Any bike riders out there?

Asked this on the exercise board but no replies...

So- My husband and I decided to get new bikes for christmas and today was the first time on one since I was probably 10-11. I'm having trouble with balance, and trouble because it seems the pedals are high up and i have to rely on my balance to use the pedals.

I bought a firsmstrong cruiser bike with pedal brakes so getting used to using the pedals is a must I guess- lol

I was only able to ride in my driveway because I was too scared to go on the road. I did get a helmet to protect my noggin.

I'm sure I looked like a hot mess to passersby, but for some reason this is harder than I thought it would be.

Any tips for bike riders??

I am not an avid biker or anything -- but I did want to share with you that I had a similar experience when I first started riding again.  I had bought a bike while obese, and really never used it because frankly, it was just too difficult to maneuver.  When I'd lost about my first 100 lbs, I thought I could join my husband and son on a short bike ride.

Well, I'd been a bit overconfident, I am afraid.  I felt like an idiot as my balance was pretty shaky.  I started by riding just in my driveway and on our street, but I did feel a bit embarrassed.  They say that you never forget how to ride a bike.  Well, I hadn't forgotten, but my muscle memory must have had dementia.  

Long story short, after a few times, it really did all come back to me.  I am now confident riding and have taken some pretty lengthy trips with my family.  It's still not my activity of choice or anything -- but I am not goofy anymore!  I do it more for the great company than anything else.

Glad to hear this.

I looked like a 6 year old trying to ride in the driveway last night. the handlebars were shaking and I felt like I couldn't keep my feet on the pedals because my balance would be off. Can't really ride the bike pedaling my feet on the concrete I suppose.

Need to keep practicing since apparently my husband is really good- he just got on there like it had not been over 20+ years. But he rode all through his teenage years.

That's because husbands are asshats.  They also lose 10 pounds skipping lunch.  

It's very common that first year after surgery to have balance issues while just walking or standing. So riding a bike isn't like when you were 10. But you'll get there.

I told my mom about it- she laughed and said- you were never really good at riding a bike.

But it doesn't mean that I can't get better than I was when I was 10!

Just keep trying, just keep trying!

Relearning balance takes practice and confidence. However, also make sure bike is set up correctly for you. Height of pedals need to feel right. I suggest going to a bike store and have them explain 'right fit'. Good luck. 

I got myself a new bike last summer and I struggled mightily.  LOL  I said at the time that riding a bike was definitely NOT like riding a bike.  I expect to have the same kind of difficulty this year, too.

Thanks for bringing this up! Hubby and I were looking at bikes in Walmart the other day but it has been so long since I rode one that I am not so sure. However if it would get him to exercise too,I could probably be persuaded!

We like to go to the beach and with my DH's bad back, the bike would likely be good for him.

They have nice flat paved sidewalks there for bikers and it would be so fun!

We are also going to relearn how to swim once the class opens in april