Learning how to Ride a Bike Properly

How does one learn how to ride a bike?  I am not talking about staying up on the two wheels (although that does help), but I mean stuff like learning how to take a drink, or clip out of the pedals. 

When I first bought my bike, I started training for a half iron-man.  The miles were not an issue, but I never got down how one drinks while riding on the bike.  Excuses such as not being thirsty are all good on a leisurely ride, but anticipating a half marathon when one gets off the bike means hydration.  So, during the race, I stopped three times on my bike (as in pulled over to the side of the road) and had some liquid.  Call me cautious, but really I am just clumsy and figured averting the inevitable crash I convinced myself I would have was a time saving event, and so I have never learned or attempted to drink while moving on a bike.

Similar to drinking liquids, I am unable to un-click on my left side.  The problem is that I have not been able to start off with my left foot clicked in either.  So there is this awkward thing I do when I stop at a light (which I avoid at all costs) which is un-click right foot, put right foot down, un-click left, put left down, click in right and wait at the light.  A short light means that this process is only half completed before the light has turned green.  Then I panic, and probably cuss. 

I tell myself that I need to learn how to be more efficient and less awkward at lights and be able to drink while moving, but when? how?  It is not like I make time for 'practicing' such things.  How did you learn, or are you just more coordinated, braver, and generally more mechanically inclined than me?

Comments

[carefree clicking]

Ok, Mo.....here is all you need to know! First of all, what do you mean you can't start with your left foot clicked in? Of course you can! Start w/ your left foot at the very top of the pedal stroke. That gives you lots of time to get going. If you can't "click in" just put your right foot down and try again. Keep trying until it works, which it will! Do this in front of you house although I would suggest doing it in the dead of night. Perhaps midnight would be best.

As for drinking on the bike, here's what you do. Fill the bottle just a little so its light and easy to grab. Get going and then coast. As you coast, reach down, grab bottle and drink. Start pedaling again while still holding bottle. Coast to put the bottle back in. Again I suggest doing this in the cloak of darkness, although then you have to learn to ride at night which is another blog.....

[mo willis]

Your theories are good! Monday on a 15 mile bike ride I managed to tip over and have some decent bruises on my knees. Maybe I should buy some kneepads too.

[Tip-O-the-Day]

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When I first bought my bike, I started training for a half iron-man. The miles were not an issue, but I never got down how one drinks while riding on the bike. Excuses such as not being thirsty are all good on a leisurely ride, but anticipating a half marathon when one gets off the bike means hydration. So, during the race, I stopped three times on my bike (as in pulled over to the side of the road) and had some liquid. Call me cautious, but really I am just clumsy and figured averting the inevitable

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Monday on a 15 mile bike ride I managed to tip over and have some decent bruises on my knees.

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[בריכת שחיה]

I like consuming beverages, I am incapable to un-click on my eventually left part. I have been able to begin with my eventually left base visited in either. So there is this comfortable factor I do when I quit at a lighting.