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It is NOT just like riding a bike

Yesterday, I went bike riding for the first time in literally YEARS.

For a while I hadn’t had a rideable bike because my last one was old and needed new tires and (surprise!) I was too lazy to get new ones.

Then Captain Caffeine found a really nice bike at Goodwill for only $50. Of course, this one also needed new tires (or at least new treads) but after I bought them, the Captain put them on my bike for me and filled up the tires.

So then I had to buy a bike helmet that didn’t look like it had been through WW3. My last helmet had been with me since college, and I’d been in a couple accidents with it. I think I’m technically not supposed to use it after it’s been in an accident, but I was (surprise!) too lazy to go get another one, plus at the time I had my old unrideable bike and saw no need to get a new helmet.

So yesterday, finally, in an effort to be green and save gas, I took my new bike out to the grocery store. I was REALLY shaky on that bike. People who say you never forget how to ride a bike are LYING. I was pretty nervous riding to the store, but luckily didn’t get hit by a car and (an event even more likely) I didn’t hit anything like a phone pole or a stoplight or a person.

I picked up my groceries and packed them in my nifty Hawaiian backpack and went home. Hooray!

Then I realized my back hurt. What’s up with that? Isn’t bike riding supposed to be good for you?

And, er (TMI warning) that bike seat was super hard! Oh my gosh, my butt hurt so much. Do I need a new seat or do I just need to get used to the one I have?
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Comments

  1. Carol MoncadoThu Jun 07, 10:11:00 AM 2012

    I don't think I'd ridden a bike since jr high [and that was long ago enough now that I don't want to say how long ago it was... ;)]. Tried to last summer. Made it MAYBE a quarter of a block before I gave up :D.

    You did waaaaaaaaaaaaaay better than me!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Camy TangThu Jun 07, 04:47:00 PM 2012

      I have to admit, I rode down the street and debated turning around and going home!

      Delete
  2. Helen BratkoThu Jun 07, 10:37:00 AM 2012

    You should get a new seat. There are better ones out there. You can also buy "seat cusions" I think we got one at WallMart.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Camy TangThu Jun 07, 04:47:00 PM 2012

      Thanks! There's a Walmart that opened just nearby.

      Delete
  3. Beverly NaultThu Jun 07, 11:11:00 AM 2012

    Good going, Camy! I got a super-sweet, highly cushioned lady seat for my cruiser. Makes all the difference.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Camy TangThu Jun 07, 04:47:00 PM 2012

      Thanks for letting me know! I wondered if I had to just suffer through it.

      Delete
  4. MarianThu Jun 07, 11:48:00 AM 2012

    If you handlebars make you hunch over, your back is going to hurt. Find a set of handlebars that allow you to sit up straight while riding. I recommend going to a bike shop and asking them to fit you for handlebars. The right ones make all the difference. The wrong ones can hurt your back, your wrists, your shoulders, and more.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Camy TangThu Jun 07, 04:48:00 PM 2012

      Hm, I didn't think of that. Okay, I'll take a look at that. Thanks!

      Delete
  5. AnonymousSat Jun 09, 01:58:00 PM 2012

    You can knit a nice plush seat cover. I'm sure there's a pattern on Ravelry.

    ReplyDelete

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