The bicycling class was great! Part I was on Wednesday night, and it was classroom time. We learned basic rules of the road, parts of the bike, ... stuff like that.
Yesterday was Part II and we had to bring our bikes! For this part, we met in the parking lot at Udall Park. We began by helmeting up, and then riding over to another parking lot. Here we did various drills, riding in a straight line, looking over our left shoulder while holding a straight line, avoidance maneuvers, quick turns, and quick stops.
After some time there, we took to the road, riding in traffic! It was scary for me at first, because I've always been scared riding in traffic. But then, being part of the group, doing it right and seeing why it was right, I enjoyed it! We stopped now and then for debriefing and introduction to what we were going to do next. We did left turns from the far right on a 5-lane busy road, rode on a 2-lane narrow road with no shoulder, crossed a couple of very busy roads, all safely with no problems.
We rode to a sandwich place and ordered the lunch of our dreams, paid for by the City. Then we had a test, after which we went over and discussed the answers. (I missed 3 out of 30.)
When the class was over, we got a certificate suitable for framing AND a coupon for free stuff from the Ajo Bike Shop on the other side of Tucson. A group of us went there right away to claim our goodies! We got a $30 helmet (which I got before the class, and which I love!), a $40 bike lock, a $25 light set, an $11 water bottle, a nice air pump, a patch kit, and tire tools! Thank you, City of Tucson!
Sunday, January 27, 2008
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Janee, the bike class sounds fantastic! It sure ups your comfort level when you learn how to do scary things, like riding in traffic, safely. Keep up the riding. I know you'll enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteBettyB
Hi Sister Mine,
ReplyDeleteThe bike class sounded great. I'd love to take up riding again, but in the "old days" we didn't have all that fancy stuff, like a helmet, water bottle, etc. I gave away my bike years ago, but I've had the hankering to get back to it. If I do, I'll get a new bike and take a class similar to yours.
I'm sure H.B. doesn't give good stuff away, and I know they won't spring for lunch anywhere.
Talk to you soon.
Love,
Me
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Mike_in_Reno
Can you go into more detail in regard to making a left turn from the far right on a very busy road.
ReplyDeleteIs it just a case of waiting on the far right until there is no traffic coming or going? I've always just got into the left lane and kind of prayed that I didn't get rear ended.
An inquiring mind would really like to know.
Thank you,
Jim
Janee Molly and I feel that you made out like a bandit at the bike shop. They really gave away alot of stuff!! We both have bikes but dont ride as much as we should. I really miss my old bike i had with the coaster brakes, it was the best. Ten speeds are for the birds but thats what i got. Robert
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