Kitted out! 1st Ride! I so need a map..

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Mouki

Regular
Location
Berkshire
Hi guys!

Back again with a new thread on my progress for anyone who's interested! :tongue: Have a few more questions please as well...

So picked up my bike and bought extra's too in one hit! Prices were comparable to online plus got a 10% discount which was nice so can't complain! I got the following:
  • D Lock (Arbus Silver) & Cable (multi-braided)
  • Cage & Water bottle
  • Inner tube, thingy that gets tyre out & a mini hand pump
  • Handlebar bag
  • Helmet
Didn't buy a tool kit as the guy said I shouldn't tweak anything until my first free service and that they could do anything needed in a yearly service. I also didn't get lights as not planning on riding in the dark yet. Last thing I didn't get was any clothing which my poor sore bum is rather regretting!! Is there anything I missed??

So next day after work I was ready and excited for my first ride!! I checked Googly maps and saw cycling from my house to a friends will be 6.2 miles and take 30 mins (or so with a pinch of salt!) I didn't have a holder for my phone so I decided to wing it as I know the route by CAR. Well, I did regret that obviously!!! What I didn't take into account was that cycle paths can take you some random way round to get you know where near your destination without a few turns here and there! Fair to say I took a wrong turn twice, asked a jogger where I am, ended up on some cobblestone path and almost fell off my bike! After that I had no choice but to cycle on the road as the footpaths ran out - but I quite enjoyed it! The cars gave me good distance (maybe as I was a little wobbly..!) But had 2 boy racers speed by quite close and a lady deciding she won't wait for me to go through a narrow gap which wouldn't fit us both (even though I was ahead of her) and was way too close to me for my liking and I almost wobbled off my bike! Luckily I didn't, plus I had made it to my friends finally! 1HOUR 10MINS LATER! LOL - WOOT! I was still happy for my first jolly! :smile: Tired too!

Today I went back to Stows for some padded shorts and the guy recommended Endura which I tried on in Large but didn't have Medium in Stock. I went off to Evans (Maidenhead) reluctantly but the guy there, seemed like the manager, was really nice and helped me. Tried the shorts, wiggled about, bent down in sitting position and felt like a good fit. Won't know until I try I guess! Also got a base layer top and a zip jersey. I feel like a pro now! Hahaha, well not really, but hopefully I will be more comfy on tomorrow's ride as I got super hot and felt stiff in my layered gym gear. Going to try the same route again tomorrow so will see how long it takes me this time….!!

One thing that is really confusing me is how people know how to get from A to B if you don't know the area? Sorry if it's a daft question but are maps really detailed enough? I've heard people say go to your local council for a map and saw (only 1) sign that said 'Cycling Route Y'. I went through 3 towns and really had to look for the cycle paths. I know they say you're not allowed to cycle on normal pedestrian footpaths but I was too scared of the road at first and took it slow and gave people right of way. (Of which there weren't many around now that I think about it weirdly..) Anyway, I can use the GPS on my phone if I get a mount for it but will this be the easiest way? Also, do you guys use the cycling option on google maps or some other cycling app thing? I downloaded MapMy Ride and Cyclemeter so I can't wait to share all my rubbish stats! Lol.

Mouks
 

summerdays

Cycling in the sun
Location
Bristol
Well done, sound as though you managed fine!

I'm a map lover, and frequently end up exploring to find new bits, you aren't lost, just finding out. Sometimes I look up google maps before I go out - it does have a bike option, which shows some of the bike routes. I have all the local council maps for my area and neighbouring ones. Another way that I've learnt new routes is by watching other unknown cyclists or cycling with ones I know. Just go out and enjoy and explore. As a result of my exploring I know most of my main area, so even if I don't know the road I'm on currently I will suddenly recognise the next junction.

I grew up in the area near Maidenhead, and one of my major exploring was getting off the train at Maidenhead and transferring onto the wrong train, getting off somewhere ringing from a phone box to my parents and then setting off walking. I think it took a couple of hours before I made it to my parents! But I was exploring!
 

snorri

Legendary Member
Hi Mouki, great post! Your enthusiasm shines through^_^.
Regarding navigation, I'm afraid you have discovered for yourself that a cycle route is seldom the shortest distance between two points and that signposting is often wonting. The upside is that the cycle routes keep you away from motor traffic.
Certainly try the Local Council for maps, or perhaps a tourist information point, or you could look at the Sustrans website to see if they have any maps of your local area. http://www.sustrans.org.uk/

Inner tube, thingy that gets tyre out & a mini hand pump
If you have not already done so, it might be an idea to have a bit of practise in the comfort of your own home with the "tube ,thingy and pump" . The day will come sooner or later when you need these things and it's a great confidence booster when you complete your first repair at the roadside without difficulty and continue your journey without having to fall back on outside assistance.

Have fun:bicycle:, although I don't think you needed me to tell you that^_^
 

dst87

Well-Known Member
Location
Falkirk, UK
Sounds like you're doing really well. I'm still a bit scared to venture onto the roads!

I need to get a wind-proof zippy thing for cycling. At the moment I'm wearing a long sleeved wicking cycling top thing and a gore-tex Berghaus waterproof. Reasonably light but still a bit bulky.

In terms of mapping, have you had a look on Open Street Map? They have loads of cycle paths listed, and as it's a curated effort by users it tends to be pretty up to date and accurate (at least in my area!) Might be worth a look :smile:
 

Steppylud

Über Member
Location
Epsom
For Mapping and not getting lost I swear by a route I created on Strava and uploaded to my Garmin Edge 200, I just follow the little black line and I can't go wrong!
 
Location
Pontefract
Can't help you with cycle routes never ever used them, lights they are not just for night time, many a time I have them on during the day even in summer, clothing reasonably good kit will be both light weight and keep at the right temp, in winter these days its usually just winter cycling shirt and base layer, ditto in summer but summer versions, but then we have had two very mild winters, rain in summer, usually I just get wet, very rarely cold, though over shoes even light weight one to keep the worst of the wet off my shoes/socks and dry to a large degree unless its an absolute down poor (yes been out in a few), Aldi shirts are good, I had some endura shorts and last time I looked at Aldi shorts leggings they were the same coolmax
 
Where do you live (Which Town or City)?

Go to the Council's website and search for "cycling"

There is usually a map for cyclists showing the local area and its cycle routes

THis will usualy be in a frmatthat can be put on the phone or printed.

Apart rom that there are some free maps available on your phone

Cycle STreets is a useful tool for both planning routes, and gainingacess to free mapping

THe other thingthat is worthwhile doing is looking at Ordnace Survey maps

explorer.gif


They cover a larger area and have all sorts of information.

They also have a good site for schools that teaches you how to use them

Map reading made easy-peasy is a good start

(I know it is for kids.. but it is still good)
 
.. and I second @snorri with the p*ncture repair equipment

You will need a tool to remove the wheels unless you have quick release

It is better to remove the wheel, and practice a p*ncture repair at home, make your mistakes and get it right than on a wet miserable day at the side of the road

Also look locally for Courses like this which are more than worth ethe effort

There are lots of videos on YouTube on how to repair... or simply call this guy:

 

Saluki

World class procrastinator
That sounds like a good first ride :smile:

I use the maps function on my phone, if I get a bit lost and want to know where I am and roughly which direction I need to be. No such thing as 'lost' it's just a navigational adventure.
I do carry a toolkit, just a small one. Very handy even if just for flicking stones out of tyres.
 

sidevalve

Über Member
+1 to above about punctures - do it at home first. Again look on the net and print out LARGE SCALE versions of any maps you want to follow - it's good fun just following your route as you ride and they often show things to see as you go.
 

Pat "5mph"

A kilogrammicaly challenged woman
Moderator
Location
Glasgow
Hi @Mouki, well done on your first ride!
I use www.cyclestreets.net for finding a route, then I upload to my Garmin.
Pre Garmin I used the same site, had a look on Google maps for landmark, printed out the step by step instructions.
Also, you could follow others on Strava or on ride with gps, copy their routes - no need for a Garmin, just jot down the names of the roads.
If all fails, ask a passer by, postmen have the best local knowledge ^_^
 
There are also ways to mount a map on your handlebars.

Some use a handlebar bag with a holder on top

4456938374_264507dc26_o.jpg



Alternatively there are a number of ways of attaching some form of clipboard to the bars.

I use the former when touring along with a GPS
 

Ganymede

Veteran
Location
Rural Kent
Hi Mouki, well done on your first ride!

I am a paper-map person myself, I have always enjoyed using them and sometimes print them from the web. However there is a lot to be said for Apps - I know people on here have said it meant they were able to explore more without the fear of getting lost. Also, I am mostly a utility cyclist - ie I have "usual routes" rather than leisure rides - and have lived in my area for nearly 30 years so I kind of know it!

One thing: if you have a birthday coming up and don't already have a Track Pump, then ask for one. Even a cheap one makes a massive difference to your tyre pressure, average speed and ride quality. I've got one that was around £20 in Halfords and it Changed My Cycling Life! This sorta thing: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/lifeline-es...pvx4kt7f_dc|pcrid||pkw||pmt||prd|5360530833uk. Easy to use and truly indispensable - you keep it at home while the little portable one is your back-up on the road.

Happy Cycling!
 
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