First Half Century

[mr_s81]

Hi All

Haven't ridden a bike in earnest since I was a teenager (I'm 29 now) and got my bike (Carerra Virtuoso) through the Cycle2Work scheme 8 weeks ago. My first run was about 5 miles but shortly after I was doing 18-30 mile runs two to three times a week. A couple of weeks ago I thought I'd try and stretch the legs a bit and did this run. Was a bit of a struggle for the last 5 miles or so because a bit of a nasty headwind, but I was pleased to have made it.

Anyway set out this morning, was a lovely one so thought I would clock up a few miles and see how I got on. Had it in the back of my head that today might be as good an opportunity as any to try for the half century so after about 25 miles I decided it was now or never. Got the head down and coming up on three hours I was nearly there. I was almost home when I noticed the odometer was reading about 48 miles. So I turned back on myself and did the extra distance to make the half century. Quite tired when I got home but very satisfied! Uploaded the run on to Garmin Connect as I normally do and was very pleased with the average speed! I've been working on trying to up my cadence of late based on advice I've been reading on here and on other sites and I definitely find it easier running a lower gear and getting the legs spinning!

I know to many of you 50 miles is only a warm up. But after 8 weeks I didn't think I'd be able to clock up that kind of distance so needless to say I'm very pleased!!

 

[Brandane]

Well done that man! 50 miles at an average speed of 18 mph is good going by any standard, even more so when you've only been back at the cycling for 8 weeeks. By way of comparison, my average speed is usually about 12/13 mph. My excuse is I am 48, but I see guys a lot older flying past me on a regular basis. Have managed a few 50 milers, a couple of 70s. Next target is 100.....

 

[rusty bearing]

50 miles is good in anyone's book, though I'm much the same average speed as Brandane although to me he's a mere youth!

 

[ColinJ]

A good effort! It took me a few years to get round to doing a 50-miler.

 

[HLaB]

Nice one, I don't know how long it took me to reach the 50mile mark but it was a lot more than 8 weeks

 

[jayonabike]

8 weeks? It took me at 5 months before i did my first 50. Well done you!

 

[mr_s81]

Thanks for the words of encouragement all! Well pleased to get the first 50 under my belt but unfortunately I guess that means I have to set myself a new target now!

Had a bit of a dice with a guy at about 42 - 45 miles. He overtook me and I thought I would try and keep with him to see how I got on. He seemed to slow up a bit after he went past so I returned the favour and overtook him (adding a bit of light hearted banter along the way!) I've never ridden with anyone else on the road before but I did notice that when there's a target for you in front to aim at, the tiredness does seem to subside for a moment or two!

Possibly thinking of joining my local cycle club next spring. I've ordered Tacx rollers to try and improve my pedal stroke and balance, so hopefully after a winter on that I'll not embarrass myself too much when I get around to joining the club!

 

[Banjo]

Thanks for the words of encouragement all! Well pleased to get the first 50 under my belt but unfortunately I guess that means I have to set myself a new target now!

Had a bit of a dice with a guy at about 42 - 45 miles. He overtook me and I thought I would try and keep with him to see how I got on. He seemed to slow up a bit after he went past so I returned the favour and overtook him (adding a bit of light hearted banter along the way!) I've never ridden with anyone else on the road before but I did notice that when there's a target for you in front to aim at, the tiredness does seem to subside for a moment or two!

Possibly thinking of joining my local cycle club next spring. I've ordered Tacx rollers to try and improve my pedal stroke and balance, so hopefully after a winter on that I'll not embarrass myself too much when I get around to joining the club!

congratulations 50 is a big milestone and average 18 is better than I could hope for unless its all downhill. The mention of a pub stop seems to revive my tired legs .

 

[jig-sore]

50 miles after 8 weeks is very good progress. i've done a couple of 50's but to be honest i dont enjoy being on the bike for more than that.

well done.

 

[ColinJ]

It shouldn't take you long to reach the next big 'milestone' - 100 km (62.2 miles). After that you have 100 miles and 200 km to look forward to!   

 

[Jacqui]

Doh I stopped at 60 miles today so didn't make the 100k . Well done on the fifty .

 

[mr_s81]

congratulations 50 is a big milestone and average 18 is better than I could hope for unless its all downhill. The mention of a pub stop seems to revive my tired legs .

It wasn't a particularily hilly route but by the time I got to 30 odd miles even slight inclines became big challenges! Surprised by 18mph average to be honest as it didn't feel that particularly 'fast'. I think it came as a consequence of trying to intentionally keep a higher cadence than I normally would and I guess the speed was a by product!

50 miles after 8 weeks is very good progress. i've done a couple of 50's but to be honest i dont enjoy being on the bike for more than that.

well done.

Thanks. I didn't feel particularly uncomfortable on the bike but there was a slight case of numb bum in the latter miles! Hardly surprising after almost 3 hours in the saddle when I'm not used to it!

It shouldn't take you long to reach the next big 'milestone' - 100 km (62.2 miles). After that you have 100 miles and 200 km to look forward to!

Does it never end !?!

Doh I stopped at 60 miles today so didn't make the 100k . Well done on the fifty .

Congrats on the 60 miles. At least you can know you can do sixty. Another 2.5 will be no problem to you!

 

[BlueDog]

Hi All

Haven't ridden a bike in earnest since I was a teenager (I'm 29 now) and got my bike (Carerra Virtuoso) through the Cycle2Work scheme 8 weeks ago. My first run was about 5 miles but shortly after I was doing 18-30 mile runs two to three times a week. A couple of weeks ago I thought I'd try and stretch the legs a bit and did this run. Was a bit of a struggle for the last 5 miles or so because a bit of a nasty headwind, but I was pleased to have made it.

Anyway set out this morning, was a lovely one so thought I would clock up a few miles and see how I got on. Had it in the back of my head that today might be as good an opportunity as any to try for the half century so after about 25 miles I decided it was now or never. Got the head down and coming up on three hours I was nearly there. I was almost home when I noticed the odometer was reading about 48 miles. So I turned back on myself and did the extra distance to make the half century. Quite tired when I got home but very satisfied! Uploaded the run on to Garmin Connect as I normally do and was very pleased with the average speed! I've been working on trying to up my cadence of late based on advice I've been reading on here and on other sites and I definitely find it easier running a lower gear and getting the legs spinning!

I know to many of you 50 miles is only a warm up. But after 8 weeks I didn't think I'd be able to clock up that kind of distance so needless to say I'm very pleased!!

I read your post before going out today. I was thinking about it just as I was about to go up Cheddar Gorge and decided to do the same as you and changed my route at the last minute.

Been riding for a couple of years now with my usual rides being between 10-20 miles – my best was 32 miles. Anyway, I went for it and got back home with just over 52 miles on the clock– so dead chuffed with that

However, I won’t mention my average speed, suffice to say it took me just over 4.5 hours

Then upon my return home and having then told my son of the epic journey, he decided he wanted to go on a ride – I thought he was joking so I called his bluff – bad move, I can hardly walk now!

So congratulations on your ride mr_s81 and thanks for the idea

 

[mr_s81]

I read your post before going out today. I was thinking about it just as I was about to go up Cheddar Gorge and decided to do the same as you and changed my route at the last minute.

Been riding for a couple of years now with my usual rides being between 10-20 miles – my best was 32 miles. Anyway, I went for it and got back home with just over 52 miles on the clock– so dead chuffed with that

However, I won’t mention my average speed, suffice to say it took me just over 4.5 hours

Then upon my return home and having then told my son of the epic journey, he decided he wanted to go on a ride – I thought he was joking so I called his bluff – bad move, I can hardly walk now!

So congratulations on your ride mr_s81 and thanks for the idea

Congratulations Bluedog!! 20 miles over your previous best is no mean feat!!! There'll be no stopping you now!! I think sometimes we create obstacles in our own minds and limit ourselves to certain speeds / distances etc, but if we overcome the mental obstacles we can surprise ourselves! I wouldn't be too concerned about the average speed, I'd imagine that will come as you get fitter and more used to the longer distances. I wasn't racing against the clock on Saturday as such. Just wanted to see if I could do a 50 miler. The fact that I was trying to get back in time for my lunch did help with the motivation though!!

Now you've completed 52 miles, I'd say 62.2 (100km) is well within your reach!!