Advice for newbie!

puffin24

I am considering cycling to college from where I live as the bus is irritatingly long winded and can't afford to drive. I live about 7 miles from the college, no major hills though as its Galway city, likely to be windy! Most of this trip would be on busy main roads (which scares me!) Any advice on (reasonably priced) bikes and gear to make the journey less painful? How soon should I be used to the cycle from very little recent cycling experience? My fitness level would be ok I guess, im not overweight, small built woman! Thanks!

paulgalway

Daughter is thinking of cycling to college also, about 5km.

She is not sure about cycling I have suggested she rent a bike from West Side Cycles until she decides if she likes it.

BTW: Lidl have some cycling gear on sale this Thursday you may find useful.

Where are you coming from/to? if you plan your route you may be able to avoid some of the busy main roads.

puffin24

That's a really good idea, I was looking around for something similar to this rental scheme, just to try it out. My route is oranmore to nuig, so i will take the coast road, which should be quieter than the dual carriageway but then its main road all the way!

paulgalway

puffin24 wrote: »

That's a really good idea, I was looking around for something similar to this rental scheme, just to try it out. My route is oranmore to nuig, so i will take the coast road, which should be quieter than the dual carriageway but then its main road all the way!

The advantage of the Dual carriageway is that you have the hard shoulder to cycle on, although it may not be as smooth as the road.

This route is one option, coast road is wide and then you can cycle on the bus lanes.

puffin24

Ya, its bus lanes a fair bit of the way, until renmore anyway. I just hope my legs can take it! I assume it will get easier in time anyway!

paulgalway

First few spins will be the most difficult, but it will get easier.

As an incentive, register on strava , and you will quickly see your improvements.