Show us your.......newbie progress!

[Nigelnaturist]

@Stonechat, anything that makes you work harder will help you improve, its one thing improving endurance by lots of hours, but to climb better, you basically need a better C.V. system, and this is what happens when work harder its not just the legs but the delivery system of oxygen improves.

Got to my age on the edington number front, been a lot of stuff to do with my age this week one way or another.

 

[SpaCyclist]

well no ride today, but I did mange to fit in a couple of hours yesterday - 54.4km at an average speed of 27.5km/hr, which is the fastest I have managed since I started cycling again. To be fair, the weater yesterday was very kind - virtually no wind and warm and sunny. Unfortunately, work commitments mean I won't be able to get out again for at least the next couple of weeks. Hopefully my fitness will not decline too much in the meantime.
The ride is here: http://www.strava.com/activities/213127768.

 

[Nigelnaturist]

It will help if you can get out even for a few short quick rides.

 

[Effyb4]

but to climb better, you basically need a better C.V. system, and this is what happens when work harder its not just the legs but the delivery system of oxygen improves.

I guess this explains why I'm not getting much quicker and why I find climbing so difficult. Heart failure is a PITA. Still for me cycling is about enjoyment. I just have to keep reminding myself of that.

 

[Stonechat]

@Stonechat, anything that makes you work harder will help you improve, its one thing improving endurance by lots of hours, but to climb better, you basically need a better C.V. system, and this is what happens when work harder its not just the legs but the delivery system of oxygen improves.

Got to my age on the edington number front, been a lot of stuff to do with my age this week one way or another.

Yes I realise that but I think the point was that if you have more leg strength, then you have more choice of cadence and gear choice and are less likely to stall when you reach a steeper section

 

[Nigelnaturist]

@Stonechat the reason you stall is you can't deliver enough oxygen, so you need to work on the arterial system in your legs to allow more blood flow, this comes about from working harder on hills, at the level you and I are at this is what its about, being able to work harder for longer, its not about leg strength, it is fitness, its like me I can spin at 90-95 rpm in a 67" gear (38x15) giving me 19mph, but I cant do that forever I start to ache after awhile and need to slow a little, its the same climbing, just a touch harder.

 

[Nigelnaturist]

I guess this explains why I'm not getting much quicker and why I find climbing so difficult. Heart failure is a PITA. Still for me cycling is about enjoyment. I just have to keep reminding myself of that.

It is for me most of the time too, I am just a bit of stats freak, if I ever lose that interest I might even lose interest in cycling, as there is always something you can go do further for a given day of the week month, ect......

 

[Trevor_P]

@Stonechat the recovery period after your hill climb in a bigger gear is where you potentially gain strength. It's important to eat and drink correctly during that period to maximise the chance of gains. Good protein is needed, along with omega 3 etc.

Actually recovery is THE most important thing about all rides.

 

[Joshua Plumtree]

@Stonechat the reason you stall is you can't deliver enough oxygen, so you need to work on the arterial system in your legs to allow more blood flow, this comes about from working harder on hills, at the level you and I are at this is what its about, being able to work harder for longer, its not about leg strength, it is fitness, its like me I can spin at 90-95 rpm in a 67" gear (38x15) giving me 19mph, but I cant do that forever I start to ache after awhile and need to slow a little, its the same climbing, just a touch harder.

Nigel is right, Stonechat.

You won't ever stall on a hill if you're fit enough to spin a lowish gear in a high cadence all the way to the top. That has more to do with the ability of your body to supply enough oxygen to your muscles rather than the strength of the muscles themselves.

What you're really looking for however, are stronger legs combined with an improved cardio-vascular system. You'll then be able to spin up those hills with the same cadence but in a slightly higher gear!

 

[Mo1959]

Well that was certainly mild this morning. Had a lightweight jacket on but still boiled in the bag a bit.
Stopped to pay my respects to Maggie



Struggled going up the Gask hill climb. Bottom gear and breathing hard.
http://app.strava.com/activities/213805598

 

[stevey]

Just back from a little ride on the c/dale
http://www.strava.com/activities/213893329
The thing is a beast it just wants to go although i had to rein her in as i was leaving the O/H way behind not intentional, i am going on a club run tomorrow so 1 i will see how my fitness is and 2 see how the bike feels comfort wise after around 40ish miles.

 

[Stonechat]

Got my longer ride for the week in today
Did 2 ascents of Prune Hill, which I did in 1 up from the gear I normally use, it is steepish but not too long, went through the Park past the Copper Horse, to Winkfield, did a loop there and then down to Sunningdale, CHobham Common and Chertsey

46.39 miles done @ 15.3 mph, and with 1506 feet of climbingA good few cyclist out - no in groups taking advantage of the amazing weather, shorts and short sleeves al round, and drinking more to keep hydrated.

The same route when planned showed 1926 fett so as always feet go missing,

Pleased with the speed considering the route had a few bumps
Pleased for once not to have got caught in any traffic or roadworks!

 

[Stonechat]

Just back from a little ride on the c/dale
http://www.strava.com/activities/213893329
The thing is a beast it just wants to go although i had to rein her in as i was leaving the O/H way behind not intentional, i am going on a club run tomorrow so 1 i will see how my fitness is and 2 see how the bike feels comfort wise after around 40ish miles.

Glad your enjoying it and hope your position is right, I am still playing with position!

 

[SpokeyDokey]

I heard of a hill training method where you use a gear higher than normal, and lower cadence, might try this tomorrow, can only give it up as impossible if I can't do it

It is supposed to help build leg strength!!!

Christ - I can't imagine you needing any more leg strength!

 

[SpokeyDokey]

Well that was certainly mild this morning. Had a lightweight jacket on but still boiled in the bag a bit.
Stopped to pay my respects to Maggie



Struggled going up the Gask hill climb. Bottom gear and breathing hard.
http://app.strava.com/activities/213805598

Very atmospheric. Good ride. Steep hill!