First week - a question...

[&roid]

First of all, Hi! First post on the forum, hopefully the first of many.
So I did some cycling at centre parks a couple of weeks ago for the first time in nearly twenty years. Really enjoyed it so decided I'd get a bike when I got back, a couple of trips to decathlon and a LOT of internet reading later and I'm the proud owner of a B'Twin Triban 3

Yesterday I went out and did about 10 miles around some local roads (took about 45mins), then this morning I found a route through poynton and adlington in cheshire which was just over 15mi with a couple of hills. It was really tiring but managed it in just over and hour so was pretty chuffed.

I'm already looking for my next ride, I think I'll have a couple of days off now (possibly a little bit of gym work, but I've not done a lot of exercise in the last few years so don't want to KILL myself!). I've found a route up over to Kettleshulme which looks good, it's nearer 25mi and has three decent hills (all of them longer than the one I did today - about 1.2-1.5mi each). So the question is, does this seem reasonable?? I'm 34, 6'2" and 102kg, I'm not that fit but although today was tiring I could have done more. I guess it's a hard one to answer but I'm not being completely daft thinking of doing this am I???

 

[potsy]

Welcome.

Sounds like you're doing fine there with those rides, certainly further than I managed when I got myself a bike after a 20 year gap.
You'll soon know if you've pushed it too far, in fact if you can get to Stockport on the 25th Sept you could do a forum ride of 55 miles

 

[&roid]

Well, it turns out that it WAS doable! total run was 26 miles, the hills were an absolute killer for me, a gain of just over 1000ft in about 4 miles. Had to stop a few times just to get some oxygen into my body.

I felt pretty ropey afterwards but I finished it and, although I came close a few times, I didn't actually vomit!

I think I learnt quite a lot from this run, I should definitely have taken something to eat or some cash with me - was gutted when I stopped in Disley and couldn't get anything. Also I'm really really unfit! The whole trip took me just over 2h20 so average speed of about 11mph. I think I need to alter my seating position a bit, I'm sure both seat and bars could do with being a bit higher.

Is it normal for the brakes on a road bike to feel pretty weak when used with the hands on the hoods? I'm not sure if its just my technique but the only way I can stop quickly is if my hands are down on the drops, it seems the only place I can get enough leverage, is that right?

 

[gavroche]

Personnaly, I think you are doing too much too quick and you will burn yourself out. Take your time and increase your mileage gradually. Also always take a drink and something to eat. Listen to your body and don't push too hard at first. Most of all, enjoy it!

 

[&roid]

When I got back yesterday and couldn't really do anything for a couple of hours I came to the same conclusion! Think the next few will be a bit shorter. Good thing is that even though yesterday was clearly a bit too much I DO feel really good for having done it so hopefully it can be a positive thing. Definitely below 20 miles for the next week or two

 

[Angelfishsolo]

Is it normal for the brakes on a road bike to feel pretty weak when used with the hands on the hoods? I'm not sure if its just my technique but the only way I can stop quickly is if my hands are down on the drops, it seems the only place I can get enough leverage, is that right?

I experience the same thing. On steep descents I have to go onto the drops to achieve enough stopping power. Upgrading the pads and then the callipers if more stopping power is needed are the next steps to take

 

[PoweredByVeg]

Somebody sounds hooked

Next stop 50, 75, 100

 

[&roid]

Indeed I am! Will definitely be looking to get up to about 50-60mi, after that... we'll have to see

Bit gutted that I've managed to get into it just when the weather's turning rubbish, ah well!

 

[Big boy]

It does sound like you overdid it a little, i think we all do at times.
I think a lot of cycling is in the head, sometimes when im about to get off and push i think hang on a min ive managed this before.
It sorta gives me more determination.

 

[spacecat]

Well done mate. Just take it easy do that you don't sicken yourself. It doesn't sound to me that you're really unfit BTW.

I always go onto the drops if I need stopping power. I don't feel confident using the brakes on the hoods

 

[biggs682]

well done keep doing the rides and the distances will follow , just dont go to far to quick

 

[&roid]

Are there any sites with suggested training plans for cycling? have had a look on google but not turned much up. Just something giving an idea of what would be a sensible progression week on week in terms of miles/pace.

EDIT: and thanks for the encouragement, it's good to be able to get a bit of advice from people who actually know what they are doing with this cycling lark!

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

Good for you mate!

Try this training plan. It's what I followed before doing my first 100 mile ride.

You'll note two things: firstly, that it gradually increases the distances ridden and secondly, that it allows for plenty of rest. I recommend that you start at the beginning even though you know that you can ride further already.

It's good to be keen, but you if you go at it too hard and too fast you risk over-doing it and injuring yourself and losing your enthusiasm.

The three key points to any training programme are exercise, nutrition and rest: each element is as important as the other.

As for braking, you will find that doing so from the hoods is less effective than from the drops. It's all about leverage: from the drops you are applying force to the end of the lever; from the hoods you are applying it to the beginning of the lever, shortening it's effective length.

Therefore you will need to apply more force from the hoods to get the same effect: practically speaking this is not possible (unless you have the sort of grip-strength that can crush golf balls), so you will need to swap positions according to your needs.

First of all you should get your bike set-up properly: this link covers the basics. A poor set-up will be uncomfortable, could lead to injury and will waste your effort: after I was shown how to adjust my saddle height correctly, the difference was as noticeable as when changing gear!

Bone route!

 

[&roid]

Jimmy, thanks for the reply, really useful links there. Will try and follow that training plan as it looks pretty sensible and should be fairly achievable.

If we have some typical british weather over the winter is it ok to swap some of the shorter rides for sessions on the bike at the gym? would you up the distance a bit to reflect the easier conditions indoors?

 

[fossyant]

Perfectly OK to use indoor machines - but watch out for getting very bored.

I'm a regular out round Adlington, Potts Shrigley etc.

There are lots of decent back roads from Adlington to Poynton - just east of Macc road.

You'll have to do the following.

From Adlington, climb up to Potts Shrigley, past the golf course, then bear left as you hit the village and go up 'The Brickworks Or you could bear right, through Potts Shrigley, and then bear left towards Rainow - You'll then have Blaize Hill to climb, and the very steep bit to bring you out on the Macc/Whaley Rd.

Tonnes of hills, some very nasty - so be careful to plan your route at first, and don't kill yourself.