Bicycle riding basics

[imported_Imp]

So it's been over 10 years since I've been on a bike. Even when I was 10-ish, the most I ever did was ride around the backyard, and never went on to the street or to parks. Haven't cared much since then, but recently, I got interested in it again thanks to the motorcycle I can't afford(in blood or money). Two weeks ago, I went to the bike shop down the street and got them to build me a 15" (ya, I'm short), and just picked it up an hour ago; bought VERY local so I could wheel it back easily.

My balance is absolute crap right now, and I am living proof that you can forget how to ride a bicycle. Going to relearn and shame myself at a local park for the next few weeks. However, I still know nothing about maintenance, basic riding techniques and the things to never do. So, please offer any advice on the above and what to watch out for.

Thanks.

 

[Alone]

Sit on the seat, put your feet on the pedals then push.

You are now an expert.

 

[intogamer]

Training wheels?

 

[Cerpin Taxt]

The property that makes balancing on a bicycle easier is the gyroscopic action of the wheels.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gyroscope
http://230nsc1.phy-astr.gsu.ed...mechanics/bicycle.html

It follows, then, that the faster you can get the wheels going, the easier it will be to balance on them.

Wear a helmet.

 

[Cerpin Taxt]

And now I must retract my previous claim.

http://www.losethetrainingwhee...fault.aspx?Lev=2&ID=34

 

[bctbct]

its like riding a bike...err nm

 

[IronWing]

Buy spandex and clicky shoes, ride right down the middle of the lane regardless of traffic conditions, disregard all traffic laws (you are being green so laws don't apply), and you're good to go.


<---- Used to bike 100+ miles/week in urban traffic and never owned a stitch of spandex or clicky shoes.


On a serious note: do wear a helmet. As your brain ages it gets less tolerant of blows. What made you cry as a kid can kill you as an adult.

 

[George P Burdell]

Well, you're not going to learn by sitting on your ass and posting on ATOT. Get out there and have at it!

 

[imported_Imp]

Originally posted by: George P Burdell
Well, you're not going to learn by sitting on your ass and posting on ATOT. Get out there and have at it!

But it's getting dark, only two hours till sun down, and I'm tired.

lol. Think I'll be dead in 10 minutes if I went right now and took any of the advice so given far. Also, I will wear a helmet and ahem, trying to find some knee pads to go under jeans; my wrecked knees just healed.

 

[George P Burdell]

Originally posted by: Imp

Originally posted by: George P Burdell
Well, you're not going to learn by sitting on your ass and posting on ATOT. Get out there and have at it!

But it's getting dark, only two hours till sun down, and I'm tired.

lol. Think I'll be dead in 10 minutes if I went right now and took any of the advice so given far. Also, I will wear a helmet and ahem, trying to find some knee pads to go under jeans; my wrecked knees just healed.

That's it. You just lost your man card for the day.