The old days

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warpa

New Member
Im new here, so greetings. I have just got myself a mint Boardman team hybrid that will be my day weather bike, I also have my fully restored Orange P5 mountain bike with road gears and road tires.

Im 46 now and have high blood pressure from my poor lifestyle, when I was 14 I went for a ride with a mate on my Raleigh Chopper from Southampton to the new forest, probably around 20 miles, tocut a long story short we ended up with road bikes, my mate had an Eddie Merkx and I had a 2nd hand Carlton Criterium, which over the years was improved with mavic rims and campagnolo gear.

We used to do10 mile time trials and thought nothing of riding 30 miles to Bournemouth to have a swim then ride back for lunch before going out again in the afternoon. I remember my mum moaning about having to buy me bigger trousers as my legs wouldnt fit into my stuff as my thighs grew! When I went back to school after my 1st summer holiday of proper cycling we had to do a x country run, I used to walk at the back out of breath, but feltso good I thought I would jog, well after getting back to school and changed before the 2nd place runner got back I thought...this is great! The school thensaid I now have to run for them.

Then the inevitable happened, I left school and found cars, girls, drink and smoke! And to think I used to sit watching telly and had to go for a run or ride as my legs would get stiff.

I have heard about muscle memory but have no idea about it, I have a turbo trainer I intend to start with and realise I will never be the cyclist I was, I do take what the doc says as a challenge and plan on being fit and lean by this summer. One thing that concerns me is if I will have the same motivation and passion I had all those years ago? I do ride each week, but thats to the pub, so not a proper ride:/

Where can I get info on what range my heart should be in for my age and the duration of my training sessions? In the old days we would just grab some water and mars bars and ride all day.
 

Dave 123

Legendary Member
Well, the easiest thing to do is get on your bike, take it easy at first, keep smiling, don't get down hearted, have lots of fun.
Don't worry about "normal" heart rates or average speeds.
It's too tempting to get hung up on numbers.
 

Rickshaw Phil

Overconfidentii Vulgaris
Moderator
Hi Warpa and :welcome:.
I have a turbo trainer I intend to start with and realise I will never be the cyclist I was, I do take what the doc says as a challenge and plan on being fit and lean by this summer. One thing that concerns me is if I will have the same motivation and passion I had all those years ago? I do ride each week, but thats to the pub, so not a proper ride:/.
Who says you can't be the cyclist you were? This chap wouldn't agree with that I'm sure.:whistle: It will take time but there is no reason you can't build back up to frequent big distances. Start off with regular rides you are comfortable with and when you are ready increase the mileage from time to time.:thumbsup:

When you can get out and enjoy the rides I'm sure the motivation will return and it'll be easier once we start to get a bit of nicer weather. Best of luck with it and keep us posted with how you're getting on.
 

Old Plodder

Living at the top of a steep 2 mile climb
When I started back cycling after 'youth', I had a hard time riding 7 miles!
Start off with short rides & increase the mileage slowly.
I eventually got up to 100 mile plus Sunday rides for pleasure.
I rode my first time trial when I was 54, (& did a hilly 10 in 29:56).
 

LSAF2011

Active Member
Location
Nottingham
Once the love for cycling is back you'll be doing the miles, as Dave 123 says, "don't get hung up on numbers".

I personally switch the map my ride app on my phone, switch on off I go, come back a few hours later and look.

9 times out of 10 I'm amazed at the miles I've covered, a great incentive.
 

Cycleops

Legendary Member
Location
Accra, Ghana
Just take it easy at first as everyone else has said, your fitness will soon improve. I am sure you know that you will need a better diet if you are overweight. Good luck.
 

Shut Up Legs

Down Under Member
Hi Warpa and :welcome:.
Who says you can't be the cyclist you were? This chap wouldn't agree with that I'm sure.:whistle: It will take time but there is no reason you can't build back up to frequent big distances. Start off with regular rides you are comfortable with and when you are ready increase the mileage from time to time.:thumbsup:

When you can get out and enjoy the rides I'm sure the motivation will return and it'll be easier once we start to get a bit of nicer weather. Best of luck with it and keep us posted with how you're getting on.
Exactly. In my mid-40s, I'm heaps better at cycling than when I was in my 20s. I can go further, faster, higher and for longer.
 

Triban5riderGD

Well-Known Member
At 57 Ive got back in the saddle and Im enjoying every minute of it. Don't worry about the numbers just ride and enjoy yourself. Ride within your own limits you will improve. Good Luck.
 
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