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

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

there's been a spate of solar activity (solar flares) which is probably causing satellite communication disruption. Mine took much longer than normal yesterday to locate the satellites and did seem to think I was stopped more often then it normally does. Assuming nothing comes of the 2nd round of activity, it should resolve itself today or tomorrow...

you can see the amber activity yesterday around 1-2pm UK time.

 

[RWright]

I haven't been using my 200 enough to know if it is working ok or not. I finally got out today but used my 800, I take my bike out from under the roof and turn on the computer before I put my shoes on, and it was locked in fine. I was expecting it to act squirrely since I have not been using it much but it did fine. All the bad data was because I have not been doing anything at all during the bad weather, I wish I could blame it on the Garmin.

I got out today but will be paying the price now for the inactivity of the past couple of months. Just a few days ago the roads, along with everything else were covered with ice and snow and today it was 75 F, sunshine with a decent breeze coming from the south but still very nice. The frog were even croaking very loudly in the puddles beside the highway. I just found that a little weird for some reason.

My ride started fine with the Garmin locking in by the time I was ready to go but the good luck only lasted about 200 feet, I had forgotten my riding glasses. Nothing messes up my ride quicker than not having glasses with the little mirror on the lens, so it was back to the house to get them. No big deal. Not the first time that has happened.

I was planning to do a quick 16 miler on my highway track but the P fairy had other ideas. I ended up doing about 14 miles at a blistering 10.8 mph, and this was on a drop bar road bike. About 8 miles out I feel the dreaded thump with every wheel revolution. I wish I didn't enjoy the openness of my highway route so much, I would save a fortune on inner tubes. I didn't mind the break though. I was feeling it after just 8 miles. Going up a slight hill with the wind in my face had me breathing hard. I can also report that my hands, arms, neck, ass, back and shoulders are all feeling a little sore now too. I think it is safe to say that at my age, you lose the fitness faster than you gain it. I also think you gain weight faster than you lose it. I wish those two things were reversed.

I am back at it now though, no more long lay offs if I can help it. Time to try get back in shape and not take any extended layoffs again. I hope the weather clears up for everyone and gets as nice as it was here today. I know it wont last but I will take it while I can get it.

 

[Mo1959]

@RWright Welcome stranger. Lol. Wouldn't mind some of your 75 degrees! Cold, wet and windy here with the long term forecast more of the same. I will be doing well just to manage one of my short loops a couple of times a week I think. I agree that your fitness seems to drop off so much quicker than it builds up so I like to even fit in an hour and stop it dropping off too much.

 

[Ootini]

This was yesterdays run out from work: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/4078965
5.6 miles through the mud, very enjoyable and some great views of the Menai Strait.

And this is todays planned route. Shorter, but I get the feeling it's going to be much harder going given that 50% is on fast roads and quite hilly. http://ridewithgps.com/routes/4078976

 

[RWright]

@RWright Welcome stranger. Lol. Wouldn't mind some of your 75 degrees! Cold, wet and windy here with the long term forecast more of the same. I will be doing well just to manage one of my short loops a couple of times a week I think. I agree that your fitness seems to drop off so much quicker than it builds up so I like to even fit in an hour and stop it dropping off too much.

I am going to try for around an hour a day for a while and then maybe start bumping it up some when it gets warmer, and drier....and I get more comfortable on the bike (again ).

 

[MattMM]

Took a gamble on the weather this morning as forecast predicted rain and strong winds. Lucked out on one part, very little rain - brilliant, however had 40mph+ headwind on first half of ride across Fenwick moor, pretty exposed terrain. Had a great run on the way back though, the B769 is absolutely fantastic. Undulating enough to be challenging and a great surface. The brick wall headwinds can be seen in my speeds first half of ride, which are about 5mph slower than the second bit. That which does not kill you makes you stronger, as a famous German philosopher once said....

http://www.strava.com/activities/114888575

 

[L14M]

Took a gamble on the weather this morning as forecast predicted rain and strong winds. Lucked out on one part, very little rain - brilliant, however had 40mph+ headwind on first half of ride across Fenwick moor, pretty exposed terrain. Had a great run on the way back though, the B769 is absolutely fantastic. Undulating enough to be challenging and a great surface. The brick wall headwinds can be seen in my speeds first half of ride, which are about 5mph slower than the second bit. That which does not kill you makes you stronger, as a famous German philosopher once said....

http://www.strava.com/activities/114888575

Jesus thats a hilly route for a 40mph headwind!

Well I got another 19.1 mile ride in today.
http://www.strava.com/activities/114932701
Planning a 25 - 30 over the weekend. Slowly bringing the milage up. While i'm not focusing on speed I am noticing it do up
I've also got another bottle holder on the bike. Planning on getting 2 650ml bottles as my current 1 500ml will last about 10 miles so 650 should do for 35 - 40

 

[Stonechat]

Thanks @ItsSteveLovell
Done another ride today

29 miles @ 15.1 mph

Training plan called for about 25 miles on a flattish course
Actually had 813 feet of climbing

Over Walton Bridge, past Whiteley village, through By fleet, skirting Woking, through Chobham, and back via St Ann's Hill and Egham

It felt comfortable, so I am improving

Again it will not go onto Strava until I get some short term broadband solution

 

[SWSteve]

@L14M Here's a cage that comes in different colours so you can pick http://www.wiggle.co.uk/elite-custom-race-bottle-cage-2013/

Two very cheap bottles
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/elite-custom-race-bottle-cage-2013/
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/wiggle-800ml-water-bottle/

 

[L14M]

@L14M Here's a cage that comes in different colours so you can pick http://www.wiggle.co.uk/elite-custom-race-bottle-cage-2013/

Two very cheap bottles
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/elite-custom-race-bottle-cage-2013/
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/wiggle-800ml-water-bottle/

Cheers for that I actually have 2 of them bottle cages (they look great on the bike). I'll get that bottle with my next order which'll be some bar tape

 

[SWSteve]

I've decided to drop my mileage target for the year, I think I set myself a VERY ambitious target so have made an adjustment. I'll be very happy if I manage to make this one.

 

[Stonechat]

I've decided to drop my mileage target for the year, I think I set myself a VERY ambitious target so have made an adjustment. I'll be very happy if I manage to make this one.

Wonder what your target is?
I have avoided setting targets with the numerous changes taking place
It's the L2B acting as immediate target and the training I am doing

Have signed up for a short term broadband contract for where we are staying so will be on a bit more soon, been thrashing the data allowance on the mobile up to now

 

[SWSteve]

I had set 5000 miles... Then I realised that I just managed to scrape into 3000 in 2013 (having 2 months off the bike didn't help) so thought 4000 is a good target, it means I can do around 60-70 miles a week and will be there hopefully.

I haven't got any short term goals at present, so will be working on distance and going on club rides until I feel comfortable riding in a large group and then will target some racing. There's also a club near me which does a 10TT so I'll hopefully be doing that on a weekly basis as well...when the summer eventually shows up

 

[L14M]

Nice, I raised my goal to 1500 for the year. This being my first year etc. I'm planning on getting happy on the bike fitter and going out on longer rides. But i'm just getting clipless soon. £20 is a deal too good to miss :S Next year im planning to do the L2B and maybe a few others!
Liam

 

[SWSteve]

What couples can you get for £20?