Learning to cycle?

Polka_Dot

I never quite reached the milestone of being able to ride a bike when I was a child, and so now I find myself nearly 20 years old and still not able to cycle! I've tried messing about on bikes before to see if I could get it, once even with the help of someone, but I'm still not able. I was wondering if there's anywhere around Dublin city centre that would offer lessons? Or I was thinking of maybe even just heading into my local bike shop and asking if they'd sort me out. I'd like to know how to as it'd be handy for fitness, or obviously for transport if I mustered up the courage! If anyone has any idea how to go about this (slightly odd!) situation that'd be great!

rollingscone

I taught my wife how to cycle last year, she can ride a bike now but never took to it.

It's basically a matter of getting confidence in yourself at each stage.

I'd reccomend getting someone calm to teach you if you can, it'll only take an afternoon to be able to get up and going, then if you can borrow a bike to potter around in a safe area you'll get your confidence up in no time.

The main things are:
1. Learning to balance the bike - the way that worked best for Mrs Rollingscone was pushing the bike along while standing one pedal just until she got a feel for how the bike keeps itself upright when moving.
2. Learning to have confidence in the brakes - by using them.
3. Assuring yourself that you can stop and step off at any time.
4. Getting your other foot on the pedals.
5. Progressing to cycling about the place, small steps, build your confidence in being able to stop, keep going and turning gradually.

Also, make sure you set the bike up properly, your instinct will be to set the saddle very low but this will actually make it harder to get your balance right. Just remember, you can stand on the pedals at any time, and from that position it's just a step to the ground.

Good luckl

darkvalley

As far as i know Rothar do cycling classes for adults.
http://www.rothar.ie/
Haven't done them so cant comment on whether they are any good or not.

quozl

Yep, rothar.ie do lessons - they taught me to ride a bike in may :-)


It's well worth doing and the lady who taught me - Anne - is an accredited instructor and very nice. They'll provide the bike for the lesson too.

I've a big thread about learning to ride a bike in the cycle training logs forum but it's as simple as going to rothar.

Polka_Dot

Brilliant, I'll definitely check out Rothar so! Had a look at your training log there quozl, really gives me some hope! I think I'll just go with the class from Rothar to start and then start messing around with a bike and take your tips into consideration rollingscone

rollingscone

Best of luck, an instructor with a bike sounds optimal.

I wouldn't worry about my tips, just listen to the pro!

rizzodun

This log by quozl might help you, at least its a great uplifting read

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056963524

EDIT: Just seen that quozl posted this already

smacl

rizzodun wrote: »

This log by quozl might help you, at least its a great uplifting read

+1, just about to say the same thing.

Raam

These guys also offer some lessons.
http://bluegatesports.ie/

unichall

Raam wrote: »

These guys also offer some lessons.
http://bluegatesports.ie/

Was just about to pass this link on too, ive dealt with Dave before, real nice guy and as far as I am aware he can provide a bike for lessons too