First time cycling in years, advice needed

[BeccaGeddes]

Hey guys,
I've not cycled in years and have recently bought a bike to start commuting to work to try and boost my fitness levels. It's a 6 mile round trip, so not very far but quite hilly both ways. I rode my bike home from the shop to discover I am very, very unfit and slow! Was wondering if any of you guys had tips on how to make the most of my very limited stamina so I don't have to leave my house 5 hours before I start work haha!
Any advice greatly appreciated,
Becca.

 

[MikeW-71]

The good news is that if you start riding regularly, your stamina will improve quickly. When I started riding again, I did some short rides to get used to riding again and get over the worst before I tried commuting.

You could try riding to work and back on a weekend/day off to see what it's like and how long it would take, that way you have no time pressure. You will soon be doing it quicker

Pay attention to setting up the bike to fit you, in particular, make sure the saddle is high enough. It makes it much harder work if its too low.

 

[Julia9054]

Go on plenty of leisure rides where there isn't much traffic first until you really feel in control of your bike. Build up to the distance. Then try the journey on a weekend.
When you feel ready, plan to cycle to work one day a week then build it up. Get into a routine where you pack your bag/rucksack and put your clothes out the night before so you just have to get up and go.
In 6 months time, you'll wonder why you ever contemplated getting in a car!
Good luck - you'll love it!

 

[slowmotion]

MikeW-71 gives excellent advice. I wouldn't start by commuting, it puts you under too much pressure time-wise and that may make it a bit stressful. Just go out at the weekends and evenings and bimble about. You will quickly get to enjoy being on a bike, and that will make you want to do more of it. The more you ride, the fitter you will get. It should be a pleasure not a grind.

 

[Roadrider48]

Hi. Just keep riding. You'll be surprised how quickly you become fitter.

 

[BeccaGeddes]

It doesn't feel as daunting now, thanks everyone! Just need to conquer my fear of the roads now...

 

[Mattonsea]

All good advice, cycle sometimes just for the sheer pleasure of it !

 

[Pat "5mph"]

It doesn't feel as daunting now, thanks everyone! Just need to conquer my fear of the roads now...

Hi Becca and welcome!
When I first decided I wanted to cycle to work (only 10 miles round trip) I walked the route
That's because the only way I knew was the bus route, did not fancy cycling that!
When I found a suitable route, I stayed on the pavements for 6 months, silly me, should have gotten some cycle training then, not a year later!
Excellent all the above advice about pacing yourself, stamina won't be long to come if you keep riding.
Good luck!

 

[Trull]

You might find that your local CTC group can offer yourself some very sensible practical help, there might even be another cycle-commuter that goes past your door in the direction you need to go. There's a wealth of info from some of the more experienced riders.

 

[DooDah]

As most will say, just get out on your bike as often as you can. The more you ride, the fitter you become, the longer you will ride and the more you will enjoy it. Bon courage

 

[Shadowfax]

Ive just started again after a dozen or so years, and am wondering why it took me so long but I only do it for leisure loosing a bit of weight and getting away from the car.

 

[Nigelnaturist]

If I go anywhere its on the bike even if it is into town, a mile each way, just ride as much as your body will allow, if you hurt rest for a day or two, and you will when you first start, but it gets better, not always quick like some say, but dont give up.

 

[MikeG]

Becca......get some air in your tyres. Buy yourself a floor-standing pump with a pressure gauge, and I'll bet you will find you have less than 40 lbs in them (I assume it is a road bike or hybrid?). Once you've got 100 lbs in the tyres, you'll suddenly feel like you're no longer towing a parachute along behind you.

 

[BeccaGeddes]

Becca......get some air in your tyres. Buy yourself a floor-standing pump with a pressure gauge, and I'll bet you will find you have less than 40 lbs in them (I assume it is a road bike or hybrid?). Once you've got 100 lbs in the tyres, you'll suddenly feel like you're no longer towing a parachute along behind you.

It's a hybrid, I'll give this a shot! Being going a bit further recently, thanks for all the advice guys! Not done the commute yet, a bit worried as I've been keeping an eye out for the past few week and there's very few cyclists in my town. Any I've noticed all stay on the pavements. Also, hate to sound dense but what is CTC? Spot the newbie haha.

 

[MikeG]

CTC = The Cycle Touring Club.