Am I crazy?? I just bought a bike!!!

I have been wanting a bike for sometime, but am I ready for one??  I haven't been on a bike since middle school.  (maybe??)  I am sure it's not going to be like my recumbant bike that stays in one place, this one will do down the road..  The twins have really been into bike riding since they turned 4, and I can't keep up with them on foot.. So I took the plunge and bought a bike this morning..  Walmart, had a nice Schwinn for $99.00 with hand breaks and gears.  It's red a white will a little tray for carrying something on the back.. I am sure I will look like Riding Ms Daisy or something, but I hope I like it..

Any pointers??  Did anyone else pick up bike riding after being overweight and after many years?  I have not clue but I am going to take the plunge..LOL..

Thanks,
Sheila

I haven't taken the plunge yet but I did at one time enjoy biking.  My DH and I both had bikes after we first got married and rode them a lot.  I haven't been on one since....  I do have a recumbant bike but that's all.  I know Debra and some others ride since WLS.  I think you'll enjoy riding with your kiddos and what great exercise especially when the weather is nice.

Thanks Debbie for chiming in, I am really looking forward to getting out and riding it.. It's still in back of the car, I may go over to the park just to get on it and peddle and see how I do.. nothing like buying without trying it out first..

Thanks,
Sheila

I think biking and swimming are two of the best things you can do for weight loss, your joints, and your heart.  It also lifts the spirit.

If it's been awhile, take it slow.  First ride a bit to see how far you can ride.  It helps to do this in circles or around a few blocks or something like that-it totally sucks to hit the end of your rope on a straight line out-because then you have to make it back. 

If you get off to rest, be sure and stretch a bit before climbing back on the bike-your muscles will stiffen after just a few minutes of rest.

I put it in an easy gear and leave it there while I work out getting familiar with balance, breaks, etc.  Later on you will use the gears to get up hills and raise your heart rate, but in the beginning, just get comfortable with your bike!

Make sure you know which brake is the back wheel brake, and use it-keep your hand off the front wheel brake until you are more familiar with the bike.

Have fun! 

I'm envious!  One of my goals is to be able to ride a bike again.  I was hoping to get enough tax refund to do it but, alas, Uncle Sam took the right amount and I'm left with little.

I grew up out in the country.  The roads were paved but it was spray tar and gravel.  I rode all over that place!  I even road in to town a bunch of times!  I miss it and hope to one day feel the exhiliration of riding a bicycle again!

I used to ride as a kid, but I used to do alot of things I don't do anymore, Being in the military, we lost many items in the moves and the bikes seemed to be some of those items. I prefered my horse to the bike, since I lived 3 miles south of town. I used to ride my horse to town in Minco, and go to the local Dairy Boy to get a coke....I even dragged main on my horse.....If I had a horse now, I'd be in heaven!! Of couse the city might complain about having one of those in my back yard.
My kids have bikes, so if I get into the mood, I can go borrow theirs to see what I think...In the meantime.....GreyCe and I walk.

 I get a little further down and I want to try riding again. I lived in the country (no paved roads for 3 miles ) and as a kid up till a teenager I rode every where.