Gulp!
#1
I need more cowbell.
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Gulp!
After a number of false starts, I think I'm ready to start riding again.
I moved to Reno in September, 2013. I brought my bikes with me, of course, but never quite got around to riding. Reno is much hillier than where I'd been, and a LOT was going on in my personal life as well, so cycling took a back seat.
10 months later, I found the house I now rent (which is fabulous to me). As the weather improved, I began to get the first hints that maybe I had the cycling bug again. So I took Mrs. Jones to a shop, and had her all tuned up, lubed, tires inflated (they'd gone flat), spokes tightened, the whole bit. When I picked her up she looked as good as new.
But honestly, I haven't been biking much in several years. And now that I'm thinking of doing it again, I'll be honest - there's a new fear factor which I didn't have before. I'm 64 now, not 55 (when I started). BOTH knees hurt much of the time, not just after a ride. I've put on weight.
And yet, and yet. There she is, and she seems to still want to hang with me. I need almost all new gear - bibs, helmet, jerseys, you name it. I have some, but they've shrunk (or I got fatter).
We're having unseasonably warm weather as well. Today it's probably 70 degrees. I want to be out riding!
I'm almost like a brand new cyclist. I'm wondering if I should get a simple "comfort bike" off Craigslist first, and get my sea legs back on it, and then take to the Masi?
I feel like a damn rookie. Not that there's anything wrong with that. But I'm wondering if I still have the strength, the reflexes, and the chutzpah to be out on the road again.
Shout out to all the folks who've been on this forum for a few years. It will be great to reconnect!
I moved to Reno in September, 2013. I brought my bikes with me, of course, but never quite got around to riding. Reno is much hillier than where I'd been, and a LOT was going on in my personal life as well, so cycling took a back seat.
10 months later, I found the house I now rent (which is fabulous to me). As the weather improved, I began to get the first hints that maybe I had the cycling bug again. So I took Mrs. Jones to a shop, and had her all tuned up, lubed, tires inflated (they'd gone flat), spokes tightened, the whole bit. When I picked her up she looked as good as new.
But honestly, I haven't been biking much in several years. And now that I'm thinking of doing it again, I'll be honest - there's a new fear factor which I didn't have before. I'm 64 now, not 55 (when I started). BOTH knees hurt much of the time, not just after a ride. I've put on weight.
And yet, and yet. There she is, and she seems to still want to hang with me. I need almost all new gear - bibs, helmet, jerseys, you name it. I have some, but they've shrunk (or I got fatter).
We're having unseasonably warm weather as well. Today it's probably 70 degrees. I want to be out riding!
I'm almost like a brand new cyclist. I'm wondering if I should get a simple "comfort bike" off Craigslist first, and get my sea legs back on it, and then take to the Masi?
I feel like a damn rookie. Not that there's anything wrong with that. But I'm wondering if I still have the strength, the reflexes, and the chutzpah to be out on the road again.
Shout out to all the folks who've been on this forum for a few years. It will be great to reconnect!
__________________
2015 Sirrus Elite
Proud member of the original Club Tombay
2015 Sirrus Elite
Proud member of the original Club Tombay
#2
You've got bikes--> get out now!
- Start slow and in less traffic intense areas.
- Your confidence will return and your fitness will follow.
#3
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After a number of false starts, I think I'm ready to start riding again.
I moved to Reno in September, 2013. I brought my bikes with me, of course, but never quite got around to riding. Reno is much hillier than where I'd been, and a LOT was going on in my personal life as well, so cycling took a back seat...
But honestly, I haven't been biking much in several years. And now that I'm thinking of doing it again, I'll be honest - there's a new fear factor which I didn't have before. I'm 64 now, not 55 (when I started). BOTH knees hurt much of the time, not just after a ride. I've put on weight...
We're having unseasonably warm weather as well. Today it's probably 70 degrees. I want to be out riding!
I'm almost like a brand new cyclist. I'm wondering if I should get a simple "comfort bike" off Craigslist first, and get my sea legs back on it, and then take to the Masi?
I feel like a damn rookie. Not that there's anything wrong with that. But I'm wondering if I still have the strength, the reflexes, and the chutzpah to be out on the road again.
Shout out to all the folks who've been on this forum for a few years. It will be great to reconnect!
I moved to Reno in September, 2013. I brought my bikes with me, of course, but never quite got around to riding. Reno is much hillier than where I'd been, and a LOT was going on in my personal life as well, so cycling took a back seat...
But honestly, I haven't been biking much in several years. And now that I'm thinking of doing it again, I'll be honest - there's a new fear factor which I didn't have before. I'm 64 now, not 55 (when I started). BOTH knees hurt much of the time, not just after a ride. I've put on weight...
We're having unseasonably warm weather as well. Today it's probably 70 degrees. I want to be out riding!
I'm almost like a brand new cyclist. I'm wondering if I should get a simple "comfort bike" off Craigslist first, and get my sea legs back on it, and then take to the Masi?
I feel like a damn rookie. Not that there's anything wrong with that. But I'm wondering if I still have the strength, the reflexes, and the chutzpah to be out on the road again.
Shout out to all the folks who've been on this forum for a few years. It will be great to reconnect!
For me work issues have kept me off the bike (mainly as a year round cycle commuter) much more than I care for the past year or so, but posting here is somewhat a compensation, and keeps the desire alive. I ride enough though to at least feel comfortable when I do, and got to experience the worst of this historic winter. Nonetheless one does have to make a decision and prioritize cycling among other life issues, and it’s high on my list.
I was off the bike totally for about 5 months after an accident, and it didn’t take too long to get back to satisfactory, albeit a new level. If you are in a new environment, previously unfamiliar to you, perhaps the novelty of exploration may get you out onto the road. I would think the area around Reno is beautiful. I continue to amaze people I meet from all over Boston, when I ask them where they live, and we have a lively chat about intimate details of their neighborhood that I learned on my bike.
I don’t know if cycling would damage the knees or make them stronger, or effectively reduce the weight if that’s an issue, but those are motivations for me to ride and keep cycling as a high priority, FWIW
#4
Procrastinateur supreme
Yah, knees. If it serves to spur you back onto two wheels, my knee guy says that the strength of my quads is inversely proportional to the pain in my knees. I find that it's true. Roll on!
#5
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I've lost chunks of time repeatedly owing to injuries and other health problems, and coming back is hard. You said, "bikes", so what else do you have besides the Masi? When I am starting from almost zero, I prefer to start with one of my less sporty bikes - it helps keep my expectations low and helps me enjoy the ride without worrying about distance and speed. I don't have any comfort bikes and I wouldn't suggest that you go that far - in my case it's an old MTB or a touring bike. It doesn't take long for me to move back to the faster road bikes, and I enjoy the progression.
#6
I need more cowbell.
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I've lost chunks of time repeatedly owing to injuries and other health problems, and coming back is hard. You said, "bikes", so what else do you have besides the Masi? When I am starting from almost zero, I prefer to start with one of my less sporty bikes - it helps keep my expectations low and helps me enjoy the ride without worrying about distance and speed. I don't have any comfort bikes and I wouldn't suggest that you go that far - in my case it's an old MTB or a touring bike. It doesn't take long for me to move back to the faster road bikes, and I enjoy the progression.
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#7
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Something else is that I have done is to NOT take the Garmin. It's better for me at first to not be paying any attention to speed. I just want to enjoy being out and riding. And I can estimate the distance after the fact.
#8
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Get your bike properly fitted. Most people's seats need to be raised more than they would think. Especially if bad knees are involved.
#9
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Deege - Just do it! You never forget how, it's like riding a bicycle.
Uh - good to see you back, by the way.
Uh - good to see you back, by the way.
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My greatest fear is all of my kids standing around my coffin and talking about "how sensible" dad was.
My greatest fear is all of my kids standing around my coffin and talking about "how sensible" dad was.
#10
Semper Fi
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Great to see you post, Deege, I had wondered of a memorial was in order for you. As long as the Masi/Mrs. Jones is in good order now, it was fitted pretty well as I remember, get some miles in, even if it is just a few each day and get your legs and butt back in shape. The weight will disappear with riding and sound nutrition, as you probably can recall. Even if its a few miles a day, several days a week, get back in the habit if getting out on the bike. I hope that you were able to stay away from the coffin nails, you were working on quitting them as I remember a few years back, when you had gotten the Masi. If not the riding will help you with getting them gone for good.
Lots of new folks around the place now, it will be nice to have another of the old gang back around the place. stick around regardless of how things are going, we can help you get back in the groove.
Bill
Lots of new folks around the place now, it will be nice to have another of the old gang back around the place. stick around regardless of how things are going, we can help you get back in the groove.
Bill
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Semper Fi, USMC, 1975-1977
I Can Do All Things Through Him, Who Gives Me Strength. Philippians 4:13
Semper Fi, USMC, 1975-1977
I Can Do All Things Through Him, Who Gives Me Strength. Philippians 4:13
#11
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Reno? And it was 70F today? Oh man. Get out and do a spin around the block, you'll find the rest of it.
Welcome back.
Welcome back.
#12
Pedaled too far.
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DG! Well, there's no rule that says that n+1 needs to be more expensive than n. I'm glad you've kept Mrs. Jones. Anything that gets you riding regularly is the right thing to do.
3 months ago I started a new job that required an 8 mile bike commute after several years of staying at home. I remember one of the first nights returning from work, I had to stop to rest while rolling down hill. I'm better now, but there are still some parts of the route that require me to take breaks. So do it, but be easy on yourself.
3 months ago I started a new job that required an 8 mile bike commute after several years of staying at home. I remember one of the first nights returning from work, I had to stop to rest while rolling down hill. I'm better now, but there are still some parts of the route that require me to take breaks. So do it, but be easy on yourself.
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#13
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DG, welcome back. I second getting a fitting. That is important for the knees! Try my tried and true two step return to cycling program: Step 1: Ride. Step 2: repeat. Enjoy!
Ride On!
-Spoke
Ride On!
-Spoke
#14
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Nothing wrong a second bike. You can use it for running errands too. Wait on getting new clothes, I'd buy a pair of cycling shorts and start calorie counting, you'll fit in those old clothes before you know it.
#16
I need more cowbell.
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I hope that you were able to stay away from the coffin nails, you were working on quitting them as I remember a few years back, when you had gotten the Masi.
Lots of new folks around the place now, it will be nice to have another of the old gang back around the place. stick around regardless of how things are going, we can help you get back in the groove.
Bill
Lots of new folks around the place now, it will be nice to have another of the old gang back around the place. stick around regardless of how things are going, we can help you get back in the groove.
Bill
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#17
I need more cowbell.
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It feels SOOOOO good to reconnect with you folks and this forum. Thanks to EVERYONE who responded; it's all great advice. I took out all my old jerseys and bibs and such, and the good news is they all still fit! Washed 'em up and gave 'em proper hangers like they deserve.
I'm going to get the Globe all tuned up and start with that. I'm going to leave any Garmins or other cyclometers at home for now and not even think too much about how far I went, or how fast I went, etc. I just want to reconnect with the joy of riding.
I helped a friend move this week, and her new neighbor across the street appears to do some wrenching in his garage (two people came up and dropped off bikes today, for example). I'll see if he wants to get the Globe up and running, and then I'll start my new program. I think all I really need to buy is a new helmet; I have the old one but it feels a little dried up.
This just feels so good. Thanks, all.
PS: And yes, WHITE bike reports. The best kind.
I'm going to get the Globe all tuned up and start with that. I'm going to leave any Garmins or other cyclometers at home for now and not even think too much about how far I went, or how fast I went, etc. I just want to reconnect with the joy of riding.
I helped a friend move this week, and her new neighbor across the street appears to do some wrenching in his garage (two people came up and dropped off bikes today, for example). I'll see if he wants to get the Globe up and running, and then I'll start my new program. I think all I really need to buy is a new helmet; I have the old one but it feels a little dried up.
This just feels so good. Thanks, all.
PS: And yes, WHITE bike reports. The best kind.
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Proud member of the original Club Tombay
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#18
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Hey DeeGee! A few of us are still hanging around. Didn't you used to have a "Ruby"? Seems like you enjoyed a lot of miles on her on the bike paths.
__________________
Ride your Ride!!
Ride your Ride!!
#19
Don't mince words
Deeg! I thought you quit us and we'd never see you again. So glad you're back!
So, yeah, just ride. I've put on weight as well, and don't like it, but I ride every chance I get; it will get me more healthy and fit and then my bike clothes won't be so tight.
The answers to most of life's problems it to ride your bike.
#20
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Bill
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I Can Do All Things Through Him, Who Gives Me Strength. Philippians 4:13
Semper Fi, USMC, 1975-1977
I Can Do All Things Through Him, Who Gives Me Strength. Philippians 4:13
#21
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Welcome back! Like they said, just start riding around, a little at a time, and keep it fun.
Oh, RacerEx has also moved to Reno. He'll show you the ropes whenever you're ready.
Oh, RacerEx has also moved to Reno. He'll show you the ropes whenever you're ready.
#22
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when I feel like a newbie I pack the bike on the car and take a shakeout ride on a paved trail w/o cars. good confidence builder cuz there's usually a little kid or wheelchair I can pass ...
#23
Senior Member
#24
Senior Member
Just go ride and let the rest sort itself out. Good to see you again.
#25
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+1, Just ride. let your hill climbing ability and traffic fear choose the routes, and your legs the distance. Later, you can go faster, climb higher, and ride farther along more interesting roads or trails. but all bike rides start with a single turn of the cranks.
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Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
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FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.