Back on a bike

[copracat]

Bicycle was my main transport when I was university and then in my early working days. It was affordable! I stopped when the commute to a new job was through some very non-bike-friendly city traffic. Times have changed in 15 years and my city is now trying to make the city much more bike friendly so I'm having another go.

I bought myself an Electra Townie a week ago because it was suggested to me as a great bike for people with knee problems and I'm recovering from a knee injury. I tried one out and fell in love immediately.

I've been having a little ride around the flat streets of my suburb after work this week. Today was the first time I took her out for a run. I did a long, mostly flat, very low gradient loop taking in the bike paths near my house and I'm just exhilarated. I cycled with families and with people going places. I could smell the sausages on the bbq as I rode past a school fete (Note: always take your wallet when you go for a ride). I could feel the autumn sun and the fresh breeze and hear people and birds and dogs as I came through the park.

I can't believe I forgot how wonderful bicycling is. And my knee doesn't hurt!

Comments

[darkemeralds]

I'm envious of your Electra Townie! That is one great-looking bike.

Your description sounded so much like my bike day today that for a moment I thought maybe we lived in the same place. Then you said "autumn" and I realized that we are a world apart. And yet here we are.

Nice to meet you.

[copracat]

Nice to meet you, too. It's lovely that we can share the joy of biking in our different seasons.

[aedifica]

Ooh, fun! I tried out a Townie for my sister last year. It was very different from what I'm used to, but fun.

[copracat]

The friend has one because her pilates instructor advised it for her back and it does work best if you sit up straight. I keep trying to take up a more traditional bike posture out of old habit, though I'm sure I'll train myself out of it.

I anticipate I will one day miss the sensation of bum up, head down and flying, but at the moment the leisurely cruise is suiting me :)

[iamnaiad]

I avoided cycling for more than a decade because of a bad knee. Imagine my surprise when shin splints drove me to try it again and this time there was no knee pain! I'm not sure what changed along the way, but I'm glad it did.

I should do one of those introductory posts...

[copracat]

nees are tricksy things, that's for sure.

I should do one of those introductory posts...

Show us your bike! So to speak.

[ironed_orchid]

Pretty bike. And as someone who recently bought a bike after more than 10 years on foot, I know these feelings well.

[copracat]

Thank you. I am slightly in love with my bike, it's true.

[juliet]

Making sure you've got the fit right (saddle not too low, primarily) is a massive help with knee problems, as well. And taking it easy :)

(I have dodgy knees but happily cycling if I do it right actually helps them.)

Yay bikes!

[copracat]

Good lord, yes. I was using an old ten speed on loan for a while but I couldn't get the seat at the right height for the pedals without making it far too high off the ground for my comfort. I could just touch the ground with leg at full extension which my knee did not like at all. That unsafe feeling plus pain does not incline a person to getting on a bike.

[sara]

Yay, no knee pain!

I like doing long distances and used to backpack regularly, but I have a gitchy ankle that won't put up with it...which is certainly part of why I've gotten so enthusiastic about cycling.

[copracat]

\0/

It's slow going - I just want to ride everywhere, but that way lies re-injury - but I think it's going to be worth it.