Things I Learned After Riding a Bike For the First Time in 20 Years

Got my new bike for Christmas today and couldn't wait to take it for a spin.  The only problem was that this is the first time I have ridden a bike (other than the stationary bike in the gym) in 20 years.  Lessons I learned included: 

1.  Balance does not come right back to you, especially if something goes wrong.

2.  Helmets are not optional - see lesson number 1.

3.  Padded bike shorts are not optional. 

4.  Tie your shoes so that the laces can not get caught in the chain - see lesson number 1.

5.  Riding up hills is much more difficult than on the stationary bike at the gym - see lesson number 1.

6.  Riding down hills is not as easy as it looks - see lesson number 1.

7.  Gravity sucks! - see lessons number 1, 5, 6

Anybody else have any lessons I need to watch for before I learn the hard way?