I did it.

I had been saying I wanted to get a basic coaster bike (for you young'uns- you use your petals to brake with, not hand brakes )  So, last night I told my DGD that I was going to go bike riding   this afternoon. Her comment was, but Gramma, you don't have a bike. So, I told her no, I didn't ,yet, but I would have one as soon as we could get to Walmart this morning. I now own a shiny new blue bike. I even bought a fanny pack for it, to hold water, keys, ect. I guess I won't fall on my face and make a fool of myself, just because I haven't ridden in 40 years. So, I am going to mustered up some shorts, and some sneakers, and go fo a ride. Hugs

I hope you have the most awesome ride of your life!

Oh Lisa, terrific.  Earl fixed up my "old" Schwinn (circa 1964), I have tried riding it on our 15x20 patio not too sccessfully, but was afraid to try it on the street in our neighborhood. Afraid I might fall, Afraid the neighbors might see me fall, afraid I couldn;t ride it. Afraid other people would laugh at me being so fat trying to ride a bike. But Today I did it!! My dear sweet hubby took the granddaughters and me and our bikes to the park in Frankfort, where I don't know anybody and just encouraged me to try and I did!! I feel like I ran a marathan. Now I'm not afraid anymore.  Have fun....it was such a terrific feeling riding the bike.  Hugs, paulette

I like the little man on the bike! I got me a new bike about 2 weeks ago and I have been riding every evening and going about 6 miles! I am so proud of you! Let us know how your ride goes!!! I have  along term summer goal but not sure if its atainable. Thats to show up at my moms house and it 18 miles away, I just might need her to bring me back home! LOL!  Oh well time will tell!  Happy Pedeling!!!!!! karen

Well. my first ride yesterday ended almost before it began. I  took a fall  as soon as I pedaled off. No I didn't get hurt, I just layed it down, and I landed on the grass. I was laughting so hard I couldn't get up, so DGD went next door to get the neighbor. Today, at sometime I will have my DD here, and she said she would help me. What happpened to the old saying once you learn how to ride you never forget. I really think thats for young poeple. But, I won't give up. I really enjoyed riding all over when I was younger, and even after I was married.  Karen, you will do that ride to your Moms this summer. It  ain't over yet! Paulette, I am so glad Earl supports you on the riding a bike, Mine wants nothing to do with it. He really didn't want me to buy one, but as usual, I do what I want. He will come around ar he won't, I bought it for me, not him.  Hugs

Lisa, sorry you took a tumble, glad you didn't get hurt. You will get it and ride it! I am real wobbly getting started and today my butt hurts like  #%$^&&**$#, my knees and legs are a little sore, what was funny was that I feel it in my arms too. Must be from trying to keep the bike going straight LOL! I can just imagine how it looks when I ride but WTH, I'm still going to do it because it was so much fun!  Sami (4) said "yea, Nana, you're doing it!!  Good Job!) I laughed so hard I almost fell! Have fun! hugs, paulette

Okay, here's the truth of the matter!  Ten years ago I was riding about 30 miles a day and 100 miles on the weekends.  I rode from Minnesota to Chicago in 5 days!  Then I was diagnosed with diabetes and I stopped riding.  Last year I decided to do the MS Bike ride which was 25 miles a day for 2 days and I thought I was going to die!  Now I'm at about 10 miles at a time when I get a chance and it's not too bad.  I've only ridden once since my surgery, but I figure that it will take me a bit of time to build back up to 30 miles a day, if ever!  I have found the secret is to have fun and enjoy the ride.  If it feels like work, it probably is and you won't go very far.  Also, ride at a pace that is challenging but comfortable.  Most people either feel like they need to race, or they go too slow.  Going too slow is actually more work than going at an even pace.  And lastly, there's nothing magical about gears!  Coaster bikes are great!  They've been the norm for over a hundred years!  In all my riding, I think I've done most of it in 1 or 2 gears!!!