[manwithnofriends]

Having seen an old lady pass by on one, I wonder how easy it is? I'll buy a helmet cause I'm afraid of crashing anyway

[glok]

Hello, manwithnofriends. Cycling is good exercise. Cyclers must be alert to potential dangers at all times.

I wish you well.

[Perna]

It depends on how comfortable you are on that little pointy seat I cycled when I was younger, in my 20s and would do the 9 miles to/from my apartment in Washington, D.C. and the Pentagon where I worked in Virginia. At first it was intimidating and discouraging because I rode through Rock Creek Park with the other cyclists but they were all dressed in biking gear and could continuously pedal whereas I was doing a lot of coasting at first, LOL. There was a big hill go get down into/back up from the Park and at the end of the day and mile 8-1/2 coming home, impossible for me to ride up until one day. . . I did! I still remember realizing I had gotten stronger/healthier, etc. because I could ride up that hill without getting off my 10 speed and pushing.

Bikes are extremely expensive though. I would try to find a place that rents them and tool around a bit to see if it is what you really want to do before buying/having one made for you (they are personalized and non-returnable, etc., the bike is fitted to you, specifically) and maybe start saving up for what you want, etc. I might also join a gym and build up my stamina first on the exercise bikes.

[unaluna]

You need a strong core. I fell off and hit my head just getting ON a bike with the salesman holding it, good thing he made me put on a helmet! Anyway, good luck! Dont count those old ladies out yet!

[manwithnofriends]

Yes! I actually rode a bike today! Took two hours to do it and set me back S$10 but thinking back, that was the best ten bucks I've ever spent. Now to spend a bit more to get used to the speed, and not brake too often.

[Fresia]

CoNGrATuLaTioNS! That's fantastic!
Wishing you well on wheels and time exploring. The path is yours.

[manwithnofriends]

Well, I've rented a bike again and rode it for six hours (not non-stop). I have observed that
-I can't climb gradients. When I try I just grind to a halt.
-I'm a bit scared of descending from gradients. Thankfully the brakes allow me to control my speed. If they didn't work I'd be dead. I also learned not to apply the brakes abruptly or I'll still fall off my bike. (Thankfully I didn't hurt my knees)
-Sharp turns like in the picture below are a bit difficult for me.

But still, at least I learned a new skill that could improve my life. I can now get to places 3 times faster than if I walked. I'm thinking of buying a bike but I don't think it's worth it yet. I'm staying where I am until mid-September before returning to the UK. But where I am, a country bordering the Equator with 30C temperatures every day, is a cycle-friendly place, unlike London where trying to cycle is like fighting cars.

P.S. I think the "Jalan" has given away the location!

[martharom724]

Hello..
To learn cycling is a good idea. Cycling is good exercise to stay fit and healthy.

[H3rmit]

If you have a bike with more gears, you should be able to climb better. Just takes practice. I'm 50+, not a jock, and I bike frequently 10k or more, no big deal. You're in Indonesia? Malaysia? How many gears did your bike have.

Sounds like a good addition to your life. Bravo!

Edit: curiosity got the better of me -- Singapore? Did you go to the Jurong Bird Park?

[manwithnofriends]

Yeah I think I was on the slowest gear most of the time. I think my bike had seven. And you're correct! No other place puts English and Malay road names in the same area. I've cycled from East Coast Park to Changi Beach Park in an hour (compared to three and a half when walking)

I haven't been to the bird park yet. But thanks for mentioning it, I'll have a look (on a bike if I can )