Disheartened

[Strick]

So there I was last night, done a nice little route around the villages (4.81miles in 25m12s), and as I came back into the village I felt reasonably good about it. Coming down the hill, I was in top gear pedalling like a mad-man, I was faster than the wind!!

Thats when it happened........
A lycra clad guy on a road bike came past me like I was standing still!!!

Oh well, it did offer some encouragement too in a weird sort of way.

 

[hotmetal]

Ah, mate, don't let that discourage you. There's always someone out there who's quicker. I don't know what bike you have, but if it's a mountain bike with soft knobbly fat tyres then a fit guy on a carbon whippet-mobile with 52-11 gearing and skinny tyres pumped to 110psi is going to have an advantage!

Think of it this way, if you can do that speed on a bike that might not be built for road top speed, you might have given him a run for his money on a bike like his. And if you were going across a field he'd have no chance!!!

 

[Boyfrom64]

Strick,

I have been riding a road bike now for about 6 weeks and in that time I have been passed by a number of guys whilst out riding. I can understand your feeling as know one likes to have someone come from behind, pass them and then contiune to leave them.

However, my feeling is simple, the more I ride the fitter I become and the quicker I will get. But more importantly, I enjoy being out on my bike, no matter how fast or slow I am compared to others and this is surely what cycling is all about.

So in conclusion, do not let someone going quicker than you get you down, just get out on your bike and enjoy yourself.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

I agree it can be disheartening but there will always be people out there faster than you. You could try fitting a cycle computer and competing against yourself for Max top speed / average speed. End of the day you are the best person to challenge yourself.

 

[Strick]

Thanks for the words of encouragement guys.
In honesty I wasnt major gutted. As hotmetal has said he was on a road bike (and have certainly been out on his more than mine, lol) and was in good shape too. Made me realise that I am heading in the right direction, and whilst im not sure I will ever be in that territory, I do think that a hybrid may offering me better gearing that my MTB currently does. Although the hybrid tyres have helped more than I ever thought possible!
Back out tonight with luck, im kind of hooked (obsessed??) now.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

Once that bug bites that's it. Give it a year and you will have a collection of bikes and be weighing up the pro's and con's of a carbon racing machine v's a whatever is around then

Ride safe, live free. Find F.T.C (Freedom Through Cycling)

Thanks for the words of encouragement guys.
In honesty I wasnt major gutted. As hotmetal has said he was on a road bike (and have certainly been out on his more than mine, lol) and was in good shape too. Made me realise that I am heading in the right direction, and whilst im not sure I will ever be in that territory, I do think that a hybrid may offering me better gearing that my MTB currently does. Although the hybrid tyres have helped more than I ever thought possible!
Back out tonight with luck, im kind of hooked (obsessed??) now.

 

[Chris S]

Horses for courses - he might be able to beat you on the road but if he tried it on a canal towpath he'd wreck his wheels!

 

[Strick]

Once that bug bites that's it. Give it a year and you will have a collection of bikes and be weighing up the pro's and con's of a carbon racing machine v's a whatever is around then

Ride safe, live free. Find F.T.C (Freedom Through Cycling)

That's what is worrying me........... This was supposed to be a relatively CHEAP form of transport/exercise.

 

[Strick]

Horses for courses - he might be able to beat you on the road but if he tried it on a canal towpath he'd wreck his wheels!

Good point.
And he would've stodd NO chance in a burger eating contest either.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

LMAO - Well fuel costs are variable, you can do servicing yourself, no VED to pay - there are a few saving to be found

That's what is worrying me........... This was supposed to be a relatively CHEAP form of transport/exercise.

 

[Strick]

OK, you may well be right then. Can I send you my wife's email address so you can convince her too please?

 

[BrumJim]

There's always someone faster than you. Unless you are Chris Hoy, of course!

 

[BSRU]

That's not disheartening, earlier today I witnessed a roadie in full team gear on a nice shiny new road bike struggle up a hill being easily passed by some older guy on a heavy looking hub geared bike, he totally blew him away.

 

[mog35]

There's always someone faster than you. Unless you are Chris Hoy, of course!

+1

Sometimes I'm doing the overtaking, other times I'm being left for dust. Usually it's the latter...

 

[Hip Priest]

+1

Sometimes I'm doing the overtaking, other times I'm being left for dust. Usually it's the latter...

Me too. I often get scalped, but occasionally I do pass someone. I usually grin to myself and think 'ha, I hope that ruins your day.....at primary school'.