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Beginner Cyclist

Started by speleojunky · · Last activity · 10 posts · 1,613 views

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01 / Original postBeginner Cyclistspeleojunky · 6 Aug 2007 02 / This pagePosts 1–10Page 1 of 1 · chronological order 03 / Latest replyPost #10BornInZion · 7 Aug 2007

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Original section
Bike Cafe
Published
6 August 2007
Last activity
7 August 2007
Original author
speleojunky
Posts
10
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Public discussion
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1,613
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Topics
Night ridingBike lightsCadenceCommutingCycling clothingGroup ridingReturning after a long break

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  1. Original post
    speleojunky
    Archived post
    #1

    Hi all,

    I'm Sherrye, from New Jersey. I just started cycling and am riding a mountain bike I bought about 15 years ago that sat in my garage this whole time. I want to start road cycling, can't afford a new bike, so I had the seat raised to road cycling height and will eventually get new tires that are more suitable. In the mean time, the guy at the bike shop said my bike is in really good shape so there is no need to get a new one right now.

    Anyway, I'm starting to just do some easy rides in my neighborhood and I'm doing really well, although I am still nervous about riding on busy streets, especially where cars are parked along the side, and I have to ride into traffic. My average speed is about 11 mph. I don't know what experienced road cyclisists pedal at.

    Does anyone have any advice for me about riding in the busier streets so I can become more confident and feel more comfortable? Are there any web pages that have good advice for road cyclists riding in traffic?

    Sherrye

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  2. e0richt
    Archived post
    #2
    speleojunky said:

    Hi all,

    I'm Sherrye, from New Jersey. I just started cycling and am riding a mountain bike I bought about 15 years ago that sat in my garage this whole time. I want to start road cycling, can't afford a new bike, so I had the seat raised to road cycling height and will eventually get new tires that are more suitable. In the mean time, the guy at the bike shop said my bike is in really good shape so there is no need to get a new one right now.

    Anyway, I'm starting to just do some easy rides in my neighborhood and I'm doing really well, although I am still nervous about riding on busy streets, especially where cars are parked along the side, and I have to ride into traffic. My average speed is about 11 mph. I don't know what experienced road cyclisists pedal at.

    Does anyone have any advice for me about riding in the busier streets so I can become more confident and feel more comfortable? Are there any web pages that have good advice for road cyclists riding in traffic?

    Sherrye


    well heres one
    bikexprt.comindex.htm

    you might also pick up "the art of cycling" by robert hurst...

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  3. pistole
    Archived post
    #3
    speleojunky said:

    I'm Sherrye, from New Jersey

    - Hi Sherrye.

    🙂

    .

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  4. e0richt
    Archived post
    #4
    pistole said:

    - Hi Sherrye.

    🙂

    .


    so what part of jersey are you in? if you are in the south jersey area there are club rides that you might be interested in...

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  5. speleojunky
    Archived post
    #5
    e0richt said:

    so what part of jersey are you in? if you are in the south jersey area there are club rides that you might be interested in...

    Hi everyone,

    Thanks for the posts. I'm in North/Central Jersey. South Jersey is kind of far for me.

    Sherrye

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  6. Sparhawk
    Archived post
    #6

    There are a couple web sites to check if you are planning a ride to try to find some less crowded roads.

    If you aren't too far from it, the Paulinskill Valley Rail Trail is a nice ride (the Sussex Branch Line intersects with it too)... it isn't paved, but you aren't climbing hills or going over lots of rocks. And there are no cars. It's shared by joggers, bikers, and horses. Here is a link for it: bikekinetix.compaulinskill rt.php

    You can also check out another biker friendly map web site for road biking in NJ: njbikemap.comnjbikemap.com

    Hope it helps... enjoy riding!

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  7. brandenjs
    Archived post
    #7

    Hi Sherrye, I'm fairly new to road riding also. The only advise I can give you for busy streets is to wear the most visible clothing you can get. The farther away they can see you the better. I don't worry too much about average speeds right now. I ride at my pace and cadence that I'm comfortable with. Over time they will increase as strength and stamina increases. Your signature gives me the idea that you are a spelunker also. I've been known to frequent some caves myself...Jeff

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  8. p38lightning
    Archived post
    #8

    Sherrye part of staying safe on the road is being seen by motorists. This means wearing bright colors (that's why cycle jerseys are so loud!), having reflectors for low light or night riding, perhaps even a safety vest. Many riders advise using flashing light emitting diode based front lights and tail lights even during the day. LED lights have long battery life so expense is minimized. These are of course essential for night riding.

    Also use hand signals to let drivers know when you are making turns. If stopped at a light if you are continuing to go straight, look for drivers who are signaling for a right turn, catch their eye and use a little "sign language" so that they know what you are doing.

    I also encourage you to visit the Commuting and Road Safety forum here on cycling forums.

    Report
  9. e0richt
    Archived post
    #9
    p38lightning said:

    Sherrye part of staying safe on the road is being seen by motorists. This means wearing bright colors (that's why cycle jerseys are so loud!), having reflectors for low light or night riding, perhaps even a safety vest. Many riders advise using flashing light emitting diode based front lights and tail lights even during the day. LED lights have long battery life so expense is minimized. These are of course essential for night riding.

    Also use hand signals to let drivers know when you are making turns. If stopped at a light if you are continuing to go straight, look for drivers who are signaling for a right turn, catch their eye and use a little "sign language" so that they know what you are doing.

    I also encourage you to visit the Commuting and Road Safety forum here on cycling forums.


    you might try this for some route information

    amazon.com104 7240209 2944755

    I have an earlier version of this book and found it to be useful...

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  10. BornInZion
    Archived post
    #10

    Don't get upset if they honk at you: it means they see you! 😉

    Report

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