My First 20-Mile Ride

[philcr]

Awesome work, I did my first 20 miler back in October time, but didn't do anything after that till this week, I did a 10, 14 and today 32 this week, but the 32 was a stretch too far, Yu do right building up slowly. I have really missed cycling over the last 10 years. Nice to be back in the saddle even if it hurts

 

[Doc333]

I know I said I was going out again Sunday ...... Well I didn't I'm afraid as I whimped out due to weather conditions. There was a deep frost on the ground and some ice, but the wind was terrible too and could have ended up with frost bitten nose, well that was my excuse. I will be out a couple of times next weekend as long as the weather is reasonable. Thanks

 

[Mo1959]

I know I said I was going out again Sunday ...... Well I didn't I'm afraid as I whimped out due to weather conditions. There was a deep frost on the ground and some ice, but the wind was terrible too and could have ended up with frost bitten nose, well that was my excuse. I will be out a couple of times next weekend as long as the weather is reasonable. Thanks

Not worth risking it on the ice.......you don't want a fall when you have just got going. It knocks your confidence a bit. I hated hills when I started....probably because the first one I tried made me almost physically sick then the fitter I got, I started to actually look for some. Afraid the current drop in fitness and slight weight gain has me not enjoying them so much again though!

Just try to get out two or three times a week over the next couple of months if you can and, come spring, you will be ready to gradually increase your distances and throw in a few decent climbs too.

 

[Boon 51]

Well done on your first 20 miler.
Its not far as you will be going in a few months time I'm sure, but a milestone none the less.. Dont be too worried by the hills just start on a few easy ones and then take it from there.

 

[Doc333]

A couple of weeks ago I attempted to get up Alsagers Bank because I thought it was a downhill stretch but it turned out to be a solid ball breaker and I turned around half way up. I later learnt that this is the highest point in Cheshire so a bit of advice from anyone who has done it. Which is the easiest route up is it coming from Cheshire into Staffs or Staffs up through High Lane and down through Alsagers Bank?

I'm going to try it again this weekend. Even if I only get 15-miles in it will be the most climbing I've ever done.

 

[Banjo]

Sounds like your really getting into it now. On climbing a long climb get into a low easy pedalling gear early and take your time .Dont rush at it if you have any energy left keep it for a victory sprint at the top.

 

[Boon 51]

A couple of weeks ago I attempted to get up Alsagers Bank because I thought it was a downhill stretch but it turned out to be a solid ball breaker and I turned around half way up. I later learnt that this is the highest point in Cheshire so a bit of advice from anyone who has done it. Which is the easiest route up is it coming from Cheshire into Staffs or Staffs up through High Lane and down through Alsagers Bank?

I'm going to try it again this weekend. Even if I only get 15-miles in it will be the most climbing I've ever done.

The more you ride the fitter you'll get, which helps as well..

 

[50000tears]

I'm going to try it again this weekend. Even if I only get 15-miles in it will be the most climbing I've ever done.

That is the best way to break any hill. Keep going at it and try and get further up it each time without stopping. You will have it cracked sooner than you think!

 

[MattMM]

Just cracked 20 for the first time today, and would echo what others have said re hills. At first you try and avoid them, but as you get fitter (and also if you've got strava which tracks time improvements on specific stages) then I actively try and hit the harder ones on my routes to see how I'm improving.

 

[Doc333]

Another 22 mile ride completed yesterday and although thighs felt a bit heavy I felt pretty good. Still only averaging 12.5 mph though and the number of groups who rode past was a bit demoralising I have to say. I thought I was going ok and then whooooosh another group blast past and vanishes.

 

[Dzzi]

...thing is groups...well they are all at some point taking a "rest" at the back as a solo cyclist (my most common form of cycling) its just you and the bike which is much much tougher... secretly they all know this :-)

 

[Coombsie]

Well done, I'm much the same done a couple of 20's but with working nights and rubbish weather average between 10 to 15 miles few times a week. Been riding since end of October and it's become an addiction lol. I now own two bikes loads of gear and have a not so good bank account!
Oh well you only live once Roll on the spring/summer

I can relate to that completely, I too work nights, bought a cyclo cross and spent loads on clothes and gadgets.. Lol, I'm getting up to 30 miles now without too much discomfort the following day. Signed up for a hilly 50 mile sportive in May so that's giving me the encouragement to crack on

 

[Combi]

Signed up for a hilly 50 mile sportive in May so that's giving me the encouragement to crack on

Excellent! A really good way to motivate yourself, IMO.

This works even better if you spend New Year's Eve with your cycling group. After you've had a few, that epic century ride in June sounds so easy, so you make a beery pact with your mates, sign up for the event and the next morning it's suddenly January and...