How to Ride a Bicycle as an Adult

The wonderful world of cycling!

I recently embarked on a personal journey for about a week straight. I tried to learn to ride a bike on my own, though of course it came with its challenges. I just wanted to try something new and overcome a goal for myself. I wanted to be able to bike to my local park which is just a few minutes away but to me it would be monumental as I never learned to ride a bike.

But that all changed on September 28th, 2023, when I went to the park and back on my own. I even rode the bike trail with my beginner's mountain bike. Here's the selfie:

My girlfriend says I look handsome though personally I think i just look tired. Just before this picture, I crashed into a tree. I actually had several mishaps including crashing and absolutely destroying my left leg but overall i was relatively okay. I'm now considering buying a helmer to prevent me from cracking my skull on a tree.

Anyway, I wanted to write about the health benefits of biking and I'm looking to train for a local bike race sometime in the summer or spring. Hopefully I'll be in shape by then because today I was huffing and puffing by the time I got home.

Benefits

The benefits of riding a bike are actually plenty, they include:

1. Physical Fitness: The more obvious benefit. You could alternatively just run or walk and get the same benefits but honestly cycling is more fun.

2. Eco-friendly transportation: If you live in the city this is a fantastic alternative to having a car and if you live in the suburbs like I can do you can bike to a bus stop. Once I live in Washington DC proper I plan on just cycling everywhere and using the metro as needed.

3. Independence: The sound of freedom plays as you can now ride where you please taking any route you so choose. For example, I took a direct route to the park and a more scenic, indirect route back home. You also no longer rely on someone else taking you everywhere.

4. Mental Health: Take a breathe of fresh air once in a while. It genuinely helps. Since I've been taking a mental health journey I have been going out a lot more and it really does help. Mental health professionals have been in my ear about going outside and now that I finally touch grass I can attest to the benefits.

Challenges

Learning to ride a bicycle doesn't come without it's challenges, especially as an adult.

1. Fear and Anxiety: Yes, some people might look at you when you inevitably fall. But don't worry, who really cares? I completely splatted into a road bollard and it was okay. A couple bruises for something that you enjoy is no biggie.

2. Balance and Coordination: I have horrible balance. A concussion I sustained when I was 11 years old means my balance is actually worse than it should be. But fear not; I could do it, so you can too. Remember, baby steps.

3. Learning Curve: The learning curve may seem rather steep in the beginning especially if you try to compare yourself to the Cyclist™. You'll soon find out that actually you don't need to be a Cyclist™ to use a bike. You don't need to put on spandex, buy a $5000 bike, and hunch over for maximum aerodynamics.

4. Time commitment: Yes, it will take some time. Like anything in life, practice makes perfect.

Tips

Here are some tips from me, from personal experience.

1. Start slowly: Baby steps! Please don't just dive in headfirst!

2. Choose the right bike: My Size is 26 inches, in this case, size does matter, so choose a bike that fits you. Try one of the bikes at Walmart, any retailer, or a specialized bike shop to see what size fits you.

3. Safety first: Please wear a helmet and, if needed, wear extra gear like knee pads.

4. Practice regularly: Practice makes perfect!

5. Stay positive: Go into it with a positive attitude. I promise it'll make things better.

6. Seek professional guidance: If you really are struggling, seek professional help. Or, any help.

I hope this article helps at least one of you. I know it can be tough but if I can encourage at least one person to start cycling I'll be happy.