adult biking class? (Washington: to rent, inspection, shops) - City-Data Forum

JL2010 · 05-13-2009, 08:02 AM

OK, I admit I can't ride a bike at my age!! So now I have that out in the open, does anyone know of a place that actually teach adults how to bike? My parents are out of state (and too old to hold the bike), and it's too much pressure if I learn from someone I know.

I heard some bike shops would teach. I also wonder if there are something I can get to help the learning process? I sure wish they have adult training wheels.....

Thanks!

mettler · 05-13-2009, 08:34 AM

if you look at the meet up groups - meetup.com, they are always having beginner bike lessons. I am not sure what exactly you are looking for..I think their classes require you to already know how to actually ride a bike, but they go over the basics of bike riding. There is also a nice mtn biking website that sets up group rides on some of the trails around here, but I can't remember the address. I'll get it when I am home..

JL2010 · 05-13-2009, 08:46 AM

Thanks for the information! Hope to see the address soon

juniperbleu · 05-13-2009, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JL2010

OK, I admit I can't ride a bike at my age!!

Omg, I'm not alone!!!

I had found something on WikiHow and figured I'd try it. My problem is that I'm really short, so every bike I find is way too big for me (I honestly think I need a kiddie bike or something). By the time I jump up into the seat, the bike's already tipping over, so it never works.
How to Ride a Bicycle - wikiHow

Try reading up and renting a bike (or borrowing one).

JL2010 · 05-13-2009, 09:10 AM

Hi juniperbleu!!

I saw that posting! That's funny that we both found that article. I got a free bike. It's slightly taller than I am comfortable with. And yeah, every time it moves I start to tip! I am thinking that I need to rent a shorter bike (although I heard it's harder to bike, but at least it would let me get over my fear). I was tempted to steal my nephew's (he is 4) bike, but his dad stopped me LOL.

I am thinking about making my own training wheels.

Maybe we can get together and rent short bikes and learn??

juniperbleu · 05-13-2009, 09:37 AM

Haha, that wouldn't be a bad idea! I'm always so embarrassed about it (especially since one of my friends is a serious biker, I'm always intimidated)

lendalooo · 11-02-2009, 06:19 PM

Oh, I hope you learn to ride! It gives such a sense of freedom. I am just trying to lose weight, get into shape enough to start back riding. I am in my 50's and rode lots in my 20 and 30's, then again on some railroad trails in my 40's. I just love it but at present am just not up to it but want to ride into my old age. I have a friend in her 60's who competes in races and her husband in his 70's who races, they have quite a network.
I would suggest having a bike shop fit you for a bike, the size and distance from crotch to pedal is important. They might rent one for you to learn on and would surely have suggestions on someone to teach you. Be brave and go for it! You can do this.

robbobobbo · 11-04-2009, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JL2010

Hi juniperbleu!!

I saw that posting! That's funny that we both found that article. I got a free bike. It's slightly taller than I am comfortable with. And yeah, every time it moves I start to tip! I am thinking that I need to rent a shorter bike (although I heard it's harder to bike, but at least it would let me get over my fear). I was tempted to steal my nephew's (he is 4) bike, but his dad stopped me LOL.

I am thinking about making my own training wheels.

Maybe we can get together and rent short bikes and learn??

It's important to have a bike that's your size, for safety, comfort, and confidence.

You may wish to browse on Washington Area Bicyclist Association [WABA] to see if they have advice or classes on learning to ride. I just looked there under Events - Bike Education, and found Bicycling 101 class, as well as Confident City Cycling:

CCC1 covers basic bicycling information and on-bike skills such as: bicycle selection, fit, inspection, gearing, cadence, clothing, accessories, and bike handling basics like starting and stopping, riding straight, scanning and signaling. Half of this class will be in the classroom and half will be on-bike practicing bike handling skills. You are invited to bring your bicycle to participate or if you do not bring a bike, you can watch others demonstrate bike handling skills.

If learning on your own and if you are in DC and have a bike carrier (or other way to transport bike), you could try down at East Potomac Park to be away from traffic. That's where I used to go to learn rollerblading.

It's pretty easy to learn by coasting first in an area where you're not worried about running into something. Start with one foot on a pedal, one on the ground, and push off with the foot on the ground. Initially, you could just stand on the pedals and not even try sitting on the saddle. Just get accustomed to the feel of coasting at a speed sufficient to avoid tipping over.

Good luck, biking is great!