Sharon. I was surprised by how long it took me to just get used to the pedals! They tried to fit me with a bike where the brakes were on the handlebars and that was so awkward, I couldn’t do that, either. It kind of felt like I was learning to drive a car, again – all those things to think about!
OH MY!! I am so proud of you, you took to it like a duck to water, given the picture of the one-handed riding! It sounds like you had a blast. I can tell you that on a decent bike that is set up to fit YOU it is just an exhilarating liberating experience like none other. I had ridden bikes off and on as a kid but it wasn’t until I started triathlons (and got a decent – used- bike) that I fully appreciated it. I hope you will get hooked!! Do keep in mind though that the bike, the saddle, the fit, etc can have a big impact on enjoyment level. Yeehaw!!! Good for you!!
Well, in all honesty, that photo was taken while crawling along at very slow pace, waiting to stop…and it was a really quick wave – not the ones you see Miss America doing forever and ever. lol
Thank you for the encouragement. I feel better knowing these pieces of information (it really wasn’t the best bike; I’d imagine getting one of those would be like comparing a Ford Escort with a Rolls Royce!)
YAY!!! How exciting for you! I have to say it does kinda remind me of when I learned to ride a two-wheeler (without training wheels!). My stepdad was holding the back of the bike and running along behind me and I kept yelling, “don’t let go” and he said he wouldn’t, but turns out he never was holding on! I got the hang of it right away…but you know what? I really don’t like riding bikes any more and haven’t in years and years (mostly because of the sore bum issue).
Woo hoo! Just imagine all the other things you can do. Yoga, biking… the possibilities are mind boggling:) BTW – I have ridden since I was a kid and still am not good at corners. One direction turning is harder for me than than the other. My husband knows to give me a wide berth when we ride together.
Yay!!! I’m so glad you had fun… kind of… you will. You can do this. I hadn’t rode a bike in many years and did so last summer and was fine with it. Hesitant and cautious and a little wobbly, but fine. I plan to get a bike again some day.
What fun pictures!!! So glad you enjoyed learning how to ride. I got a bike last week and have been riding it all over my new city to explore and get a good workout in at the same time – I have also wobbled and fallen, for sure!
Way to go, Ellen! Don’t worry, there are lots of people out there who don’t know how to ride. You’ve just gone one step further than them! Congrats! As to the achy butt thing, that always happens if you haven’t ridden in a while. After a few times out, your butt won’t hurt any more. Keep it up!
Wow! Very impressive, learning to ride at this age. It seems to me you learned very quickly for an adult. I wonder if the bike rental place rents those plushy seats that are more comfortable.
I have a bike, but it sits unused because I live where there are too many hills, and I need to drive somewhere to be able to ride it. Still, that is a goal I want to pay attention to!
How exciting! I can’t imagine having to learn to ride a bike as an adult–it looks like you caught on right away. Great job!
Ellen! I am so freaking proud of you!!!! You did it! You are now a bike rider!
With the sore butt, unfortunately it’s one of those things that you’ll have to get used to. The more you ride, the less it hurts. There are padded bike shorts you can purchase, but you’ll still need to build up a relationship with the seat.
With your sore back, that’s probably from the poor fitting bike. If you get a chance, you should get fitted for a bike. They should do that at any bike shop.
Congrats, Ellen!!!
Oh!!! I’m so proud of you. And I love your husband too. You look adorable, which is always a plus.
I would love to be able to have a first experience at my age. Someone else I now was teaching his wife to swim. I find that thought fascinating. As an adult to be able to go through that process.
Anyway… get that good bike! And maybe one of those gel seats. That’s what I’m planning for when I feel like riding again. I don’t like a sore “undercarriage”.
And how great that Marsial won those socks. I saw her entry comment and she ReALLY wanted them.
That’s some good manifesting.
Yeah for you!!!!
From the title of your post, I was afraid it was going to be about finally needing your “over 40 reading glasses”.
Congrats on learning!!! I didn’t until I was 23, so don’t feel too bad. And then I didn’t ride much. And then much later my dutch boyfriend (while we were in Holland) made me use a neighbor’s bike to go for a ride in amsterdam, and everyone there is so dang tall that I had great difficulty. I won’t go into details about the time I rode into a couple out on the town and being cursed out by them (I don’t even know what language they were yelling at me in!), but as long as you stick with it and can reach the pedals, you’ll be fine! Riding is a great activity in warmer months, I know you’ll be out doing rides in no time! Oh, and it’s the getting on and off I had the hardest time with. Starting and stopping gracefully. And I still have a hard time with circles. Going forward and going fast, easy. Tricky manoeuvers like stopping and turning, hard. Best of luck!!!
Oh Ellen! I’m SO beyond proud of you and excited for you! What a wonderful adventure! You concurred a fear and won! That must have felt so good! Love the pictures and glad you made sure to bring your camera along to capture this moment. Can’t wait to hear more about your biking adventures!
YIPPEE!! You did it! I am so excited for you and all the biking adventures that are in your future! I would get padded shorts- but know that it will take your hiney a little getting used to the bike seat- even with the shorts! Are you thinking about getting a road bike? I LOVE mine!!!! I am so glad you are a biker now!
When I was reading that my husband said I was catching flies. Looked over and sure enough, mouth agape like a darn fool! Congratulations and thanks to hubby for the amusing fall photo! I cannot believe that bike guy! He should use that band aid to paste his lips together. High five for not chickening out! BTW – It is easier to wave at a faster pace.
Congratulations Marsial! Now you will have to put them to good use – for anniversary’s sake.
Awesome, Ellen! I had no doubt you could do it, and I’m so glad to have beautiful pictorial proof!
I went for 20 years or so without riding and when I started again, I had problems with balance and turning. It got better in time, though, so I’m sure yours will, too. And “seat time” will help with the backside issues.
Way to go Ellen
My husband recently surprised me with a new PINK bicycle and I was so thrilled, I hadn’t ridden for around 20 years and was surprised that you really never forget! A word of caution though – I rode to the gym, had a great pump class then straight after leapt on my bike to head home. I wobbled and then just feel off! I should have just waited a few moments until I had recovered a little from the intense class. Now I walk my bike across the street and down the path a little way til I feel composed 
There is nothing like pedalling around town – I always feel like a character in a French film and am convinced I look so elegant – hence the lack of photographs of me on a bike, I don’t want to burst my bubble, hehehe
Wahey!!!!!! Well done despite the rent-a-bike guy’s effort to scare the hell out of you with various unhelpful pieces of advice LOL.
I know what you mean about turning and feeling like you’re gonna fall off. This might sound strange but i think the quicker you go, the easier it is to turn. When you’re going quite slow, it feels less smooth and more forced.
I could have written half of this post myself. I haven’t ridden a bike in over 30 years & my husband wants me to try it. I’m absolutely terrified!
Hugs & love,
Mimi
I’m beyond proud of you and love the pic’s! Happy labor day, blogiversary, and bike-riding day!
Thanks for the laughs! I should re-enact my first experiences w/road bike w/clip-on shoes; I looked like the Little Old Man from Laugh-In, falling over in slo-mo…
You’re gonna have lots of fun!
I am so proud of you! Looks like you did great!
I haven’t ridden in about 20 years, apart from the odd stationary bike at the gym, which hurt my undercarriage too much.
CONGRATULATIONS! The first ride is always the hardest.
I’m not the most competent biker, but I can do okay in non-city environments. The second I have to share the road with cars, though, it all goes downhill!
Once you learn how to ride a bike you never forget! Congrats to you! I love to bike ride, it gives you a sense of freedom. Fun!
You go with your bad-ass-ness!!! A wider seat will help with the sore butt.
Loved the bike photos. Ellen! You look so slim and healthy!
Thank you so much for the socks! I sent you my address this AM — hope it reached you okay ’cause i would really love to own those LIME GREEN!!!!!!! socks!
Marsial
Have lots of fun with your biking, Ellen. I remember when I first learned how to ride a bike that I felt such tremendous freedom. It was a quick and delightful way to escape housework and mean brothers.
I loved this post! Last summer I helped teach my cousin’s eight and nine year olds how to ride their bikes without training wheels. (The eight year old learned in about fifteen minutes, but the nine year old was still pretty wobbly after a couple of hours) I thought the two of them were a bit old to be learning to ride a bike, but I guess I was wrong. It’s awesome that you decided to learn, and were brave enough to bike around in front of the kids. I would have felt strange about it, too.
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