Hubby sent me this link, and I thought it was interesting. It's a good source for people new to biking, people new to road bikes, and/or people who want to become better cyclists.

http://www.brownandbrown.tv/bat/

It looks interesting - I've been walking my bike down steeper hills, but that's mostly due to lack of familiarity/helmet...

!!!!!!!!!!
don't get me started....

As an avid road and mountain biker, I think there's some damn good information on that site. My wife needs more confidence on her bike, especially in traffic.

And, yes, I always wear a helmet. I have also cracked a couple in my day and am still here to talk about it.

Seriously. I have split two helmets (and once still had a serious concussion). I'm such a fan I should wear them just for walking up and down stairs. There are programs to get you one free/cheap if you're broke.

I keep saying I'll get a helmet, but never get around to it. My kids are starting to give me a hard time about not wearing one, though... so maybe this year.

I have also ridden up to a guy lying on the pavement bleeding from the head, semiconscious and without a helmet, if that motivates you.

my bicycle helmet has saved my life. if i ever ride a motorcycle, it will probably be in full body armor.

WTF?!?

Approximately forty percent of bicycle fatalities occur in just four states: California, Florida, New York and Texas. While these are among the most populous states, the figure is still remarkably high – the same states account for 28 percent of all traffic fatalities.

On a slightly different topic, I went to a clinic at my local bike shop Tuesday night to learn how to fix a flat. I knew before, but always had the spouse around to help out if I needed it. I wanted to know how to do it without having to rely on anyone else. Last night, I changed out a flat on my own in the basement (just practice), but I did it. Now I feel like I need to refresh myself every week to remember!

Also, I'm going to a gear shifting clinic next week. That's definitely something I need to improve on.

I liked the site I submitted to you guys just because it was plainspeak, without a lot of attitude. The guy clearly has good info to give. I still struggle with certain downhills (last year, I got up to 35 mph going on a downhill, and I was so freaked out the bike was going to come out from under me) and loose gravel (esp. on the mtn. bike). Have never been able to do a track stand, but I might try it now!

Also, ditto on the helmet... dudes, get helmets. Max, your kids are smarter than you!

this is a good idea. i've changed flats but don't have a lot of confidence in my mechanical abilities at all. it takes forever and i'm pretty clumsy with it.

that said, it looks like the roads are decent enough to finally get outside this weekend. the trainer's getting boring but i can listen to music and close my eyes. maybe i won't do that when i get on the road.

I was surprised at how easy patching a flat bike tire is if you've got two of those shims, a patch, some glue, and a bowl of water.

You wouldn't believe how much my thumbs hurt after last night's little exercise! I'm clumsy too and not very mechanical. One thing the clinic taught me is to take my time. I mean, if it's getting dark and you need to get home, that's one thing, but don't rush yourself if you have time. It's better to take the time to do it right than to rush and potentially cause more damage. I've also found that cyclists around Portland (and I imagine this is true everywhere) are friendly folks, and if they see a fellow cyclist in need, they'll always stop to offer help.

I gotta get outside soon, but the weather's been awful here. I'm tentatively scheduled for a ride on Sunday, and I seriously need to get my butt in gear, because I've got a 62 mile ride coming up on the 24th!!! Oh, lordy.

dana,
have you been riding outdoors or indoors at all? can you get up on a bike and ride 62 miles after the winter? ca-RUM-ba.

I rode 21 miles in February on a charity ride, but that's about it... I'll hit the stationary bike in the gym, and if the readouts are accurate, usually do about 12 miles on those at a fairly intense clip.

I'm not worried. I might be sore afterwards, but I think I'll be able to do it, no problem. But I'm hoping that the weather will clear up soon so I can get some morning/afternoon rides in before the 24th.

edit: I wasn't suffering after the 21 miler either, so that leads me to believe that I'll be fine. Also, the 62 mile ride is mostly rolling and flat, no major hills.

<--- me last spring. the front of my helmet took a good beating as well. i'm pretty sure someone would've been scraping my brains off the pavement had i not had it on.

This is as good a time as any to remind that a woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle.

Hey - I ordered one off ebay more than 2 weeks ago - contacted the seller and he "had forgotten to ship it" even though I paypaled as soon as the auction ended, and paid $10 shipping to boot...

I've been waiting for the helmet to do any far/night riding, and mostly staying on the sidewalk when I do go out. I know a helmet is important, but I've been too broke from buying an "imaginary helmet" and a bunch of other bike accesories (basket, lights, etc.) to afford a second helmet...

Don't hate the biker....hate the ebayer...

I bought a patch kit....maybe I'll eventually figure out how to use it...
I'll have to find one of these clinics - I know there's a place downtown near USC, but it's a 15-25 mile ride...

no hate. just concern over you ending up a puddin' head.

Thanks...therefore, the walking down hills, sidewalk riding, ect.