Looking for private instructor

[isb]

Looking for a (patient) instructor who has experience teaching an adult to ride a bike privately in Washington DC area. I am a female in my mid- fifties, some what athletic, does spinning classes and tandem rides all the time and even have a bike. Few years ago I tried to learn this but for some reason stopped the process. From what I remember, I managed to stay on the bike for a bit but could not get on the bike by myself without falling …. Regardless of what I have done in the past, I would like to have a fresh start and learn how to ride a bike once and for all. You can post your respond here or send me a private email – Thanks!

Topic

[PotomacCyclist]

I think the Washington Area Bicyclist Association offers beginner bike riding classes, along with confident city riding classes. You may want to look into that.

Other than that, I would just suggest that you stick with it. Maybe start out riding in a large empty parking lot until you feel more confident about your bike handling skills.

Balance drills and core training can improve your general balance, which will make it easier to ride on the bike.

[isb]

Thanks for all the tips – well taken! However, I still much prefer to start with a private instructor (much better chance of not giving up).

[americancyclo]

Here’s a link for the WABA Adult Ed bike classes. I think the class sizes are pretty small, and they get great results!
http://waba.org/education/adult.php

[CCrew]

At 55 I can understand the desire for the instruction to be more 1:1. I see it frequently with computer users in my office, you really don’t want to wave that flag that says “I should know this but don’t”.

All good suggestions about WABA, but it just doesn’t work for some folks and I understand that. I think one of their confident cycling classes is this Thursday. I can see that as Step 2 in ISB’s continuing education.

ISB, what area are you located in?

[baiskeli]

Whoever helps you should also have the ability to help you get the right style and size of bike, if that’s your problem, or at least adjust it to fit your needs. From what you describe, it sounds like maybe you have a bike that’s not the right shape or size or isn’t adjusted right for you.

[CCrew]

@baiskeli 6669 wrote:

Whoever helps you should also have the ability to help you get the right style and size of bike, if that’s your problem, or at least adjust it to fit your needs. From what you describe, it sounds like maybe you have a bike that’s not the right shape or size or isn’t adjusted right for you.

Agreed. But that person is also going to have to understand the challenges faced by an older rider, which in ISB’s case is compounded by the fact that she’s a beginning rider. I’m 55. I’ll have to freely admit that I don’t have the balance that I had 10 years ago. For instance I have a difficult if not impossible time riding with no hands. Sure, part of that is that I generally prefer an aggressive geometry, but part of it is definitely age.

But baiskell, I agree with you. I’d have to start with an evaluation of the rider. Are there any medical conditions that can affect balance or response. Is it a conditioning issue, etc. From there it’s moving to the bike, and is it fit well, adjusted correctly, etc. I think ISB is correct in desiring someone offering a more 1:1 approach as it may be needed. Whether it’s in the form of an established class I think is going to be difficult. An experienced rider with the understanding of what’s being faced and the patience to teach I think is going to be her best bet.

Us 50 something’s face some different issues than the whippersnappers out there :p

[KLizotte]

@baiskeli 6669 wrote:

Whoever helps you should also have the ability to help you get the right style and size of bike, if that’s your problem, or at least adjust it to fit your needs. From what you describe, it sounds like maybe you have a bike that’s not the right shape or size or isn’t adjusted right for you.

This is a very good point. When I was looking to buy my bike the sales person put me on a men’s bike that was way too big. I had a hard time getting on/off and I learned how to ride a bike when I was a kiddie. If the bike is too big, then anyone who doesn’t know how to ride will have a super hard time learning.

She could go to any bike shop and ask that they check the fit. Any person she seeks training from can do the same.

[clockj]

Perhaps you could contact a local DC, MD, or VA League of American Bicyclists instructor. Some are listed at Bikeed.org if the group classes are not an option for you.

[isb]

Thank you all *for your suggestions and trying to help. One of the main reason that I am looking for a private instructor is the flexibility that can offer me – I will have to only work with my schedule and his/hers. I got some leads ….. Who knows maybe before too long, I can update this post with some significant progress report – wouldn’t that be nice and sweet …. Thanks again everyone!

[americancyclo]

@isb 6714 wrote:

Who knows maybe before too long, I can update this post with some significant progress report – wouldn’t that be nice and sweet

Please do keep us updated!

[Author]

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