Getting to where I can ride my bike again

[CRSunrise]

I have a bike that I've had since I was in college, and I haven't rode it in years. Well, I'd like to get to where I can add bike riding to my "repartee" of exercise activities. I tried riding it this weekend, but I couldn't more than probably a quarter of a mile before I had to stop and walk the rest of the way.

Any ideas on how I can get to where I can ride more on a regular basis? I know part of it is that I need to get my thigh muscles working again, and stuff like that. I'm just trying to get this part figured out. I do like riding my bike, but I really hate the seat. It hurts sitting on it after a while.

[tastelikechickn]

1. Try padded bike shorts.  I hate to ride without mine anymore but will if I only have running shorts.  Believe it or not you will actually build up a tolerance to it after a while.  I can do a 20 mi ride without soreness but it wasn't always that way. .  There are also gel seat covers that will add padding.  Try going a little farther every time you ride.  Even if it is one block more push yourself to do a little more.  In time it will get easier. You are likely capable of doing more than your self talk is letting you.  Learn to push through discomfort.  It is your friend in helping you reach your goals.

Good luck. 

[WendyB]

Agree with @tastelikechickn Go slow. work up to it. it takes time. Dont push it.

[JohnRi]

Bike riding is hard for a couple of reasons.  One the seat.  When we were kids riding a bike is easy.  Mainly because we don't weight much.  Kids don't get saddle sore that much. 

Adults on the other hand we get saddle sore.  A depends on the type of bike you get, and the seat.  Padded bike shorts helps a lot. 

The problem is you get sore, because you sit on the seat and don't move.  So as you ride, try to move your butt every few seconds.  Also try to life your butt off the seat every chance you can.  This gets the blood flowing to the skin you had pressed against the seat.

The more you ride, the less of a problem this becomes.  When I was riding every other day, I rarely got saddle sore.  On my last major ride, 20 miles, I was sore.  Unfortunately a calf injury on my leg kept me off my bike for over a month, and now I'm having to rebuild my stamia and distance.  My first ride of 10 miles left me pretty sore.

While I was hurt I was able to ride, just unable to walk.  So I tried riding every day, and I was very sore.

My suggestion is start out slow.  Increase your distance about 10% a week.  Try riding every other day.  Get padded bike shorts.  Try moving your butt on the seat as much as you can.  And life your butt off the seat too.

When I'm coasting, I'm usually "standing" on one peddle lifting my butt off the seat.  

But if you just sit on the bike and peddle you will get sore! 

As for overall distance, walking helps a great deal.  If you can walk 3 or 4 miles, then you can ride 10-14 miles.  If you can't walk a mile, you might get 2-3 miles riding before your legs give out.

I'm 49, and I just started riding again about 3 months ago.  Before that I hadn't been on a bike since I was maybe 12 or 14...  Well over 30 years...

Good luck and stay active!

[CRSunrise]

I did ride my bike today. I went just over 36 calories, although I can't tell how many steps I did, although I think I did get some steps. By the time I was done, my hips and left knew were tight, but maybe if I can do 10 minutes every day, it'll get better. I stuck to a flat road for today. Maybe after a few days to a week, I can start doing hills.