Fat bottomed girls they'll be riding today...
June 22, 2015 6:14 AM Subscribe
I'm an over 40 plus sized woman who can't ride a bicycle. I'd like to learn. I have a bike (that I bought after significant research for my needs). The question is where Pittsburgh, where?
It's not like I've never been on a bike. I learned as a pre-teen, had a pretty bad accident, and never got back on a bike afterwards. So what I'm looking for is a space that would be ideal to learn to ride a bike, without really knowing what I'd even need, especially in our crazy hilly city. Special snowflake issues: I really really get uncomfortable if I believe other people may be watching/mocking (even if it's just a self perception). The other night we were on a nice walk that I cut short because of a group of teen girls in our path, so that gives you a broad concept of my general anxiety. I know that there are several of you MeFi locals who are pretty active in the biking scene here, so I turn to you for your expertise. Thanks!
It's not like I've never been on a bike. I learned as a pre-teen, had a pretty bad accident, and never got back on a bike afterwards. So what I'm looking for is a space that would be ideal to learn to ride a bike, without really knowing what I'd even need, especially in our crazy hilly city. Special snowflake issues: I really really get uncomfortable if I believe other people may be watching/mocking (even if it's just a self perception). The other night we were on a nice walk that I cut short because of a group of teen girls in our path, so that gives you a broad concept of my general anxiety. I know that there are several of you MeFi locals who are pretty active in the biking scene here, so I turn to you for your expertise. Thanks!
+1 for the old unused tennis court! I did the same thing, and in a big church parking lot as well. There is no place more deserted than a church parking lot on a Saturday morning.
posted by something something at 6:52 AM on June 22, 2015
posted by something something at 6:52 AM on June 22, 2015
Best answer: Others can speak to the biking scene better, but I'll throw out one suggestion I only know about because of proximity - the zoo parking lot, before or after zoo hours. I live right by there and many nights there are one or two people out there practicing driving, or biking, or doing laps. It's very rarely more than one or two people at a time, and it's such a big lot that you could be doing bike circles in a different part of the lot and not in the same space. If you go to the far end of the lot away from the road, no one is going to see you except maybe one or two employees leaving work late. And possibly me - but think I am literally the only person whose house has a view of the far end of the lot, and A) you know me and know I would not mock you, in fact I would be jealous and wish I had a bike so I could join you because I want to learn to bike again, and B) I would cross my heart and promise to avert my eyes should I happen to see you.
I am likewise plus size and super sensitive to perceived mockery, and if I had a bike, that is where I would go and I believe I would feel comfortably unobserved there. I've used the lot for jogging and felt fine about being unobserved.
posted by Stacey at 6:55 AM on June 22, 2015 [4 favorites]
I am likewise plus size and super sensitive to perceived mockery, and if I had a bike, that is where I would go and I believe I would feel comfortably unobserved there. I've used the lot for jogging and felt fine about being unobserved.
posted by Stacey at 6:55 AM on June 22, 2015 [4 favorites]
I can't help with where, but I have a suggestion for how: unless you have a crank-forward style bike, like an Electra Townie, it can be unnerving to learn to ride a bike with the saddle set to the proper height. At the correct height*, your knees should be just slightly bent at the bottom of the pedaling stroke. That means that you can't put your feet flat on the ground, just your toes. Some beginners find that distressing. If that includes you, then lower the saddle until you can put your feet flat on the ground and ride the bike without pedaling, as a push bike (you can even remove the pedals if you find that easier). Once you have mastered balancing, turning, and braking, you can put the pedals back on, raise the saddle, and ride with confidence.
I also recommend looking at John S. Allen's free ebook Bicycling Street Smarts for advice on how to ride safely and confidently.
*A good way to set the initial saddle height is to set it so that your leg is straight when your heel is centered on the pedal when the crank is as far from the saddle as possible; this produces the right bend in your ankle when the ball of your foot is centered over the pedal.
posted by brianogilvie at 7:28 AM on June 22, 2015 [3 favorites]
I also recommend looking at John S. Allen's free ebook Bicycling Street Smarts for advice on how to ride safely and confidently.
*A good way to set the initial saddle height is to set it so that your leg is straight when your heel is centered on the pedal when the crank is as far from the saddle as possible; this produces the right bend in your ankle when the ball of your foot is centered over the pedal.
posted by brianogilvie at 7:28 AM on June 22, 2015 [3 favorites]
This is THE WAY to learn. I've worked with a number of bicycle education programs that teach kids and adults how to ride bikes, and this is the methodology:
Go to a park or some other open space. Grass is nice, but not necessary.
Remove your pedals (they usually use a thin 15mm wrench, and know that the LEFT pedal is "reverse threaded" - it unscrews by turning it to the right), and lower your saddle so that your feet can touch the ground.
First, learn how to balance the bike by sitting on the saddle and scooting around with your feet. Scoot all over, scoot down hills, scoot scoot scoot.
Once you've got the feel of *riding the bicycle, put your pedals back on, raise your saddle height and add *pedaling* to the mix.
posted by entropone at 7:50 AM on June 22, 2015 [1 favorite]
Go to a park or some other open space. Grass is nice, but not necessary.
Remove your pedals (they usually use a thin 15mm wrench, and know that the LEFT pedal is "reverse threaded" - it unscrews by turning it to the right), and lower your saddle so that your feet can touch the ground.
First, learn how to balance the bike by sitting on the saddle and scooting around with your feet. Scoot all over, scoot down hills, scoot scoot scoot.
Once you've got the feel of *riding the bicycle, put your pedals back on, raise your saddle height and add *pedaling* to the mix.
posted by entropone at 7:50 AM on June 22, 2015 [1 favorite]
Great advice by entropone above for basic feel on a bike.
As for locations, the zoo parking lot would be perfect. I would also recommend school parking lots, church parking lots and Homestead. Yes, there are people there but on a weekend seek out the parking lots of Eat n Park's HQ or GAI Consultants.
As an FYI, I regularly bike the Allegheny Passage (pick it up near the Hot Metal Bidge and head towards Homestead) and I've found people of all skill levels there. Bikers on that trail are usually in-the-zone and not concerned with other riders who are being considerate (ie pulling to the side when stopping, not blasting music from a radio and just generally doing their own thing).
Good luck! You'll pick it up and love it in no time!
posted by glaucon at 10:08 AM on June 22, 2015
As for locations, the zoo parking lot would be perfect. I would also recommend school parking lots, church parking lots and Homestead. Yes, there are people there but on a weekend seek out the parking lots of Eat n Park's HQ or GAI Consultants.
As an FYI, I regularly bike the Allegheny Passage (pick it up near the Hot Metal Bidge and head towards Homestead) and I've found people of all skill levels there. Bikers on that trail are usually in-the-zone and not concerned with other riders who are being considerate (ie pulling to the side when stopping, not blasting music from a radio and just generally doing their own thing).
Good luck! You'll pick it up and love it in no time!
posted by glaucon at 10:08 AM on June 22, 2015
It looks like Bike Pittsburgh has an indoor facility with classes. There would be other people there, but they'd be fellow learners -- would that work for your anxiety?
posted by jacquilynne at 10:28 AM on June 22, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by jacquilynne at 10:28 AM on June 22, 2015 [1 favorite]
I really really get uncomfortable if I believe other people may be watching/mocking (even if it's just a self perception)
I am almost 40, plus-sized, and have been riding a bike off and on for most of my life. I agree with wide, open spaces like parking lots. I also agree with advicepig - try to just do a little bit every day - don't spend a huge amount of time all at once (unless you find it really easy to ride, once you're on, and then you should ride for as long as you feel good doing it!)
I am also super self-conscious and uncomfortable if I think people are judging me, and part of what helps is making sure I'm dressed properly. "Properly" in this case does not mean that I'm decked out in spandex and fancy gear.
Wear shoes that are flexible and have good treads (running shoes are perfect). When you put your foot down, you want it to grip the sidewalk/pavement. You also want your foot to 'stick' to the pedal and not slide off easily.
Wear comfortable clothing - loose shirts or t-shirts, stretchy jeans or track pants or whatever pants are super comfy for you. If you wear pants (as opposed to shorts), make sure that you can roll up, pin, or otherwise tuck the pant leg on the side where the chain is. I roll, but some people buy special metal clips (they're not expensive). This will keep your pant leg from getting caught in the chain - causing an abrupt stop to your ride - and help you avoid getting chain grease all over the place.
Be cautious of chafing in your thigh area, if you've got thighs that experience "chub rub" - the bike seat can cause it! Don't wear your favourite jeans for all of your cycling adventures unless you're ready to see the crotch fray.
I hope it goes really, really well! Have fun!!
posted by VioletU at 12:23 PM on June 22, 2015
I am almost 40, plus-sized, and have been riding a bike off and on for most of my life. I agree with wide, open spaces like parking lots. I also agree with advicepig - try to just do a little bit every day - don't spend a huge amount of time all at once (unless you find it really easy to ride, once you're on, and then you should ride for as long as you feel good doing it!)
I am also super self-conscious and uncomfortable if I think people are judging me, and part of what helps is making sure I'm dressed properly. "Properly" in this case does not mean that I'm decked out in spandex and fancy gear.
Wear shoes that are flexible and have good treads (running shoes are perfect). When you put your foot down, you want it to grip the sidewalk/pavement. You also want your foot to 'stick' to the pedal and not slide off easily.
Wear comfortable clothing - loose shirts or t-shirts, stretchy jeans or track pants or whatever pants are super comfy for you. If you wear pants (as opposed to shorts), make sure that you can roll up, pin, or otherwise tuck the pant leg on the side where the chain is. I roll, but some people buy special metal clips (they're not expensive). This will keep your pant leg from getting caught in the chain - causing an abrupt stop to your ride - and help you avoid getting chain grease all over the place.
Be cautious of chafing in your thigh area, if you've got thighs that experience "chub rub" - the bike seat can cause it! Don't wear your favourite jeans for all of your cycling adventures unless you're ready to see the crotch fray.
I hope it goes really, really well! Have fun!!
posted by VioletU at 12:23 PM on June 22, 2015
When you say you can't ride do you mean you need to learn from scratch including balancing, steering, etc? I learned from scratch at the age of 36. I started on a gentle slope using this technique: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WP3DNPDKxOM (removing pedals, learning to balance, then adding pedals back) but I found it only really clicked after I spent an afternoon reading about the physics of how a bicycle stays up and things like "if you start to fall, turn the front wheel in the direction you are falling and it will right itself". Once I had the hang of that, I practiced in an old car park for ages. Then I started riding along a towpath. And now (two years later) I cycle everywhere, even on main roads.
I also found (and I don't know if this was down to learning as an adult or being dyspraxic or something else) that I am very conscious of how the bike works and what I need to do, whereas other cyclists seem to do it all naturally and unconsciously. Two things in particular it took me a while to get my head round were 1) countersteering - when you go round a corner you turn the handlebars a little bit in the opposite direction to the way you actually want to go and then lean to make the turn - if you turn the bars the way you want to go, you just crash 2) when removing one hand to signal, do NOT hold on tighter with the other hand or you will go wonky. Make sure everything is loose and relaxed at all times.
Another tip for beginners is to put your seat down really low. That way, if you have a mishap you may well be able to save yourself with your feet. Having the seat too low is hard on your knees, but you're not going to be going far at first and anyway it is better to have sore knees than a broken arm. Gradually raise it as you get more confident.
Cycling on the roads is a bit terrifying at first. The most common accident for cyclists is going into a car door that suddenly opens in your path. So ride well away from parked cars. The most common cause of fatalities in cyclists is being hit by a car or lorry that cuts into your path making a left turn (in the UK, in the US it'd be a right turn). So if you are overtaking, pass on the outside of the cars. If you're not sure it's safe, it's fine to wait behind the cars, or to dismount and walk your bike over the pavement until you feel safe to get back on. Even experienced cyclists do this. Make sure you always signal, look behind before making any manoeuvres, wear bright clothing and a helmet.
Good luck, riding a bike is great and once you get the hang of it it will bring you many hours of joy.
posted by intensitymultiply at 12:40 PM on June 22, 2015 [2 favorites]
I also found (and I don't know if this was down to learning as an adult or being dyspraxic or something else) that I am very conscious of how the bike works and what I need to do, whereas other cyclists seem to do it all naturally and unconsciously. Two things in particular it took me a while to get my head round were 1) countersteering - when you go round a corner you turn the handlebars a little bit in the opposite direction to the way you actually want to go and then lean to make the turn - if you turn the bars the way you want to go, you just crash 2) when removing one hand to signal, do NOT hold on tighter with the other hand or you will go wonky. Make sure everything is loose and relaxed at all times.
Another tip for beginners is to put your seat down really low. That way, if you have a mishap you may well be able to save yourself with your feet. Having the seat too low is hard on your knees, but you're not going to be going far at first and anyway it is better to have sore knees than a broken arm. Gradually raise it as you get more confident.
Cycling on the roads is a bit terrifying at first. The most common accident for cyclists is going into a car door that suddenly opens in your path. So ride well away from parked cars. The most common cause of fatalities in cyclists is being hit by a car or lorry that cuts into your path making a left turn (in the UK, in the US it'd be a right turn). So if you are overtaking, pass on the outside of the cars. If you're not sure it's safe, it's fine to wait behind the cars, or to dismount and walk your bike over the pavement until you feel safe to get back on. Even experienced cyclists do this. Make sure you always signal, look behind before making any manoeuvres, wear bright clothing and a helmet.
Good luck, riding a bike is great and once you get the hang of it it will bring you many hours of joy.
posted by intensitymultiply at 12:40 PM on June 22, 2015 [2 favorites]
There's a big grassy area off the Junction Hollow trail (goes from near CMU to panther hollow) ostensibly used for soccer that might be a good place to learn when a soccer game isn't going on. There'll be people coming and going, but no one stays for very long. There's a parking lot at both ends of the trail, too, so you won't have to go far to get back to your car.
A couple of people have mentioned "lowering the seat and removing the pedals" for how to learn a bike, and that lines up with what Thick told me, so yeah, that.
posted by you could feel the sky at 1:04 PM on June 22, 2015
A couple of people have mentioned "lowering the seat and removing the pedals" for how to learn a bike, and that lines up with what Thick told me, so yeah, that.
posted by you could feel the sky at 1:04 PM on June 22, 2015
In addition to all the good advice here, when I learned to ride a bike it was always better for me to have a destination in mind (that cute little coffee shop that's just a bit too far to walk to). This gave me something to look forward to while riding my bike and was much more motivating than heading out an arbitrary distance and turning around.
Good luck! Biking is wonderful, and I regret not having learned earlier.
posted by invokeuse at 1:28 PM on June 22, 2015 [1 favorite]
Good luck! Biking is wonderful, and I regret not having learned earlier.
posted by invokeuse at 1:28 PM on June 22, 2015 [1 favorite]
Danish bike advice: bikes are for everyday use for all sorts of people. Yesterday, I saw a little old lady on a tricycle. Probably, her knees or hips don't permit a bicycle, but she was clearly enjoying her freedom.
In Denmark, there is no such thing as a "correct" way to ride a bike, wether you are 5, 50 or 90. You do what fits you. I am a 51 year old +sized lady, and these days I prefer riding a "granny" bike, which is a somewhat heavy bike and not too expensive bike made for cruising slowly through the town and it's parks. I don't wear a helmet because I rarely go faster than a brisk walk or a slow run, and I don't wear a helmet for those activities either. I can always put both my feet flat on the ground if I feel uncertain.
I sit upright, which gives me a nice overview, and I can turn my head around to see what is going on. I never ride places which are not safe.
My doctor says every mile I ride is as valuable as those fit people ride on their mountain bikes.
My daughter, at a fit and slim 22, has chosen the same style of biking, because for her, biking is not a sport but a mode of transportation. There is nothing wrong with her choice, and she is never mocked by her peers. It seems as if there is a bit of a fashion statement in it for her. She is so hip, she doesn't need to hurry… (yeah, right)
When I was 22, I had a custom-made racer, and I loved it and I miss it. My ambition is to lose 40 pounds and get back on the racer. But I have resolved that if I bought that type of bike now and tried to get back out - I would fail, and it would become an expensive and depressing failure. So I am doing baby (or granny) steps.
I have always had a bike, and I have used it for most purposes. But I had a (not-bike-related) accident some years ago, which left me with a weak ankle and insecurity about all physical activities. And a lot of overweight. I have to start from where I am.
I'm aware that you cannot transfer Copenhagen-style biking to Pittsburgh, where the conditions and attitudes are completely different. But maybe abandoning the "sport" aspect of bicycling would be helpful for you, as it is for me. After seeing the lady yesterday, I'm even thinking of getting me a tricycle, with a lot of room for my shopping!
posted by mumimor at 2:26 PM on June 22, 2015 [2 favorites]
In Denmark, there is no such thing as a "correct" way to ride a bike, wether you are 5, 50 or 90. You do what fits you. I am a 51 year old +sized lady, and these days I prefer riding a "granny" bike, which is a somewhat heavy bike and not too expensive bike made for cruising slowly through the town and it's parks. I don't wear a helmet because I rarely go faster than a brisk walk or a slow run, and I don't wear a helmet for those activities either. I can always put both my feet flat on the ground if I feel uncertain.
I sit upright, which gives me a nice overview, and I can turn my head around to see what is going on. I never ride places which are not safe.
My doctor says every mile I ride is as valuable as those fit people ride on their mountain bikes.
My daughter, at a fit and slim 22, has chosen the same style of biking, because for her, biking is not a sport but a mode of transportation. There is nothing wrong with her choice, and she is never mocked by her peers. It seems as if there is a bit of a fashion statement in it for her. She is so hip, she doesn't need to hurry… (yeah, right)
When I was 22, I had a custom-made racer, and I loved it and I miss it. My ambition is to lose 40 pounds and get back on the racer. But I have resolved that if I bought that type of bike now and tried to get back out - I would fail, and it would become an expensive and depressing failure. So I am doing baby (or granny) steps.
I have always had a bike, and I have used it for most purposes. But I had a (not-bike-related) accident some years ago, which left me with a weak ankle and insecurity about all physical activities. And a lot of overweight. I have to start from where I am.
I'm aware that you cannot transfer Copenhagen-style biking to Pittsburgh, where the conditions and attitudes are completely different. But maybe abandoning the "sport" aspect of bicycling would be helpful for you, as it is for me. After seeing the lady yesterday, I'm even thinking of getting me a tricycle, with a lot of room for my shopping!
posted by mumimor at 2:26 PM on June 22, 2015 [2 favorites]
I want to comment on the part of your post where you talk about your anxiety about what others think. I am sympathetic to you, very. My child has some pretty severe anxiety about things and I am in no way minimizing what you feel. But I just want to tell you what goes through my mind when I see someone trying to do something. I think, yay for you! It would be so much easier to sit on the couch and hide but you're out there living your life and trying. We live on a road where lots of people ride bikes. We're at the top of a hill. Everyone is huffing and puffing when they ride past my house. If I notice them at all I just think, good for you, made it to the top of the hill! Their weight doesn't register with me.
Let me please share a quote with you from Georgia O'Keefe:
I've been absolutely terrified all of my life— and I've never let it keep me from doing a single thing I wanted to do.
I admire what you're doing and hope you persevere no matter who else is outside enjoying their day.
posted by Kangaroo at 5:06 PM on June 22, 2015 [2 favorites]
Let me please share a quote with you from Georgia O'Keefe:
I've been absolutely terrified all of my life— and I've never let it keep me from doing a single thing I wanted to do.
I admire what you're doing and hope you persevere no matter who else is outside enjoying their day.
posted by Kangaroo at 5:06 PM on June 22, 2015 [2 favorites]
Have fun:) I love cycling. One thing that helps me feel less exposed is wearing clothes I feel comfortable in. I like wearing knee length or longer dresses with 3/4 length leggings (padded or just cotton cheapies). Or long tunic tops.
posted by kjs4 at 4:13 AM on June 23, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by kjs4 at 4:13 AM on June 23, 2015 [1 favorite]
Cemeteries are often deserted, have paved and gravel roads, and tend to be gentle on the hills. I live next to the cemeteries, and this is where I see parents teaching their children to ride in a safe environment where cars don't drive fast.
posted by RedEmma at 7:46 AM on June 23, 2015
posted by RedEmma at 7:46 AM on June 23, 2015
This thread is closed to new comments.
Bonus tip, I gave myself 20 minutes a day to practice. That way, there would be some days that I stopped while feeling good about myself, rather than always practicing until I was frustrated enough to give up.
Good luck learning!
posted by advicepig at 6:42 AM on June 22, 2015 [3 favorites]