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#174362 - 02/12/09 02:38 AM
Re: Orchid, I need a "starter bike."
[Re: chatty lady]
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Registered: 01/21/07
Posts: 3675
Loc: British Columbia, Canada
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What would be the real reason for not wearing a bike helmet, dancer?
Even the most experienced cyclist/racer/competitor has fallen off their bike. And many people I know personally who have fallen off, their helmet has touched the ground, when helmet on their head.
This the same advice I would give to any woman:
Make sure your bike fits you. The geometry of many bikes aren't oriented for women who have shorter arms than men, shorter torsos, etc. I would recommend renting a bike and helmet included for 1 hr. or when looking at bikes to buy, ask store to allow you to test ride up the block.
You need bike that puts you in a more upright position. A hybrid bike. Handlebar width should be the width of your shoulders. Have you ever ridden a bike with gears before? Ask a bike store. Each person needs a different sized bike, with an adjustable saddle/seat for height differences.
When seated still on bike, your foot should be able to touch the ground, with a slight bend in knee. I would recommend a hybrid bike. Not a mountain bike, most of the cheaper ones are too heavy and no point, unless you are bouncing around on off-road bumpy trails.
Keep us posted.
And chatty, how often have you gone out so far on your bike?
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#174476 - 02/13/09 04:10 AM
Re: Orchid, I need a "starter bike."
[Re: chatty lady]
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Registered: 01/21/07
Posts: 3675
Loc: British Columbia, Canada
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I have spoken to several residents here and plan to start a biking club to begin in April, called the PEDAL PUSHERS. I want to have shirts made for us too once its off the ground. Fabulous chatty. I'm sure you will end up going out further on bike..one tends to when sharing fun with others. Who knows maybe odd carpooling here and there. Save on gas cost.. I have an invite to bike with a couple younger women in a few weeks. The oldest is at least 1 decade younger than I. Others are even younger. We'll see when this gels together. I just don't know these gals. And I know 1 of them is a much stronger rider...and quite fit...she does jog half-marathons as well.  She is 2 decades younger than I, nearly the age of my niece.
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#174499 - 02/13/09 03:01 PM
Re: Orchid, I need a "starter bike."
[Re: orchid]
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Registered: 11/24/06
Posts: 2930
Loc: Belfast/Northern Ireland
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i bough a bike after a chat with orcchid on heer last summer dancer and i still got it and it is a girls hybride, front suspension but not at back. I followed her advice and the first one i chose wase't right and good job i could return and exchange! despite a short trip around the block! I didn't suspension at back as i needed to fit a child seat for lucien and can't fit them with back suspension. It was like sitting on air. However i am ok with not having back suspensiuon and also having a backe injury, (gears really help) I did pay a little more for an aluminium frame and i can lift it off of the ground easily when needed. try for one with a built in side stand or get one fitted, silly but it helps via convience. The gears need't be complicated and eaiy to get used to with a bit of practice...they make all the diffrense to how hard it is to ride... oh a soft sadle, can buy updates or upgreades if you want. it saves on bike saddle burn and makes a diffrence when you first start or haven't been on it in a while....you know what i mean! and id second the use a helmut (you rebel lol)...it feels great wind in haire and all but i make L weer his and its saved him too, especiallie him! who corners at 90 millon miles an hour on stabilisers!!!and tips ! let us know how you got on 
_________________________
"Our attitude either gets in the way or creates a way," Sam Glenn
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#174640 - 02/14/09 10:13 PM
Re: Orchid, I need a "starter bike."
[Re: Dotsie]
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Registered: 01/21/07
Posts: 3675
Loc: British Columbia, Canada
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That's great celtic. I agree buying and riding a bike that is made of lighter materials is helpful. And having gears truly can make a ride more enjoyable.
As for gear-fear....please get over this, ladies. If you can use all sort of computer software, sew a complicated piece of clothing, you can learn to use gears. Liberate yourself abit by making your life/body easier while you are biking.
Ask bike store when they allow you test ride a new bike, your relatives or another female cyclist that you may meet along the way. Just don't stop a female cyclist who is rolling along (this would annoy any goal-oriented cyclist that is cycling with a clear purpose) ..choose one who is just hanging out by a coffee shop or sitting down in park with her bike. You can tell how they are dressed, that they would know how to use their bike gears. You don't need to use the full range of gears. But be not afraid of switching gears 10-25 times during a 1-2 hr. ride. This is part of the secret to a more enjoyable and smoother ride without killing your knees or making yourself ready to collapse from exhaustion.
When I reach an intersection, I switch to an easier gear because when I need to restart on bike after stopping, I can pedal more smoothly and lightly in the start-up without grinding up with effort. Then as soon as you get past middle of road intersection, you switch to a higher gear to go faster rest of the way.
If you are overstretched on the bike, then the bike is too long/big for you. One should not also rock from side to side when cycling. A sign also that the bike is too bike for you. It is not good for one's hips/lower back.
I'm actually picky when I rent a bike or ride other people's bikes, simply because I am short and small, hence difficult to fit alot of average bikes out there.
A saddle that can be adjustable up and down is helpful. Also if the nose (front of saddle) can be adjusted for angle, ie. sometimes adjusting a tiny fraction with nose downward, will not make the seat hard on crotch.
Do not choose a saddle too wide nor a heavy saddle. All of this adds to the total weight of bike...and you will regret it if you do begin to use bike abit more often and want to go farther or up little hills. Saddles that are too wide, actually get in the way between the legs if you are riding for a while.
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#174660 - 02/15/09 12:36 AM
Re: Orchid, I need a "starter bike."
[Re: yonuh]
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Registered: 04/15/07
Posts: 1341
Loc: Sweden
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Orchid..very interested in your answer here..
I learned how to a ride a bike as a kid..but a car drove into me and my bike..with my daughter sitting on the back of it..the car was going quite slow..but it was a SHOCK!!!! I didn´t get on my bike for a while after this as the man had driven into my leg and I got an extra difficult period at the time. My daughter..thank God was ok..I mean really ok.
But now I would like to ride again..so maybe I am like yonuh?
How do you get on a bike again? I better mention that I am 61.
_________________________
"some sacred place.."
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#174667 - 02/15/09 02:22 AM
Re: Orchid, I need a "starter bike."
[Re: humlan]
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Registered: 01/21/07
Posts: 3675
Loc: British Columbia, Canada
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http://bicycling.about.com/b/2008/05/30/whats-a-hybrid-bike-and-why-would-i-want-one.htm A hybrid bike combines best of both worlds –sturdiness and comfort of a mountain bike, but with more lightness (in weight) and speed (more than mountain bike). Tires are not as knobby nor as fat as mountain bike. But hybrid bike tires aren’t as skinny as racing bikes, hence you don’t feel paranoid going over railway tracks or streetcar tracks. Try lifting the bike..to test the lightness of the bike also. http://www.venusbikes.com/comms/srv.a4d?f_pg=sizecharts_bikes.htm This illustrates proper positioning on bike. Please look at the slight bend of the knee in the illustration. When you are seated on bike, only the toes of your foot should touch ground, not flat foot. That means the bike/saddle is too low. It might feel safer to start off with seat lower, but your knees will feel “tight” and over a longer distance your knees will get killed. When I become more familiar with a new bike that fits me and become a stronger rider, I actually raise my seat a tiny bit, so that my legs have more overall room to turn the pedals..but still with my legs slightly bent when riding comfortably. In the above illustration, a bike too long, means the distance between saddle and handlebar is too long and a woman’s body is overstretched. It would also help that you have handlebar set that can be adjusted at different angles. It’s ok to have shoulder width, dancer. I doubt your shoulders are as wide as a football player. Any experienced cyclist cannot stress enough the value of a properly fitted bike..otherwise people won’t ride the bike again. Your body will thank you for it and you will want to bike more often / further when you have bike where your body is relaxed and having fun. Of course, going up hills is a challenge. Always try on quiet route with hills. This is where gears are helpful. I’m not promoting any brand. REI is a sporting goods and clothing U.S. chain that has stuff for all sports for everyone. I ‘ve given illustrations of hybrid bikes below. http://www.rei.com/product/760846http://www.marinbikes.com/2009/ca/bikes/bikes_series_city.phpThere are also folding bikes…for taking into car or onto bus/train easier. An option for yonuh or humlan...one day. http://www.en.r-m.de/products/productfinder/faltgenie/birdy/ My partner has one. (He has 3 bikes: also a hybrid, he also has touring bike which has dropped down curved handlebars.) I’m almost tempted. Look at how convenient this is, abit pricey but you http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mSWrI3ID...laynext_from=PLI actually have 3 bikes. (My first bike at 31 after not biking for many years, costed me $350.00CAN. Probably put on over 30,000 kms. over 9 yrs. on bike –all over town, bike trips and to work. I gave that to a sister which…I borrow whenever I visit my family every few years. :D) Right now, I have a beat up, used hand mountain bike..which was bought when I visited my partner when he lived and worked in Calgary for 2 yrs. I would leave the bike there at his place. It’s too small for me but I wanted something cheap and doesn’t have enough gears for me to deal with hills. (only 12 speed) But I keep it for guests. 2nd bike is hybrid and I used for about 5 years but always found it abit too big and whole gearing ratios abit sluggish. My 3rd bike is a hybrid, is my lightest bike (aluminum frame), has medium width tires and not knobby and fits me best. I ride best on it. I paid $700.00CAN. That was nearly 3 yrs. ago. The first day I got onto that bike after buying it, I went nuts. I rode 90 kms. that day. Remember we don’t own any car. So bike buying to us, is still a whole lot cheaper than frequent car travel. Besides, we don't pay any fitness club fees. Fun and fitness just integrates naturally when going grocery shopping, chores etc. ...By the way, ask if the bike style will allow one to install a bike rack at the back (a bike store can tell you)....IF you should ever get motivated to do light errands with bike bag on the bike rack. You won't want to wear a knapsack on back. Too hot/heavy. Would I ride a beach cruiser? ...well in all honesty only for a few kms. and on totally flat land. If you think about it, a bike with no gears is for a strong competent/fit bike rider. The bike rider has no gears to help them go up and down hills. There are is a fun cult of bike owners/riders who have fixies...bikes that have no gears...and no hand brakes, you just use your foot. Really for adults, that takes serious overall fitness. Children of course, don't know any better. Do yourself a favour, take time to try and shop around for a bike that fits with gearing. It can take months....meanwhile you can save up some money for the bike you want. And buy a U lock for bike. Otherwise you frequently worry about it ..
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#174669 - 02/15/09 02:37 AM
Re: Orchid, I need a "starter bike."
[Re: orchid]
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Registered: 01/21/07
Posts: 3675
Loc: British Columbia, Canada
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http://bicycling.about.com/b/2008/05/30/whats-a-hybrid-bike-and-why-would-i-want-one.htm A hybrid bike combines best of both worlds –sturdiness and comfort of a mountain bike, but with more lightness (in weight) and speed (more than mountain bike). Tires are not as knobby nor as fat as mountain bike. But hybrid bike tires aren’t as skinny as racing bikes, hence you don’t feel paranoid going over railway tracks or streetcar tracks. Try lifting the bike..to test the lightness of the bike also. http://www.venusbikes.com/comms/srv.a4d?f_pg=sizecharts_bikes.htm This illustrates proper positioning on bike. Please look at the slight bend of the knee in the illustration. When you are seated on bike, only the toes of your foot should touch ground, not flat foot. That means the bike/saddle is too low. It might feel safer to start off with seat lower, but your knees will feel “tight” and over a longer distance your knees will get killed. When I become more familiar with a new bike that fits me and become a stronger rider, I actually raise my seat a tiny bit, so that my legs have more overall room to turn the pedals..but still with my legs slightly bent when riding comfortably. In the above illustration, a bike too long, means the distance between saddle and handlebar is too long and a woman’s body is overstretched. It would also help that you have handlebar set that can be adjusted at different angles. It’s ok to have shoulder width, dancer. I doubt your shoulders are as wide as a football player. When you are riding the bike, your arms should have a slight bend at the elbow, so that it is not stiff and when bent slightly, can take the bumps on road. I'm sure dancer you know how important it is for any sport, for the body to be alert, but limbs bent/at ease in any position in any sport. Any experienced cyclist cannot stress enough the value of a properly fitted bike..otherwise people won’t ride the bike again. Your body will thank you for it and you will want to bike more often / further when you have bike where your body is relaxed and having fun. Of course, going up hills is a challenge. Always try on quiet route with hills. This is where gears are helpful. I’m not promoting any brand. REI is a sporting goods and clothing U.S. chain that has stuff for all sports for everyone. I ‘ve given illustrations of hybrid bikes below. http://www.rei.com/product/760846http://www.marinbikes.com/2009/ca/bikes/bikes_series_city.phpThere are also folding bikes…for taking into car or onto bus/train easier. An option for yonuh or humlan...one day. http://www.en.r-m.de/products/productfinder/faltgenie/birdy/ My partner has one. (He has 3 bikes: also a hybrid, he also has touring bike which has dropped down curved handlebars.) I’m almost tempted. Look at how convenient this is, abit pricey but you http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mSWrI3ID...laynext_from=PLI actually have 3 bikes. (My first bike at 31 after not biking for many years, costed me $350.00CAN. Probably put on over 30,000 kms. over 9 yrs. on bike –all over town, bike trips and to work. I gave that to a sister which…I borrow whenever I visit my family every few years. :D) Right now, I have a beat up, used hand mountain bike..which was bought when I visited my partner when he lived and worked in Calgary for 2 yrs. I would leave the bike there at his place. It’s too small for me but I wanted something cheap and doesn’t have enough gears for me to deal with hills. (only 12 speed) But I keep it for guests. 2nd bike is hybrid and I used for about 5 years but always found it abit too big and whole gearing ratios abit sluggish. My 3rd bike is a hybrid, is my lightest bike (aluminum frame), has medium width tires and not knobby and fits me best. I ride best on it. I paid $700.00CAN. That was nearly 3 yrs. ago. The first day I got onto that bike after buying it, I went nuts. I rode 90 kms. that day. Remember we don’t own any car. So bike buying to us, is still a whole lot cheaper than frequent car travel. Besides, we don't pay any fitness club fees. Fun and fitness just integrates naturally when going grocery shopping, chores etc. ...By the way, ask if the bike style will allow one to install a bike rack at the back (a bike store can tell you)....IF you should ever get motivated to do light errands with bike bag on the bike rack. You won't want to wear a knapsack on back. Too hot/heavy. Would I ride a beach cruiser? ...well in all honesty only for a few kms. and on totally flat land. If you think about it, a bike with no gears is for a strong competent/fit bike rider. The bike rider has no gears to help them go up and down hills. There are is a fun cult of bike owners/riders who have fixies...bikes that have no gears...and no hand brakes, you just use your foot. Really for adults, that takes serious overall fitness. Children of course, don't know any better. Do yourself a favour, take time to try and shop around for a bike that fits with gearing. It can take months....meanwhile you can save up some money for the bike you want. And buy a U lock for bike. Otherwise you frequently worry about it ..
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#174671 - 02/15/09 02:41 AM
Re: Orchid, I need a "starter bike."
[Re: dancer9]
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Registered: 01/21/07
Posts: 3675
Loc: British Columbia, Canada
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Hunlam, it doesn't matter that you are older. I do know women 10 years older than you who are still biking.
If you want to be modest, to try riding someone else's bike for an hr., if bike fits in a quiet area/quiet time of day. You could always rent a bike. I think many European countries have more cycling facilities and bike paths. However I don't know Sweden. By the way, my parnter, when he was in Europe looking at cycling facilities for his biz, he did cross the bridge from Copenhagen, Denmark (where it is cycling friendly) to Malmo, Sweden.
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#174672 - 02/15/09 02:44 AM
Re: Orchid, I need a "starter bike."
[Re: dancer9]
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Registered: 01/21/07
Posts: 3675
Loc: British Columbia, Canada
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I'm impressed yonuh that you didn't ride a bike until you were 50.
I didn't learn to ride a bike until I was 11 yrs. We lived in an apartment before.
One of partner's biz partners for his cycling facility planning company, didn't learn to ride until he was around 26 yrs. old.
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#174679 - 02/15/09 04:40 AM
Re: Orchid, I need a "starter bike."
[Re: orchid]
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Registered: 01/21/07
Posts: 3675
Loc: British Columbia, Canada
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I don't know where cyclingirl is, since she is older than I, but really cycling keeps you young and full of fun. http://www.cccts.org/photos.html These photos are from a cycling organization with its membership and participants mostly over 50, several over 70 yrs. old from British Columbia. However because they cycle often, it is difficult to guess their chronological age. My partner has done 2 bike trip tours with this group so I hear of the ages of its participants. Each trip he rode about 500 kms. over 10 days. If you look at some of their bikes,...really, not all bikes are racing looking bikes at all.
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#174760 - 02/15/09 10:52 PM
Re: Orchid, I need a "starter bike."
[Re: dancer9]
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Registered: 01/21/07
Posts: 3675
Loc: British Columbia, Canada
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By the way, this example I gave, is a hybrid but with mountain bike tires. Tires are quite knobby. For my type of riding, which is not on bush trails/ dirt trails in woods, I don't need that type of stuff. Knobbiness gives you a more cushioned ride, but also it slows you down alot more. You will get impatient. http://www.rei.com/product/760846When buying a bike at bike store (not regular department store like Walmarts), you can negotiate to swap those tires for a different set. You will have to pay abit more. But there may be rm. for negotiation. Also for you dancer, it might be useful to have front suspension shocks. The shocks don't have to be expensive to help a beginner like yourself. They will dampen /soften abit of jarring when going over bumps, etc. Keep us posted when you are ready to tell us more.
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#174792 - 02/16/09 01:32 PM
Re: Orchid, I need a "starter bike."
[Re: Dotsie]
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Registered: 11/24/06
Posts: 2930
Loc: Belfast/Northern Ireland
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celtic, do you have a basket for carry8ing the ukulele? lol NO but he could sit on his seat and theirs room for him to strum away....lol. he has seneradied a wee ladie in a cafe, so he's certinly not bother with playing and going on back of bike.........sounds like a circus act in the making lol.
_________________________
"Our attitude either gets in the way or creates a way," Sam Glenn
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#174806 - 02/16/09 02:44 PM
Re: Orchid, I need a "starter bike."
[Re: orchid]
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Registered: 09/10/08
Posts: 63
Loc: Arkansas
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Orchid and others -- been away for awhile dealing with the devastating ice storm which hit Kentucky, Missouri and Arkansas on January 27. I was without power for 11 days. I was very fortunate because my insurance paid for everything. I still have two guys working to clean up my back yard. It is very sad to look at what it did to the woods in back of my home, but the home was not damaged and I am alive and well. Arkansas, along with the other states, has been declared a federal disaster area.
I agree with with all the comments Orchid has made about a "starter bike", the most important being the fit. If you are not happy with your bike when you are on it, you will not ride it very much. I started out with a hybrid and later upgraded to an ultra-light woman's road bike with 28 gears. IT FITS PERFECTLY AND IS A JOY TO RIDE. Take your time and you will find what you want.
Happy cycling.
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#174809 - 02/16/09 02:51 PM
Re: Orchid, I need a "starter bike."
[Re: humlan]
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Registered: 09/10/08
Posts: 63
Loc: Arkansas
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Humlan and Dancer - I did not take up cycling until 5 years ago at age 62. A cyclist friend kept urging me to try it and so I bought a "hybrid" (a little heavier and with knobbier tires) for about $400. After a couple rides, I was hooked, and later bought a woman's road bike and started a bike group. Best thing I ever did. A lot of it has to do with attitude. If this is something you really want to do, go for it and look at it as another adventure in your life. You meet wonderful people cycling.
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#175064 - 02/18/09 05:14 PM
Re: Orchid, I need a "starter bike."
[Re: Dotsie]
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Registered: 11/24/06
Posts: 2930
Loc: Belfast/Northern Ireland
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i had my first bike ride yesterday around my local park. myself and L up and dowen the wooded park for an hour or so, in warm bright warm warm warm lol day. springs getting closer almost time to take his stabilasiors off as he's now so fast they catapult him off his bike when cornering. Anyone any tips on how to get him to ride a bike for first time with no stabilisers
_________________________
"Our attitude either gets in the way or creates a way," Sam Glenn
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#175114 - 02/19/09 01:54 AM
Re: Orchid, I need a "starter bike."
[Re: chatty lady]
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Registered: 01/21/07
Posts: 3675
Loc: British Columbia, Canada
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Cycling does build up your leg strength-- alot I would also strongly suggest that doing abdominal exercises and doing overall stretching exercises also is beneficial to keep muscles limber. A strong abdominal core set of muscles also helps for alot of sports, including cycling.
True cycling does not require strong hand and arm strength. As long as one is properly fitted on bike and arms, plus upper body not overstretched, it's a good start.
For certain cardiovascular improvement, physical stamina and lower blood pressure is a wonderful benefit of cycling also. One doesn't realize until one does other sports.
During the years of much more cycling, my blood pressure became quite low..enough to impress doctors.
That's great dancer, there are bike paths and routes in your city. It's a great way to get back on the bike without the stress of many cars close by.
Note: On my very first bike ride after not cycling for 12 years, I only went for less than 8 miles, on flat terrain. My thigh muscles were sore. But there after I became better and better.
I did cycle today..42 kms. Beautifully sunny and about 10 degrees F above freezing. We have no snow in our area.
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#175116 - 02/19/09 02:02 AM
Re: Orchid, I need a "starter bike."
[Re: cyclinggal]
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Registered: 01/21/07
Posts: 3675
Loc: British Columbia, Canada
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Humlan and Dancer - I did not take up cycling until 5 years ago at age 62. A cyclist friend kept urging me to try it and so I bought a "hybrid" (a little heavier and with knobbier tires) for about $400. After a couple rides, I was hooked, and later bought a woman's road bike and started a bike group. Best thing I ever did. A lot of it has to do with attitude. If this is something you really want to do, go for it and look at it as another adventure in your life. You meet wonderful people cycling. Cyclinggal hope the yard looks ok / repaired (?) by now. Did it get cold in Arkansas during power outtage? That's great to start up a riding group. So how often does your bike group ride? Are most people there in your age bracket. I don't think I can have a bike with dropped down curved handlebars at this time in life..my neck would protest after a long while. People that one meets in cycling circles are usually a great bunch of people. Overall I find regular cyclists, men and women, they tend to be pragmatic but fun at heart people..leaning towards self-sufficiency and self-determination. There is something about being on the bike that encourages this type of behaviour.
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#175126 - 02/19/09 01:38 PM
Re: Orchid, I need a "starter bike."
[Re: orchid]
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Registered: 11/24/06
Posts: 2930
Loc: Belfast/Northern Ireland
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my arm can manage dancer and iv right sided nerve damage. my bike dose't over streach me but dose require that i have some weight on my arms. I have front suspension and don't bump up and dowen paths. So its cusioned enough not to be jarring. i am aching a bit and crunching and crakling all over the place since the bike ride a few days ago but i gain some more strenth and flexiability if i keep at it. besides its fun so a bit of pains ok as i be soar anyway. At lest i feel normale as theirs some couse behind the pain. and no saddle burn
_________________________
"Our attitude either gets in the way or creates a way," Sam Glenn
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#175135 - 02/19/09 02:15 PM
Re: Orchid, I need a "starter bike."
[Re: orchid]
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Registered: 09/10/08
Posts: 63
Loc: Arkansas
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Orchid - the temps dropped down to 13 degrees one night and I stayed with a friend for several nights after that. The temp in the house actually reached 38 degrees one night. Brrrrrrr.
My yard has been cleaned up, and I was very fortunate that my insurance paid for all of my losses. Still need to get a few broken branches trimmed in the trees. After it was all over, I felt that I did not function well at all for at least a week. It was undoubtedly the most stressful thing I have gone through, other than my divorce many years ago.
My bike group -- the Ozark Roadies -- bikes every Saturday starting in May through September, and some of us who are retired get together for mid-week rides. A number of the members of the Roadies are also hikers with the Ozark Society, a hiking/conservation group, and we are in the woods every Saturday from mid-Sept through April. A great balance.
I biked 28 miles Monday and hope to get another ride in this week. The high today is only going to be in the 40's with a north wind, so back to the gym.
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#175187 - 02/19/09 10:27 PM
Re: Orchid, I need a "starter bike."
[Re: chatty lady]
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Registered: 01/21/07
Posts: 3675
Loc: British Columbia, Canada
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Chatty, we have stationary bikes in our building's fitness rm. but they are not sized for me. too big, so I will get hurt. However I have not used the other option of indoor cycling training, which is to ride one's own bike on training rollers, set up in living rm. or wherever. We haven't got enough space. So if I get myself disciplined I just do stretching floor exercises. Of course, not having a car means that if we don't bike, we must get around by walking and public transit. closest station is 15 min. walk away. So minimally, one must walk 1/2 hr. if taking public transit. Not a big deal. It's all downtown. Great that you have such interest for your group!
I agree cyclinggal that hiking is a nice complementary physical activity. Admittedly we don't do as much hiking, however we live about 1/2 hr. away or so by bike to walking/hiking trails that lead up through mountain areas. have you seen any photos of Vancouver? The city skyline backs directly against local mountains.
Celtic, somthin' tells me you will need to cycle more to de-stress preparation for that job interview. Cycle as much as you can each day, who knows your cycling opportunities might be suddenly curtailed if you get that job!
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#175224 - 02/20/09 12:11 PM
Re: Orchid, I need a "starter bike."
[Re: orchid]
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Registered: 11/24/06
Posts: 2930
Loc: Belfast/Northern Ireland
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orchid de-stressing or not and that is some of the benifits, its just fun for me and fun for child on his bike.
i just wokien up some muscles that haven't done much over winter. i am enjoying it and do plann more cycling over the weekend. bit by bit i will get stronger and less achie, makes me feel normale lol.
_________________________
"Our attitude either gets in the way or creates a way," Sam Glenn
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#175314 - 02/21/09 01:21 AM
Re: Orchid, I need a "starter bike."
[Re: dancer9]
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Registered: 01/21/07
Posts: 3675
Loc: British Columbia, Canada
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would recommend celtic that you do at least a recovery ride, which either is same distance at a slower pace or less distance if you feel still abit sore. After a few days, it goes away if one does moderate cycling several times a wk. That means one is getting more fit...:) Really. Every bit helps.
Dancer, cycling in 100 C dry heat is probably more for experienced cyclists. And they probably have built up acclimization by starting off in short distances at that temp.
When I lived in Ontario, we did bike touring with fully loaded panniers (2 of them per person) in the summer. In Eastern Canada, summers can become very humid..at 100% humidex with temperatures up to 90degrees F. (except for being by the Atlantic Ocean). To deal with this and also for my regular fitness rides (and commuting to work), I would start cycling very early in the morning...meaning approx. 6:30 am or earlier. On weekend, I would be done my cycling 2 hrs. later and have the whole rest of day to enjoy. So it's not a terrible thing after all. There are ways to cope. And so early, it's lovely and more quiet with the sun rising.
Certainly for cycling on a long distance trip from city to city, it meant that we would aim to get into town by 2:00-3:00 pm with several stops along the way to sit down to eat and drink.
As a result, my body now compared to 25 yrs. ago, is more atuned to waking up naturally without an alarm clock, at aroun 6:00-7:00 am.
The interior British Columbia or Okanagan Valley is B.C.'s wine-growing region. It is also Canada's desert. Dry hot temp. in summer up to 100 degrees F. I know for me to cycle at 90 degrees F, for only 1/2 hr., I find the air searing my throat. Probably because I'm not used to it since Vancouver is beautiful warm (not hot) at moderate humidity. Temp. no more than 80 degrees F. at most. though Vancouverites born here, think it's sweltering. To me,it's just perfect summer weather for climbing long hills (if one has to do this enroute. Seattle is something like our weather.
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#175322 - 02/21/09 11:51 AM
Re: Orchid, I need a "starter bike."
[Re: orchid]
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Registered: 11/24/06
Posts: 2930
Loc: Belfast/Northern Ireland
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thanks orchid and your right a little more exercise dose help with the ach of a suffering we muscle. I can't belive i forgotten that fact! I weighttranned and swamm every day, well change activities tranned for strenth and mass one day arobic next and split body into upper and lower for workouts. i propably done to much too often and didn't give my body enough rest time. I even rember my first second wind lol i was swimmin g 60 lenths and it hit about 45-50 swam on my back for two lenths then zipped the rest of the way to the end of 60-then done another 20 lol. felt great and still loved the whole second wind experinses. Iv never been sure what couses it. but thers nuthing like excersis to make ya happie as well as all the other benifits.
_________________________
"Our attitude either gets in the way or creates a way," Sam Glenn
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#175390 - 02/22/09 01:23 AM
Re: Orchid, I need a "starter bike."
[Re: dancer9]
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Registered: 01/21/07
Posts: 3675
Loc: British Columbia, Canada
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I know how you feel chatty. My family is like you..can't swim, several siblings have tried, but they sink because they can't relax. I can't swim. I did take a mandatory few lessons in physical education class in public school. But I could only do the front float. Back float I hated because of sensation of water closing over my face.. However all my nieces and nephews know how to swim. Their mothers (my sisters) were each determined that each child learn to swim starting early in childhood. O ne of my nephews competed in Canadian provincial swimming competitions and he did train seriously for about 3 years...ie. show up at pool 5:00 am and swim 40 laps in Olymic sized pool. Yes, he became very fit (meaning wiry and lean) and worked as a lifeguard for 1-2 summers. He was so much in the chlorine water, that his dark brown hair was turning very ratty and near-honey brown-blonde, despite wearing his swimming cap. His favourite competitive swim stroke was butterfly stroke. My sister and her hubby did want find a sport for him to redirect his high energy that he loved, which in a young boy could become too easily destructive/disruptive. The results are real..he is focused young man and calm in his self-expression. (Academically strong at university). Without question exposing children to several different sports for them to try in a fun way, is important. If any parent questions the cost...they need to rethink: To create happy/fun memories of at least 1 sport...that in adulthood the person will return after decades of dormancy/non-practice for de-stressing and for health. It is a good legacy for a parent to help nurture. And such is my experience with the bike.
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#175418 - 02/22/09 05:43 PM
Re: Orchid, I need a "starter bike."
[Re: orchid]
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Registered: 04/16/07
Posts: 2411
Loc: Arizona
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You are so right, Orchid. I benefited from being a tennis player in school, a volleyball player and a swimmer, all varsity. It taught me SO much and I learned the lesson of staying with something and striving to be better. It teaches you to get along with others and to always do your personal best.
When I was an athlete in school, there were no academic requirements that athletes had to meet so I could take three of my six periods in P.E. instead of academic work. It is an improvement that now athletes are required to keep a grade average and to take academic classes more.
although I was an A student, it was not required of me, all I had to do was win to win approval of the whole school.
Still, I am so happy to have the experience of team sports that you play one on one as well. The mental discipline and the self confidence are things that one can keep for a lifetime.
I'm happy that this young man was benefited from sport. It can keep them straight, that's for sure, it did me.
Dancer9
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#175463 - 02/22/09 10:40 PM
Re: Orchid, I need a "starter bike."
[Re: orchid]
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Registered: 04/15/07
Posts: 1341
Loc: Sweden
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Thank you Orchid..your information was very helpful..I mean it. I just may give it a try..when the snow is gone. In quiet..as you suggested..doesn´t feel as hopelass as I thought..thank you. There are quite a few hardy older ladies..alot older than me biking around here in Sweden..even when its icy and cold. So..maybe not in those conditions..but yes...in the spring. Thank you
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"some sacred place.."
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#175465 - 02/22/09 10:50 PM
Re: Orchid, I need a "starter bike."
[Re: humlan]
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Registered: 04/15/07
Posts: 1341
Loc: Sweden
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Dotsie..I´ve been a runner for almost half my life..but now my knees are giving me trouble..big time..so I´ve had to give that up..probably forever. I do check in on a site for runners/walkers etc etc..and they keep telling me not to give up with my knee. I may still run anyway..but I doubt it. I loved running..I started when my daughter died..many years ago..and I loved it. I stopped now..well..a few years ago..but..it´s still there in my blood..so we´ll see. Maybe I can walk and jog someday..who knows? But if you have bad knees..I wouldn´t suggest starting to run now..biking..carefully..can be difficult for knees too..but Orchid can probably help you there. I am just realizing that I can perhaps start riding a bike again..after all these years (got hit by a car many years ago..while bike riding with my daughter on the back in a child seat). I think it´s kinda cute that you don´t do any "sport"..I mean..do we HAVE to, to be SOMEONE??? To ourselves or anyone else? You are just cute and thoroughly human. Not to mention that all that walking is actually a sport in itself!!!! Love ya!!!  PS..I need more smileys or emoticons or whatever..miss the old ones..
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"some sacred place.."
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#175480 - 02/23/09 12:39 AM
Wow hunlan..from Orchid, I need a "starter bike."
[Re: humlan]
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Registered: 01/21/07
Posts: 3675
Loc: British Columbia, Canada
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Dotsie..I´ve been a runner for almost half my life..but now my knees are giving me trouble..big time..so I´ve had to give that up..probably forever. I do check in on a site for runners/walkers etc etc..and they keep telling me not to give up with my knee. I may still run anyway..but I doubt it. I loved running..I started when my daughter died..many years ago..and I loved it. I stopped now..well..a few years ago..but..it´s still there in my blood..so we´ll see. Maybe I can walk and jog someday..who knows? ............................................................ I think it´s kinda cute that you don´t do any "sport"..I mean..do we HAVE to, to be SOMEONE??? To ourselves or anyone else? You are just cute and thoroughly human. Not to mention that all that walking is actually a sport in itself!!!! Agree that walking is most definitely a sport. Wow, humlan you never mentioned your running history. I tried jogging as a teenager for 1 summer. At that time I hated it. Not sure if I jog now. Who knows. I'm just happy on the bike and when I'm off bike, walking/hiking around. We do live at the foot of multi-purpose flat path that winds over 20 kms. through the downtown area..one goes past waterfront marinas, see mountains in distance, several bridges..and yes, you can also jog/bike through the 2010 winter Olympics athlete's village right now. There's a andonized steel walking bridge there in the shape of abstract-like kayak! You will probably see it on tv..unless I provide a link. So there are alot of joggers, cyclists and walkers right in downtown VAncouver, as soon as I step out the front door. It's quite unavoidable and that activity can be quite motivating/inspiring to see. Cycling and knees....bike fit is important here, plus saddle height. Most joggers with damaged knees...actually switch to cycling to keep up their cardiovascular fitness. And of course. I met a Canadian past-Olympic gymnast, who actually switched to cycling to keep fit, instead of jogging and other stuff. Maybe there's something for aquabatics, Dotsie? I knew a woman from previous workplace over 60, who had some significant back problems. (they were recommending orthopedic surgery, which she felt was a drastic measure.) So she took aquabatics, did some specialized exercises in water upon recommendation of physical therapist. And on top of that she bought a folding bike and biked to work ..only 6 mile round trip. But nevertheless, it was an impressive recovery which took several months for her. She also has 4 grown adult children. In her teen years, she was involved in gymnastics. It is never to late, like cyclinggal said. And no, one does not have to practice any sport to be anything. But aren't we as boomers, more viewing sport within the context of our own future quality of health and life? I wanna to reduce pain of aging when I get frail. And the best way, I can see..to do enjoyable exercise now. ___________________ I was your geek girl in public and high school. Not particularily coordinated. Sports was never my thing. However I do have fond memories of addictive playing of softball games with other girls...on a cement diamond. (No grass on our playground) for 2 years. Then I didn't play any of it thereafter. And I played best and least self-consciously when I was in all-girl teams/games, not co-ed teams. I did try out for field hockey in lst year of high school, but didn't make the team. When I was a teenager I was an enthuastic TV hockey game viewer, like many Canadian children were in 1970's to 1980's, when some hockey players from Canada were international hockey stars in the National Hockey League. ANd throughout all of this, ages 11-19 yr. I would ride the single speed bike shared with 2 other sisters. I only rode about 2-3 miles each time. So no great history of physical activity in past. I have met many women who became regular cyclists in mid-life after being geek-girls like myself. Above all, find sports that also jive with your personality profile so that you stick to it. Team sports is not my thing since I find "confined" and less flexible to meet my personal schedule. However cycling can be group oriented, if one is lucky to find some cycling pals. I'd rather practice a sport where I don't constantly need the presence of other people, to stick with it. Otherwise, it's not going to help myself, in the long run. This is also why fitness classes of anything have only worked for me for a short, defined time period. I just like to take whatever I learn from the course...and modify it for my own purposes on my own in the future.
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#175482 - 02/23/09 01:00 AM
intersections-Orchid, I need a "starter bike."
[Re: dancer9]
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Registered: 01/21/07
Posts: 3675
Loc: British Columbia, Canada
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Another side powerful draw of cycling for me..is not just a cheaper and closer-to-the-ground of travelling out of town and seeing different parts of Canada and U.S.
...but also cycling attracts and nurtures the creative imagination of some cyclists...there is a whole subculture of creative, artsy cyclists who use the bike as a takeoff for their artwork, jewellery and some wierd radical custom-made bike designs..ie. I love this wacky side of cycling world ..not the hardcore racing side..which I only occasionally stop to watch the racers. There is also another side of cycling which is the advocacy side, alternative living/transportation which is the political side of cycling and transportation planning
So for me cycling is intersection of: fun, health, fitness, art and political advocacy. It is wonderful to be part of cyclcing community that offers the bike from so many different angles and draws people who get involved with bikes from different perspectives.
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#175502 - 02/23/09 12:06 PM
Re: Orchid, I need a "starter bike."
[Re: orchid]
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Registered: 11/24/06
Posts: 2930
Loc: Belfast/Northern Ireland
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I can't swim. I did take a mandatory few lessons in physical education class in public school. But I could only do the front float. Back float I hated because of sensation of water closing over my face..
my L hates water or spashin on his face, so he can't swim but snorkels, since last summer lol. he dose use flots and will do untill he can swim properlay.....
orchid if on your back you tilt your head upwards or curl towards your chin a bit water goes around your head and not over your face, its teachnike.
My sister and her hubby did want find a sport for him to redirect his high energy that he loved, which in a young boy could become too easily destructive/disruptive.
The results are real..he is focused young man and calm in his self-expression. (Academically strong at university).
i was that type of child too orchid . if sports are posible for a kid it recomend they do something. even if never to compeat just for enjoyment.
_________________________
"Our attitude either gets in the way or creates a way," Sam Glenn
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#175503 - 02/23/09 12:10 PM
Re: Orchid, I need a "starter bike."
[Re: Dotsie]
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Registered: 11/24/06
Posts: 2930
Loc: Belfast/Northern Ireland
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I know how to swim but wish I was a better swimmer because it's such good exercise. I don't think I can swim well enough to get in the pool an dswim laps. I've tried, but after a while my neck aches so I must be doing something wrong.
is it breast strock dotsie your main style? on the streach put your face in water and breath out, as bringing arms into side again head goes up and in breath then. might help you neck as i know swimming head up all time would kill mine.
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"Our attitude either gets in the way or creates a way," Sam Glenn
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#175504 - 02/23/09 12:13 PM
Re: Orchid, I need a "starter bike."
[Re: celtic_flame]
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Registered: 11/24/06
Posts: 2930
Loc: Belfast/Northern Ireland
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i done running too, sprint, mid and long distinsce lol.
for school and public (anyone can joine running clubs)then to compition for clubs and school. and i swamm for school and public sppedo club at compitision.
marial arts, kung-foo (first practical form of spiritualiety first introduction to chi and karatie.
hockie, netball for school teams (do you play netball or is that a uk thing)
sport and art saved my backon in teens as it wzs unknowen i was dislexic lol just stupid then with too much energie lol.
L showes all same traites and needs physical exercise as well...apple dose't fall far from tree lol.
now he's 5 he can start to joine in to sport clubs and learn...one trouble he hates lossing!!
hopefullie it help him learn to lose as well as learn to win and not be afraid of competting.
in uk no amount of sports gets one away with grades and thers not same sense of being a hero if you play for school teams. It just used to be seen as an embarisment (by your peers)lol rather than a good thing no matter how well you done.
_________________________
"Our attitude either gets in the way or creates a way," Sam Glenn
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#175549 - 02/23/09 06:30 PM
Re: Orchid, I need a "starter bike."
[Re: Dotsie]
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Registered: 11/24/06
Posts: 2930
Loc: Belfast/Northern Ireland
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celtic, breast stroke and free-style are the easiest, but I like free-style best.
perhaps your free style is our front crawel...face in water head to side, to breath. no brest strock being the one i though might be giving you a soar neck, brest strocks like when your legs are like a frogs, just incase thir called something diffrent weer you are.
_________________________
"Our attitude either gets in the way or creates a way," Sam Glenn
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#175599 - 02/24/09 01:53 AM
Re: Orchid, I need a "starter bike."
[Re: celtic_flame]
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Registered: 01/21/07
Posts: 3675
Loc: British Columbia, Canada
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It has to be a group of women locally to promote the day in their area.
Could you imgaine ever a bunch of local men will promote it on their initative? And promoting it means actually having certain activities within the community. Not just a newspaper notice.
It doesn't mean the men in our lives who may support the day and all women-centred organizations are insensitive, there would be a minority of these guys.
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#175600 - 02/24/09 01:54 AM
Re: Orchid, I need a "starter bike."
[Re: celtic_flame]
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Registered: 01/21/07
Posts: 3675
Loc: British Columbia, Canada
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sorry I mistakenly posted here on something else.
Edited by orchid (02/24/09 01:55 AM)
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#175752 - 02/25/09 08:38 PM
Re: Orchid, I need a "starter bike."
[Re: orchid]
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Registered: 04/15/07
Posts: 1341
Loc: Sweden
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Hello Orchid..I have a question for you.. I have had alot of trouble with my left knee..my doctor says it´s "arthritis"..artros in Swedish. Now I have read on the net..and other sites..that bike riding is good for the knee..and that one should keep the knee joint flexible..even if it hurts..a stationary bike..the kind you have in gyms or at home is also very good.. Soo I went to our little place here where we live..they have a small gym set up there. I tried riding the stationary bike there..with 0 resistance..but I couldn´t bend my knee enough to be able to do a complete circle ..if you know what I mean? So I couldn´t cycle.. I was wondering if you have any ideas on how I could ease my body into being able to cycle indoors? I have cycled indoors on and off in the past..when I was using a gym..but it hurts too much..but according to what I read on the net and have learned from people with arthitis..on different sites..I should keep my knee joint moving so it doesn´t become stiff..and this, despite the pain. Gratefiul for any ideas that you might have. I was sooo disappointed today you know..if your have problems with your knee..well, the next thing to react is your hip..so I want to get this knee in shape! However, it is painful since I have gone back to work on Monday this week. Ugh!
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"some sacred place.."
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#175777 - 02/25/09 11:54 PM
a problem:Orchid, I need a "starter bike."
[Re: humlan]
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Registered: 01/21/07
Posts: 3675
Loc: British Columbia, Canada
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That knee...it really sounds best to have a physiotherapist recommend some exercises for it.
I'm not sure if you feel the stationary bike in the fitness centre actually fits you.
By the way, I keep on forgetting (pathetic me), that my partner does have a problem with his knees for last few years. So he dropped out from downhill skiing. That was over 20 years ago.
I think something is missing from his knee because he had minor surgery ..again before I met him. But witness, he has logged in over 110,000 kms. in past 13 years. he is a used car. LOL. So his knee doesn't bother him because he is properly fitted on bike.
But I think your problem requires some nice warm up exercises to get knee going ..
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