New Riders

[firsttimebikerclare]

As a rule I always wear high vis and a helmet (dad was a Paramedic and is still a Motorbike rider so you will all unstand the satety intsalled in me!!) I've just started riding (10 weeks ago) an love it!! I feel like a bug has caught me!! I started at 3 miles and now do 10. Is this normal or should I be pushing myself guys?

 

[gaz]

Take your time and enjoy it

 

[Cubist]

10 miles is a good distance already three weeks in. You know when you're ready to up the mileage......in fact I suspect if you're asking the question you'll know the answer yourself. Try upping it be a mile every other outing, and you'll be riding sportives by Christmas!

 

[rodgy-dodge]

Ita amazing how quickly you build up stamana and fitness you'll be doing 20 in a week or two.

 

[Judderz]

Just do what you feel comfortable doing....as long as you enjoy it, it doesn't matter how far you go

 

[Sittingduck]

It's good that you build up distance slowly. I started at a 5 mile each way commute and gradually built up leisure rides at weekends. The pattern went something like: 8, 10, 12, 17, 20, 25, 30, 36, 45, 50. I suppose it depends on your base fitness but I felt is was better to increase by a small amount and reduce the risk of possible injury and subsequent disheartening.


SD

p.s. once you can do 40-50 miles solo, you can fairly easily jump upto 60 or 70 miles and then 100 is within reach! Riding with others can help and you will pickup tips and advice from people. Conversation of a group will also mean the miles go faster and you will find yourself coping with further and further rides.

 

[pepecat]

Tis true - once you've built up to about 40 ish miles, then jumping up to bigger distances isn't SO bad. I did 65 miles the other weekend - previous to that my longest ride had only been 40.