Show us your.......newbie progress! [4 Sep 2012 - 4 Oct 2014]
- Thread starter Typhon
- Start date
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Supersuperleeds
Legendary Member
- Location
- Leicester
Got hilly 10 miller in todayAt one point the climb was getting very steep at 8% for nearly 1/4 mile i battled it then gave up and turned around
I got a lovely 35 miler in today and attempted (again) to get up a local 15% hill yesterday failed miserably. Hoping to get another 15 miles in tomorrow
Keep going at the hills and you will eventually get up them.
I have been cycling for about just over a year and the most I have done is 20miles which took me just over 2 hours. I haven't done that amount since and just averaged about 5miles each time but will get back to going out longer. I don't like cycling on roads so I am limited to where I can go as I got a little scare of a car passing me quite close which has affected my confidence but I will succeed and not let people like that get me down.
Stonechat
Guru
- Location
- Staines, Middlesex
Start off with some quiet roads and maybe you can build a little confidence
Things like that really can shake your confidence. You've just got to keep at it though.
My first major crash could have put me off cycling - and it did put me off cycling at speed for a while, but I improved my braking technique to ensure the thing that caused the crash didn't happen again.
Basically, I was cycling a route I often take, but I wanted to extend it further north - to have a long cycle of about 30 miles or so (total, 15 each way), I was doing about 20-25 but didn't realise there was a big hill just in-front of me. As I went down the hill I decided to let off some of the speed as I got faster, so did so with my rear brake, saw a car on the other side and pressed harder on the rear brake. It was at this time when I realised the rear wheel had become airbourne and I realised I was only partially on the road. I completely missed the other car, and somehow managed to stay on the bike for about 7 seconds before the inevitable crash down, plus a few rolls down the hill. Not pleasant, but nowhere near as bad as it could have been. I could've hit the car head on (would've ended up in hospital at least), or come off the bike straight away with no time to slow down (would've ended up in hospital).
Let me tell you, it's no fun to cycle back home with a large gash on your elbow, one just above your hip and one on your left hand (just where you grip the handlebars). A week after that I was commuting again, a week after that I got gloves to protect my hands should it happen again.
Keep at it, stick to the quiet roads, and you'll wonder what the fuss was about soon enough
Oh, just in case you haven't guessed it, never rely on your rear brake to let off a lot of speed, this can often happen (as I've demonstrated quite a few times on my drive at home - safer being close to (at) home).
Stonechat
Guru
- Location
- Staines, Middlesex
Also, I should say, remember it is a mistake to ride too close to the edge of the road. You can't so easilly avoid drains etc, and almost invites motorists to pass when hardly enough room. Give yourself a little more room
L14M
Über Member
Riding in London I find can be challenging at times, pot holes bad drivers etc! Just accept that you may have a few idiots on the road and be prepared to do an emergency stop almost 24/7 until your on quieter roads. The main tip i can give to you is to be vigilant and ride OFFENSIVELY and not defensively.
Today I'm hoping to get at least 15 miles in, does it make any difference if I take a break between miles?
Liam
BrianEvesham
Mask is gone!
- Location
- South Littleton, Evesham.
http://www.strava.com/activities/110584833
After three weeks of fighting off the dreaded ManFlu and working nights I finally found my cycling MoJo this morning for a flattish route to remind the legs what they are for.
Also first ride with the Mudguards fitted.
Glad to be back in the saddle.
After three weeks of fighting off the dreaded ManFlu and working nights I finally found my cycling MoJo this morning for a flattish route to remind the legs what they are for.
Also first ride with the Mudguards fitted.
Glad to be back in the saddle.
morrisman
Guru
50000tears
Senior Member
- Location
- Weymouth, Dorset
Got manflu myself at the moment so not able to get out today. Hopefully will get something done on the gym bike tomorrow. Only a few weeks til my sportive so don't want to let up now.
Stonechat
Guru
- Location
- Staines, Middlesex
At least my l2b is some way off
Feeling half recovered today, not good enough for a hard ride so had a gentle spin
http://www.strava.com/activities/110595367
think I have some catching up to do in the training
stevey
Guru
- Location
- sutton coldfield
50000tears
Senior Member
- Location
- Weymouth, Dorset
stevey
Guru
- Location
- sutton coldfield
I envy you. Nice weather here and cannot make the most if it.
You'll be out soon enough.
rossg1990
Regular
- Location
- Kidderminster
Never posted in this thread before but i've been watching it closely for a while and been very encouraged by everyones progress.
Anyway, finally got out for only the 2nd proper ride this year and did my longest ride to date with a very hilly 30 miler
http://www.strava.com/activities/110644535/overview
Anyway, finally got out for only the 2nd proper ride this year and did my longest ride to date with a very hilly 30 miler
http://www.strava.com/activities/110644535/overview
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