Decided to start cycling

[annedonnelly]

Mainly paths, I'm not very comfortable cycling on the road, I stick to paths whenever I can.

Hello Sam,

Whereabouts in the Newcastle area are you? We're lucky around here (I'm in Blyth) that there are a few of the major Sustrans routes about - Coasts and Castles heading north and both C2C and Reviers Routes cross-country.

So there are lots of fairly safe routes - on quiet roads or cycle paths - that you can explore. Look out for the little blue signs with numbers on. I'm gradually exploring the ones near me - putting my bike on the escalator through the Tyne Pedestrian Tunnel was an experience!

And if you fancy some training as Summerdays suggested I think that Recyke'y'bike in Byker do sessions for beginners.

Enjoy your cycling

Anne

 

[Sam Kennedy]

ah its funny that you mention that particular route, I went cycling yesterday at a place called Weetslade, just outside of Cramlington, I noticed a sign saying 'Reives Regional Cycle Route'.

I'm gradually building up my distance, I can manage 10 miles surprisingly easily, I might try and go for 15-20 miles tomorrow.

Bikes are awesome and so easily overlooked

 

[annedonnelly]

You'll soon be out on your bike all day!

That Reivers Route heads inland to Ponteland, Stamfordham and on to Keilder. Or down to the Tyne at the Royal Quays.

If you manage to find your way through Ponteland let me know 'cos the signs are rubbish there

 

[Sam Kennedy]

Cool, I know someone who lives a few miles from Ponteland (Rochester), My ultimate goal is to cycle to their house, I'm obvisouly not gonna go on a 35+ mile route straight away yet.

I've planned a 20 mile cycle today, I'm gonna see how I handle that.

 

[Arch]

Cool, I know someone who lives a few miles from Ponteland (Rochester), My ultimate goal is to cycle to their house, I'm obvisouly not gonna go on a 35+ mile route straight away yet.

I've planned a 20 mile cycle today, I'm gonna see how I handle that.

If you can do 10, 20 is easy (well, relatively). You'll be up to 35 in no time.

The most I'd ever done in a day before Sunday was 68. Sunday, I did 100.

Ok, I hurt, but my legs were up to it, it was just my bum that hurt...

 

[Sam Kennedy]

Yeah I clocked 19.1 today, but it was probably more because my speedometer turned itself off and I didn't realise.

There was a thunderstorm and it was great, I saw loads of lightning and got a soaking.

It wasn't a constant 20 miles because my friend wanted to stop for a break

Next time we are going to aim for 25 miles.

I tend to cycle standing up, I very rarely sit on the seat, is this a problem or not?

Oh, and I highly recommend cycling during a storm its great fun!

 

[Sittingduck]

Oh, and I highly recommend cycling during a storm its great fun!

For an added "Buzz", may I suggest wrapping tinfoil round your helmet and attaching golf clubs to bar ends (9 iron works well).

 

[Sam Kennedy]

It sounds dangerous but its not as long as you don't get hit by lightning.

 

[yello]

It sounds dangerous but its not as long as you don't get hit by lightning.

I'll bear that in mind.

Welcome Sam. I'm glad you've taken to cycling. Keep at it and the distances will become longer and easier.

 

[Sam Kennedy]

I could go further and longer, but I normally go with a friend(its alot more fun) but they slow me down. Maybe I should do seperate bike ride for personal fitness, and seperate ones with my friend?

 

[Riverman]

You cycle 20 miles standing up? I don't think there's much need to stand up at all unless you occasionally want to power up short hills. Don't let this put you off, I'm just saying you can go at the same speed without leaving the saddle.

I'd also say you'll save energy if you sit down. Does anyone agree?

 

[Sam Kennedy]

I'd also say you'll save energy if you sit down. Does anyone agree?

I do

I just prefer standing up even though I know sitting down is more energy efficient.

I'm actually gonna try and get to Ponteland tomorrow(shhh I didn't tell my cycling buddy )

It will be a 22 mile cycle there and back, so I might actually go somewhere random to add an extra 3 miles on to my route.

I can really see me taking up cycling seriously, I'll see how tomorrow goes.

I didn't realise how close stuff actually is before I started cycling, its so fun!

 

[Davidc]

If you want to know about how to ride safely on roads there's a book called Cyclecraft that's well worth reading.

Lots of good comments above - I agree with those who say use the one you have, keep it maintained, use it a lot, and when it falls apart have enough in the bank to buy better.

Provided you're careful theres nothing wrong with second hand. by the time you've worn out the present bike you'll have a much better idea what you want, road bike, audax, mtb, depending on what you want to do with it. Whichever, there are good secondhand bikes around.

 

[punkypossum]

I just prefer standing up even though I know sitting down is more energy efficient.

Is your saddle at the right height Sam? As a rule of thumb, sitting on it with the heel of your foot on the pedal, your leg should be completely straight, which gives you a slight bend when cycling with the ball of your foot on it. If you find standing up more efficient, chances are yours is too low!

 

[summerdays]

Is your saddle at the right height Sam? As a rule of thumb, sitting on it with the heel of your foot on the pedal, your leg should be completely straight, which gives you a slight bend when cycling with the ball of your foot on it. If you find standing up more efficient, chances are yours is too low!

+1 or possibly even the frame size?

What height are you and what size is the frame (and someone else will tell you if that sounds ok or not)