Show us your.......newbie progress! [4 Sep 2012 - 4 Oct 2014]

[bpsmith]

Plenty of complaints about the wind today. Normally I would too, but going to buck the trend. I got lost again today and was so mining towards the sea, except that a combination of being in a valley, and tree lined, so no sign of it. I couldn't make head nor tail of position and didn't want to go back the way I came.

The answer was...head towards the wind as the angle usually always that way where I was aiming for. Luckily it worked.

 

[Freds Dad]

I did my first 20 mile ride this morning, my previous highest being 15.2.
I decided to go a bit slower especially on down hill sections and instead of cycling as fast as possible I decided to coast most of the way.
I've just ordered some chamois cream as was feeling a little uncomfortable at the end but the cream should fix it.

I'm enjoying cycling more with every ride but could do with a cycling partner of a similar style to chat to and maybe we could push each other to do a few extra miles. So if you are based in Maclesfield give me a shout.

http://www.strava.com/activities/188049794

 

[Nigelnaturist]

I did my first 20 mile ride this morning, my previous highest being 15.2.
I decided to go a bit slower especially on down hill sections and instead of cycling as fast as possible I decided to coast most of the way.
I've just ordered some chamois cream as was feeling a little uncomfortable at the end but the cream should fix it.

I'm enjoying cycling more with every ride but could do with a cycling partner of a similar style to chat to and maybe we could push each other to do a few extra miles. So if you are based in Maclesfield give me a shout.

Try and at least spin down the hills, it helps in recovery.
Can't help with the partner thing.
But (you have probably been told this) take it easy for the first few miles, takes me about 5 to even warm up, I can usually work pretty hard after that for most of the ride, hard as be subjective to fitness.
And well done.

 

[bpsmith]

Welcome back @Nigelnaturist btw.

 

[Nidge]

Managed 32 miles today, not bad seeing as I thought I was gonna die 2 weeks ago after 3 miles, things are looking goood

http://www.strava.com/activities/187766485

 

[Phoenix Lincs]

I experienced some rather annoying headwinds today too. Lovely sunny day but some very gusty stuff in place.

Me too, some really slow bits into headwind. Nice day though overall (helped by the coffee and cream scone at Woodhall Spa)

 

[spooks]

First ever clipless moment today after a year and a half of cycling! I was waiting for someone in our group in a gravelly layby and when turning round slowly I unclipped one side and the bike went the other. Now I have a sore knee. However I got a QOM so that made up for the embarassment.
http://www.strava.com/activities/188007540

 

[Cefnicomputers]

Have lost 5 stone but still haven't broken 25 miles would like to hit a 50 miler before the nights draw in

 

[Mummy3monkeys]

@Batgirl thank you for your encouragement, it isn't easy with 3 kids is it? How old are yours? Mine are 8,5+3 But I have decided it is really important to get some me time, I haven't up til recently.
We have got out on our bikes together once, all planned, two kids with one set of grandparents and 1 wit the other, we had a 30 mile route planned, and it poured all day, we got soaked and managed 26, but was still fun.
We rely on grandparents to look after the kids whilst at work, so don't like asking them to do more.
Will see about doing it again in a couple of weeks hopefully.

 

[Effyb4]

@Batgirl thank you for your encouragement, it isn't easy with 3 kids is it? How old are yours? Mine are 8,5+3 But I have decided it is really important to get some me time, I haven't up til recently.
We have got out on our bikes together once, all planned, two kids with one set of grandparents and 1 wit the other, we had a 30 mile route planned, and it poured all day, we got soaked and managed 26, but was still fun.
We rely on grandparents to look after the kids whilst at work, so don't like asking them to do more.
Will see about doing it again in a couple of weeks hopefully.

I have three kids too. I'm fortunate that mine are a bit older though. They are 19, 17 and 13 years old. They were hard work when they were younger, but we're really starting to enjoy them being independent now. They will all come out for a ride with me now and then, but it's difficult to find time for a family ride with everyone.

 

[morrisman]

This months stats:
422.91 miles
14,127 feet
14.42 mph

1 x century
5 x >35 miles

Down on last month but had week off for holiday.

 

[Mummy3monkeys]

@Effyb4 I just typed a long reply, when I sent it, I had been logged out!! 3 older children must come with their own challenges too

 

[Batgirl]

@Batgirl thank you for your encouragement, it isn't easy with 3 kids is it? How old are yours? Mine are 8,5+3 But I have decided it is really important to get some me time, I haven't up til recently.
We have got out on our bikes together once, all planned, two kids with one set of grandparents and 1 wit the other, we had a 30 mile route planned, and it poured all day, we got soaked and managed 26, but was still fun.
We rely on grandparents to look after the kids whilst at work, so don't like asking them to do more.
Will see about doing it again in a couple of weeks hopefully.

Ours are 15, 9 and 4... no grandparents left and we moved to Wales from our family so no family for baby sitting. We're lucky now that 15 years old is good for babysitting but at the moment cycling is a solo thing I do. I would like to get bikes for OH and my middle and youngest also to learn to ride, but eldest has no interest in learning. I do feel like I've let them down not teaching them but not sure eldest ever had an interest in cycling.

We have a lovely cycle track so really hopeful I can get them out there without risk of roads.

 

[Nomadski]

Was going to have a first day off lazy day as normal, but saw the weather tomorrow was going to be wet and today was absolutely perfect weather wise, so got on the steed and went off towards Box Hill. Got a bit lost heading there, and ended up doubling back on myself somewhat but got a PB down the Dorking Road chasing down a cyclist (who then shot away from me after I caught him!). Tried an attack up Box Hill that didnt go so well (10 mins 50 secs), and then I saw DogBear!

Apparently this awesome creature is called a Newfoundland. If the owner had told me it was a boy in a bear suit, I would have believed him.

Went a different way home, via the changed route from RideLondon 2014, although hit temporary roadwork lights traffic so didn't benefit too much over the usual Cobham route.

Did think about doing a lap of Richmond Park on the way back home, but by the time I got to the turn off was a bit pooped so headed straight home the short way and called it a day.

Was quite happy with the 14mph average over 44.4 pretty hilly miles. Feeling a bit tired and sun stroked now though.

http://app.strava.com/activities/188011142

Hope everyone is well and happy

 

[Effyb4]

@Mummy3monkeys I think the hardest thing at their ages is letting go. My eldest has gone sailing on the tall ships regatta this weekend. I had to send him on a train to cornwall (we live in Essex) and trust that he would cope with changing train and finding the group at Falmouth.

@Batgirl we encourage our boys to cycle as much as we can. It helps if we bribe them with food and make sure we don't set out too early in the morning. I think it is so easy for kids nowadays to spend all their time sat in front of a screen. Even the 13 year old is capable of cycling on the road. He came on a lovely 8 mile ride with me today around country lanes about half an hour from our house.