BIke Breakthrough

mattierocks - 2009-07-17 1:26 PM So, I remember a thread a while back with someone talking about how they hated cycling because they didn't feel like their skills were improving, so I wanted to share this as, hopefully, a little encouragement.

I'll go ahead and admit this part now, I just started riding a bike in spring of 2008 (March). Started from scratch, as in, never learned to ride as a kid. I had to pick it up at age 28/29 at 6'2" and 260 pounds! Much more painful!

Anyway, I shared the frustration that I could never take my hands off the handlebars without swerving violently all over the road! Little by little I started taking my hands off for a split second and putting them back on really fast...

Then, just this past weekend, somehow I was able to take my hand off for a couple of real seconds, and realized I wouldn't necessarily tip over instantly! Then I was able to wipe my forehead, unzip my jersey, etc.

Last night I was riding and I was able to take my hand off to grab my camelbak mouthpiece, to drink while I was still riding. First time.

At any rate, I realize this is not a big deal to folks who have been doing this forever, but for anyone who is terrified of taking their hands off the bars... Never fear, there is hope! It just takes a little patience (and courage!).

I still can't drink from a water bottle while riding, but I'm sure that's only a matter of a little more time.

Thanks for reading!

noelle1230 - 2009-07-17 1:41 PM

It was me!  I was explaining why the bike is my nemesis.  I feel like I have to spend more time on the bike than I do on any other physical endeavor only to see less result.  Most people suggested that perhaps my negative attitude toward biking was the culprit.

I took that advice to heart over the last several weeks and though I've noticed only a small difference in speed, I have noticed a big improvement in how I feel about my rides.  Like the OP is saying, sometimes your mindset is your biggest obstacle.