Motivate me please!

[mrbadexample]

I see it has updated now and you are up 4 places,

I see yours has updated too, and I'm not as near to catching you as I thought I was.

 

[DaveyM]

I am sure as the days get shorter and I have less time to ride you will sneak past me, I have to do it as a specifc thing and you seem better a fitting it into everyday life.
But I will be keeping a watchfull eye on your totals

 

[mrbadexample]

Nice day today, cool and sunny but a tiny bit breezy. Working from home so took the opportunity to skive take an early lunch, so went for a spin at about 1020. Did the 14 mile circuit, the first way round. Just had two days off so well rested.

Felt pretty good. Beacon Hill no problem, although I couldn't match the downhill speed I made before (think I must have drafted the cars a bit the first time). Aldridge road is definitely much easier in this direction.

Only got held up at one set of lights, although that was at the Scott Arms which take a long time to change (but therefore provided me with a breather before the next uphill section). As it wasn't rush hour, I was able to sail out at most junctions without a pause, and there were fewer idiots to watch out for.

The chain popped off and wedged again - this appears to only happen in the big ring. Unfortunately this happened on one of the best descents, so I had to coast to the bottom instead of driving hard down the hill. Took only a few seconds to free it, then an uneventful last couple of miles.

I thought I'd done well, and I was right. I obliterated my previous time (set at the early part of the rush hour) by...


























...3 seconds.

And to cap it all, the odometer reckons it was 0.02 miles shorter than last time.

I need to make some adjustments, as it is continuing to cause pain in my hip joints. Saddle height?

I've covered the 14 mile route at an average of 12.5mph. Me and the bike weigh around about 120kg (or 2 x Marco Pantani, plus his bike!), and the course is by no means flat. I can't seem to get out of the twelves though - my best average for any route is about 12.8mph.

I'm already yearning for n+1. Don't tell my bike - I've only had it 30 days. I need to keep it for errands and shopping, but I need a road bike, or even a CX bike to get around on.

 

[simon.r]

Increasing your average speed by a tiny amount seems to take a hugely disproportionate amount of effort.

I had a period last year when I was travelling the same route several times a week. I increased my average from 12 mph to 16mph (hey, I've never claimed to be fast!), but it took weeks / months to get that small increase!

Looking at your bike, you could lose some weight off it (mudguards / rack) if you're prepared to sacrifice some practicality. A couple of pounds off the bike makes a bigger difference than is logical. Skinny, fast rolling, tyres will also make a big difference.

Either that or the n+1 route - you know it makes sense

 

[mrbadexample]

Looking at your bike, you could lose some weight off it (mudguards / rack) if you're prepared to sacrifice some practicality. A couple of pounds off the bike makes a bigger difference than is logical. Skinny, fast rolling, tyres will also make a big difference.

I can't shed the weight, or I'd never use it! I made a point of buying something that I can go shopping and carry stuff on, as otherwise I'd just take the car.

I might, after winter, strip all the gubbins off and do the lap again, to see what difference it makes. Mind you, I should be lighter then too, as the weight is dropping off quite nicely at the moment.

I favour the n+1 route.

 

[RWright]

Making big improvments in times I think is something you may want to monitor more monthly (or even longer) than daily or even weekly, look for consistancy in the short term, which it seems you are getting with no problem. I would think that even a 1 mph improvement over say six weeks to two months is a nice one as long as you can do it consistantly. I monitor the clock and miles closely as I ride myself, so I know how you feel. I think I may not watch so close for a couple of weeks and just see how things go.

I wish I knew more about fixing gears and chains so I could help you fix it. Just try not to cross chain. If my chain kept coming off I would have it checked out. You don't want to come to a pinch point, big truck, high speed, some idiot cuts you off, chain comes off, distraction situation if you can avoid it.

 

[mrbadexample]

I wish I knew more about fixing gears and chains so I could help you fix it. Just try not to cross chain. If my chain kept coming off I would have it checked out. You don't want to come to a pinch point, big truck, high speed, some idiot cuts you off, chain comes off, distraction situation if you can avoid it.

It's only happened twice, when I'm in the big ring and change to the smallest sprocket. It just needs a tweak - I'll have a look at it tomorrow if I get chance.

I agree with the speed thing - I shouldn't expect things so quickly, especially as I keep adding weight to the bike! I'm already a couple of mph up over where I started, and as you say, consistency is probably more important at this stage.

 

[Old Plodder]

Increasing your average speed by a tiny amount seems to take a hugely disproportionate amount of effort.
I had a period last year when I was travelling the same route several times a week. I increased my average from 12 mph to 16mph (hey, I've never claimed to be fast!), but it took weeks / months to get that small increase!

Not suprised it took a long time; that's a 33% increase!

 

[Old Plodder]

It's only happened twice, when I'm in the big ring and change to the smallest sprocket. It just needs a tweak - I'll have a look at it tomorrow if I get chance.

I agree with the speed thing - I shouldn't expect things so quickly, especially as I keep adding weight to the bike! I'm already a couple of mph up over where I started, and as you say, consistency is probably more important at this stage.

Might be that the chain is too long; put it on big & big, then, from the bottom run of chain, lift the chain & pull it tight, hook it onto the chainwheel teeth, should be two links sitting up off the chainring; that allows for crossover.

 

[DaveyM]

Watching you

 

[mrbadexample]

I can't seem to get out of the twelves though - my best average for any route is about 12.8mph.

Two things achieved today.

1. I wanted to be able to get over to Erdington to see my mate for a cup of tea. Done that.
2. Average speed for the 18.35 mile round trip 13.4 mph. Well pleased. Must have been downhill both ways.

Felt pretty good actually. A little chilly until I warmed up, but overall a nice trip. If I can just extend it by about 3 miles in each direction, then I can get to the Specialized shop for its free service in a couple of weeks. I'll make the bloke show me how to adjust stuff.

 

[DaveyM]

Nice work Mr BE.
Good speed

 

[BrumJim]

Its been a lovely couple of days round here for getting on your bike. Enjoy it while it lasts.

 

[mrbadexample]

Hasn't it? Bit busy today so didn't get out but 32 miles in the 2 previous days must have been worth a day off.

Must find somewhere to go tomorrow.

 

[DaveyM]

Hasn't it? Bit busy today so didn't get out but 32 miles in the 2 previous days must have been worth a day off.

Must find somewhere to go tomorrow.

Have a couple of days off you've earned it...maybe even a week?