It's cramping my style!

[Quartida]

Finally, finally, I got out on my bike.

I have had problems with the battery and couldn't get him started properly for the last few weeks but after a replacement battery, Morty seems to be up and running.

On Friday I took him out to a carpark and we pootled around for 45 minutes, just getting to know each other, trying a few different gears, some turns and some indicating. Last night after work, he and I went up and down my street for about half an hour. Then this afternoon I took a 15 minute hiatus from doing housework and went for another up-and-down.

I've decided to limit myself to carparks and my own street for the first week, gradually branching out. I'm still a bit nervous as I often make Morty stall by accident, so I'm not feeling up to venturing out yet.

I've also committed myself to going riding, even if only for 15 minutes, every day, and to only do it gradually. Buckbuck has inspired me :-D

THe only problem is...my hands get very very cramped, even if only after 15 mins. Any suggestions? Is it just a practice thing?

[yungatart]

RELAX! You are gripping the controls too tight. It just takes practice and telling yourself that you are realaxed and that this is easy - in other words positive self talk. Get yourself a mentor to go riding with too.

[Ixion]

Very probably. You are holding the bars too tightly, a common error with beginners.

As you gain experience and confidence , you'll literally "loosen up".

Hands on the bars should be lose and relaxd. Try wiggling them around as you ride. A good trick 9and test) is to hold the bars with just the tips of your fingers.

On a sprotsbike some pain and cramping the wrists is inevitable, but it will improve as you get into the flow of things.

[bobsmith]

Don't worry just relex and it will soon go away... When I first started riding my right hand would be in screaming pain after about 20 mins of riding, and then one day I just realised I can't remember the last time I was in pain... (I've only been riding bikes for about 4 months and it hasn't happened in a while) so just relex and you'll be fine

[aff-man]

you forgot to mention I was standing out in the cold for 45 mins on friday :nya: :blip:

[awesker]

I had the same troubles when I started out to dude, dont sweat it .. as you build up your confidence you will things will come more naturally and you will start relaxing, also (well in my case atleast) your lower back and stomach will strengthen over time which will take some strain off your wrists and hands. (I was getting really sore wrists) just do what your doing and all you'll be sweet!

[Quartida]

you forgot to mention I was standing out in the cold for 45 mins on friday :nya: :blip:

Yes, but as my mentor I generously let you use my bike to blat around on to make up for it :yes:


Thanks everyone - you've made me feel better. I do try to relax my grip but of course it's easy to forget and then suddenly realise that you've been gripping the bars like a lifeline for the last 20 minutes.

It probably doesn't help that I have little girly hands and the levers seem so far away :mellow:

[awesker]

you tried adjusting them?

[yungatart]

you tried adjusting them?
What? her little girly hands or the levers?

[Ixion]

The hands of course, silly.

After all , we do have our own resident Igor on site - http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/member.php?u=455 -

Just send him a PM and see what he's got in stock. Just don't listen to any nonsense about "cancelled export orders" . MY Igor pulled that one, and look what THAT landed me with!

[degrom]

Time is all it takes… And don’t forget that it’s supposed to be fun!!!

[bobsmith]

The hands of course, silly.

After all , we do have our own resident Igor on site - http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/member.php?u=455 -

Just send him a PM and see what he's got in stock. Just don't listen to any nonsense about "cancelled export orders" . MY Igor pulled that one, and look what THAT landed me with!

Uhhhh.... he has aftermarket hands?????

[crashe]

well done... :first:

yep relax the grip.


Now tell us, how the hell did you, came up with the name of "Morty" for the bike...

Isnt that Mickey Mouse's cousin or something...?

[Ixion]

Uhhhh.... he has aftermarket hands?????


Yeth, what goeth round cometh round.Dunno what his stitching's like though.

[sunhuntin]

well done... :first:

yep relax the grip.


Now tell us, how the hell did you, came up with the name of "Morty" for the bike...

Isnt that Mickey Mouse's cousin or something...?

mortimer was/is mickeys rivel for minnie.

[Quartida]

Now tell us, how the hell did you, came up with the name of "Morty" for the bike...


I was having a discussion with a friend of mine bout how I had to have a name for the bike (she insisted, but I agreed) and we decided on some naff name...I couldn't remember what it was, but now that I'm riding him (ooh, ahh) I felt he should be christened. So I decided on an equally naff name. :D And I like it! :yes:

Though it's not nearly as cool as Uberfarter von Klunken...I can never top that.

As for aftermarket hands, well, that sounds cool. Bionic hands. Hands that have super powers!

Too bad you can't get aftermarket brains. I know a few people that could use some.

[Crisis management]

A little trick that I have used is to "flap your elbows", sounds weird but to move your elbows loosely you have to have a relaxed grip and loose arm muscles. I find if I get tired / cold / stiff then a quick jiggle of your arms reminds me to loosen up.
Don't ride down the road flapping your arms like a seagull...I am talking about once every 15 mins to remind yourself to loosen up.
Sounds like you are doing all the right stuff, keep going and enjoy! :rockon:

[PuppetMaster]

ride down the road flapping your arms like a seagull


buwhahaha....



Quartida: sounds like you are a gripper:yes: