Another New Hobby

BTW - Spencer - very nice bike.  I ride a Specialized Allez and love it.

Talking about Allez, I got one

I couldn't imagine life without cycling, that's how important cycling is to me!

Welcome back to one of the best hobbies you could have!

Biking has always been an integral part of my life, and has also been an important way to spend time with my son. Also, whenever I move to a new area, I try to walk or bike around as much as possible to learn the new surroundings. Walking is great, but you can cover so much more ground by biking — I definitely prefer that option.

My current ride (past five years) has been a single-speed 2013 Kona Unit 29er. I also have a classic single-speed back in Finland. Single-speed is fun, but sometimes I miss having gears. (Well, pretty much every time I face a steep hill…)

Enjoy getting out there, and ride safe!

Ah. A fellow New Yorker are we, Celestino?

I would never dream of leaving a bike like this unattended for any period of time in the city.

I've lost one a many bike, wheels and seats in the city.

Hahaha! I am not a New 'Yorka', Spencer, although I have visited many times, in the 80's and 90's, as I have quite a few cousins there and my paternal grandfather was a Portuguese Amercian, so I know what it is like. Nonetheless, we, here, in Vancouver, also have a big problem with bike thefts, unfortunately, so I am used to locking my bike with two strong locks.  

This reminds of my experience, 5 years ago when I locked my bike with a kryptonite lock and cable. I sure thought that it was secured.
When I was ready to go back home I realize they had unscrewed the stem, cut the cables and took my handle bar and integrated shifters!
I had to walk all the way which wasn't entirely bad since it help me deal with all the anger and disappointment. Next day I was off to get a beater bike. That was my welcome to Minnesota. All great biking experiences ever since.

One of my life's regret is never learning how to ride a bicycle. When I was a kid, I tried to learn, had a horrible fall; broke a tooth and had a few (a lot really) stitches. Since then, I was always afraid to even try.

You guys are making me regret my fear again. Wonderful pictures and stories by the way. Maybe it's not too late for me to learn .

One of my life's regret is never learning how to ride a bicycle. When I was a kid, I tried to learn, had a horrible fall; broke a tooth and had a few (a lot really) stitches. Since then, I was always afraid to even try.

You guys are making me regret my fear again. Wonderful pictures and stories by the way. Maybe it's not too late for me to learn .

A friend of mine learnt how to ride a bike at 38 after trying over 20 times, with instructors, friend's help and on his own, etc. He would freeze by just looking at a bike. It finally clicked. I suggest you keep trying.

One of my life's regret is never learning how to ride a bicycle. When I was a kid, I tried to learn, had a horrible fall; broke a tooth and had a few (a lot really) stitches. Since then, I was always afraid to even try.

You guys are making me regret my fear again. Wonderful pictures and stories by the way. Maybe it's not too late for me to learn .

It is never too late to learn to overcome any fears you may have. Just look what you do, every morning, shaving with a sharp blade which, realistically, is more precarious than learning to ride a bike, in a way.

One of my life's regret is never learning how to ride a bicycle. When I was a kid, I tried to learn, had a horrible fall; broke a tooth and had a few (a lot really) stitches. Since then, I was always afraid to even try.

Very sorry to hear of this. Childhood experiences can really leave a mark (physically and mentally) for such a long time…

If I were teaching a child to ride a bike these days, I’d start with something I never came across as a kid — a balance bicycle. (Great article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balance_bicycle)

I think the concept would work for adults, too, by using a regular bike with the pedals removed. The seat would have to be so low that both feet can rest flat on the ground.

My son first gained balance on his bike when going down a very gradual hill, with his feet dragging on the ground. Essentially, a balance bike accomplishes the same thing in an easier way, as there are no pedals to worry about in the first place. The sole purpose is to find and learn balance on two wheels.

Since it’s given so much to me, I’d recommend biking to anyone. And this is coming from someone who broke a finger and got some nasty wounds just three weeks ago on a bike!

One of my life's regret is never learning how to ride a bicycle. When I was a kid, I tried to learn, had a horrible fall; broke a tooth and had a few (a lot really) stitches. Since then, I was always afraid to even try.

Very sorry to hear of this. Childhood experiences can really leave a mark (physically and mentally) for such a long time…

If I were teaching a child to ride a bike these days, I’d start with something I never came across as a kid — a balance bicycle. (Great article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balance_bicycle)

I think the concept would work for adults, too, by using a regular bike with the pedals removed. The seat would have to be so low that both feet can rest flat on the ground.

My son first gained balance on his bike when going down a very gradual hill, with his feet dragging on the ground. Essentially, a balance bike accomplishes the same thing in an easier way, as there are no pedals to worry about in the first place. The sole purpose is to find and learn balance on two wheels.

Since it’s given so much to me, I’d recommend biking to anyone. And this is coming from someone who broke a finger and got some nasty wounds just three weeks ago on a bike!

.... That thing looks like a blast to ride.....

I friend if mine got one of thise for his son. He went through shoes like we go on shaving soap but the transition to pedals was simply intuitive.

Speaking of biking, remember to be careful and pay attention. Wear a helmet, maybe some gloves, and try not to get distracted when in motion. Sounds pretty basic, but sometimes we can forget the basics, if even for a short few seconds…