Feeling clumsy
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Missouri
Posts: 2
Bikes: Schwinn Sidewinder
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Feeling clumsy
So just got back on a bike today after 14 years. Felt so clumsy. I only fell once. How long did it take you to feel confident on your bike after a long time not riding? I know it takes time, but I want to see how long it took you. I do feel like I was better than I thought. Rode up and down the street several times. Lol. This forum is so positive. I feel so motivated.
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 119
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 27 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Keep the wheels turning, you will get back on it before you know it.
Just a quick fyi... the slower you go the harder to balance yourself up, also check your air pressure.
welcome back👍🏻
Just a quick fyi... the slower you go the harder to balance yourself up, also check your air pressure.
welcome back👍🏻
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Michigan
Posts: 166
Bikes: Volkscycle, Trek Fx3, Specialized Hard Rock
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 33 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
Well, it didn’t take me long to “feel confident” after not riding for a few years. The problem isn’t feeling confident, it’s balance. So, about the time I feel confident, I have lost my balance and that is painful not to mention embarrassing. But, after a few rides, my focus tends to be further ahead of me to watch for those places along the way that can cause me to crash, especially when I’m clipped in. Unpredictable soft dirt and/or sand can really cause problems. Just keep at it and you’ll be fine and also glad you’re riding your bike.
#4
Full Member
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Laval, Quebec, Canada
Posts: 406
Bikes: 2015 Ghost Panamao X3; 2015 Specialized Diverge Comp Carbon
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 63 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Just go somewhere that provides a soft landing, just in case, look where you want to go, not at your front wheel, and go faster than slower. You'll be fine.
#5
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Brewster, MA
Posts: 161
Bikes: Bianchi Boardwalk, Specialized Roubaix, Dahon Speed D7, Specialized Roll Elite, Pedego City Commuter Platinum
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 43 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
So just got back on a bike today after 14 years. Felt so clumsy. I only fell once. How long did it take you to feel confident on your bike after a long time not riding? I know it takes time, but I want to see how long it took you. I do feel like I was better than I thought. Rode up and down the street several times. Lol. This forum is so positive. I feel so motivated.
But you’ll be surprised how quickly you become adept at controlling the bike. Good luck!
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 3,947
Bikes: Trek 1100 road bike, Roadmaster gravel/commuter/beater mountain bike
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2281 Post(s)
Liked 1,710 Times
in
936 Posts
When I got back on a bike 3 years ago, I think I was pretty nervous having not ridden for several years. But I don't think it took long before I felt like an old pro. Now I feel pretty comfortable on a bike.
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 199
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 42 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
3 Posts
I don’t feel clumsy, I am clumsy. Just keep going and it’ll get better. Even my extremely accident prone self has gotten use to riding with out feeling like I’m going to topple over. If I can do it, I swear almost anyone can.