I've got my bike!!

OK, so I've got my bike (well, hubby is bringing it home tonight) ........ now where do I start??

I'd like to cycle to work (5 miles each way) but don't really know much about 'cycling etiquette' so, has anyone got any top tips and if you cycle to work how did you start? Did you just take the plunge or work up to it?

Cheers, J x

Well done you, have a good time with it, take care now.

If you are on the road , please consider a helmet , and hi viz, and a set of lights if riding in poor weather/light/night.

Well done and I am sure you will have a great time on the bike, and loss weight and get fit as well.

If you haven't been on a bike for a while, also depending on your level of fitness. I would suggest a gentle increase in distance and time on the bike. If you push it too much you will find hurty muscles and stiffness. This will only result in you parking the bike up and you losing interest.

Best wishes

Phil x

I try to ride my bike everywhere I agree with Phil, please wear hi-viz stuff, helmet, lights etc. Most, if not all, bikes have gears, if you can use them effectively you should be fine to ride long distances, just adjust the gears to go up and down hills.

If you work the 9-5 and will be cycling during peak hour, it would be better to have a practice run when the road is not so busy, or even use MapMyRun.com - Map your Running Routes. Find Runs. Join our Community of Running. Runner Social Network. Calculate Calories, Online Pedometer, Distance, iPhone, and More. to work out a route without cars or hills (!)

Some things to consider : getting sweaty - if you are riding to work, ; :getting the seat at the right height -this helps with effective pedalling, and position - I have my saddle slightly down at the front - this helps with brusing/pressure on your lady bits, :can you put the chain back on/change a flat tyre :be courteous of other road users, don't ride on the footpath or run red lights - cyclists have a bad names amongst drivers.

Most of all have fun and be safe. The first few times are a bit daunting but after a week or so you will wonder why you didn't do it sooner.If you want to ask any more questions feel free to PM me and I will try to help.

My bike is sitting in the shed as I'm still too scared to take it further than round the block :-(

just to let you know its national bike week 13th to the 21st of june so have a look at the website and see what kind of events are going on in your area

Soz , forgot to post link
Bike Week 2009

Hi all, thanks for all the fab advice. There's a big cycle-fest along the promenade tonight in a bid to try and get locals back on their bikes - it must be a 'sign'!!

Well I went out on the bike last night - just round a closed car park and OMG ..... how unfit am I!!! I'm really going to have to work up to this 5 miles, I was bloomin knack'd after about 10 mins!! And, I have no idea what I'm doing with my gears ....... and it would appear I can't look behind me and cycle in a straight line at the same time, so quite a bit of work to do before I'm let loose on the proper roads methinks!

I've got a high vis top but need to get a helmet .... do you need to be measured for them or can you just buy any and use the padding in it to make it fit?

J x