Newbie Cycling Achievements

Peadarmac1 · 11-04-2012 8:04am

Crow92 wrote: »

I've read recently that you need to do low intensity cycling to burn off fat to lose weight as fat takes longer to convert into energy as apposed to medium intensity where your body uses carbohydrates aerobically and high intensity your body uses up the muscles glycogen stores anaerobically.

Just a thought if you hope to lose weight not to push really hard as it doesn't burn fat.

I see what you mean

http://www.livestrong.com/article/362493-high-vs-low-intensity-for-fat-burning/

sham2 · 11-04-2012 11:43am

Sort of a reformed newbie here. 44 and slightly over weight. Was always into cycling but drifted away a while back. Got into this new wave of cycling again in a big way last year with a new road bike on the BTW. Also had an MTB for about 18 mths before that. Love both but in different ways.
Achievements to date:
Best month total - 280km.
Longest - 85km Rebel Tour '11
2011 total - 1450kms
2012 target - 3000kms or as many sportives as possible without annoying the OH – next up is the 100km TDC in May.
Amount spent on cycling gear and diverted to work to hide from OH – €1200 and counting.
Switching to clipless which I dreaded. Can clip in now without looking most of the time.
Switching to bib tights. You look like a gymp but who’s looking and they are the best.
Complete obsession achieved.
What I love – I want to go out anytime in any weather. In contrast I hated jogging in any weather.
What I hate – My average speed at the moment. Need to lose weight to get over those hills!
Faster, leaner, fitter.

Lusk Doyle · 11-04-2012 12:31pm

sham2 wrote: »

Sort of a reformed newbie here. 44 and slightly over weight. Was always into cycling but drifted away a while back. Got into this new wave of cycling again in a big way last year with a new road bike on the BTW. Also had an MTB for about 18 mths before that. Love both but in different ways.
Achievements to date:
Best month total - 280km.
Longest - 85km Rebel Tour '11
2011 total - 1450kms
2012 target - 3000kms or as many sportives as possible without annoying the OH – next up is the 100km TDC in May.
Amount spent on cycling gear and diverted to work to hide from OH – €1200 and counting.
Switching to clipless which I dreaded. Can clip in now without looking most of the time.
Switching to bib tights. You look like a gymp awesome, but who’s looking? Everybody - at you being awesome, and they are the best.
Complete obsession achieved.
What I love – I want to go out anytime in any weather. In contrast I hated jogging in any weather.
What I hate – My average speed at the moment. Don't Need to lose weight to get over those hills just need a lighter, more expensive bike!
Faster, leaner, fitter, more awesome!

Fixed that for you

Lumen · 11-04-2012 12:44pm

Crow92 wrote: »

I've read recently that you need to do low intensity cycling to burn off fat to lose weight as fat takes longer to convert into energy as apposed to medium intensity where your body uses carbohydrates aerobically and high intensity your body uses up the muscles glycogen stores anaerobically.

Just a thought if you hope to lose weight not to push really hard as it doesn't burn fat.

That's misleading. It doesn't really matter how you ride, as long as you burn more than you eat you cannot help but lose weight. Calories in, calories out.

I hate the idea of people deliberately cycling around slowly because they think it will burn more fat. The faster you ride the fitter you will get and the more calories you can burn. Speed is good!

seamus · 11-04-2012 12:58pm

Lumen wrote: »

That's misleading. It doesn't really matter how you ride, as long as you burn more than you eat you cannot help but lose weight. Calories in, calories out.

Pretty much this.
The science behind it is sound, the problem is how it's communicated. The idea is that working out at a lower intensity will mean your body burns more fat. Higher intensity, your body uses glycogen reserves. At the end of the day, if you still have some glycogen left over in reserve when you go to bed, it will eventually make its way into your fat stores as that same old fat because the equation has to balance out somewhere. High intensity/low intensity is only relevant for ridiculously focussed training. If your aim is to lose weight and get fit, then eat less and exercise more and you can't lose.

The only real difference is in performance - if you go at a lower intensity, you have more glycogen there to call on if you need up the intensity.

smacl · 11-04-2012 1:07pm

Lumen wrote: »

The faster you ride the fitter you will get and the more calories you can burn. Speed is good!

Distance is good too! For a given person, bike, route, etc... would you burn more calories cycling 100k in 4 hours @ 25kph or 5 hours @ 20kph? My guess is similar, but the latter might be more doable for a less experienced cyclist.

Lumen · 11-04-2012 1:34pm

smacl wrote: »

Distance is good too! For a given person, bike, route, etc... would you burn more calories cycling 100k in 4 hours @ 25kph or 5 hours @ 20kph? My guess is similar, but the latter might be more doable for a less experienced cyclist.

It doesn't really matter.

Inactive fat people have two problems: a fitness problem and an eating problem.

The fitness problem is fixed by doing exercise that you enjoy. If you start obsessing over intensity for weight loss you risk ruining the thing that's supposed to be fun.

The eating problem is fixed by changing dietary habits and exercising portion control.

If you don't fix the eating problem, no amount of cycling will help.

If you don't enjoy the cycling for its own sake it won't be a sustainable lifestyle change.

ROK ON · 11-04-2012 1:44pm

Lumen wrote: »

It doesn't really matter.

Inactive fat people have two problems: a fitness problem and an eating problem.

The fitness problem is fixed by doing exercise that you enjoy. If you start obsessing over intensity for weight loss you risk ruining the thing that's supposed to be fun.

The eating problem is fixed by changing dietary habits and exercising portion control.

If you don't fix the eating problem, no amount of cycling will help.

If you don't enjoy the cycling for its own sake it won't be a sustainable lifestyle change.

What is this portion control that you speak of. It sounds intriguing!!!!

BTW, I agree with Lumen on this. Much of the weight loss that I have achieved has been on cycles where I have had some sort of intensity (such as lot of hills). While intensity is good, cycling regularly also helps. I have found the 2 hours say four days a week is better than 8 hours on one day.
What I have found is that for long cycles a good breakfast before hand plus eating regular small (healthy) bites during the cycle are important for two reasons:
(i) They give you the fuel to go further and faster,
(ii) They mean that you are not absolutely starving at the finish - I am more likely to eat absolute junk if I am starving at the finish.

Dublintim · 11-04-2012 2:31pm

Slightly off topic lads, but Ive a Trek Hybrid and I try to cycle a few kilometers every day. Im based in Crumlin, but am looking for a decent scenic route to cycle, does anyone have any ideas? I generally just go to the Pheno but am getting bored of it at this stage? Also, would you recommend joining a cycling club, or does it make any difference?:o

seamus · 11-04-2012 2:46pm

You're not far from the Dublin mountains there Tim. Even if you're not up to the likes of Stocking Lane at this point, a trip out by Marlay Park or even further out to the likes of Dun Laoghaire, are very pleasant on a sunny day (doesn't even have to be warm). Do up a decent route which takes you through regional roads rather than dual carriageways and you'll enjoy it more.

Dun Laoghaire probably sounds insane at this point, but you say you do a "few km" at the moment. DL is only 10 or 12 km from Crumlin, you could head out there at a nice leisurely pace, have a bit of a break, cup of coffee and then a nice leisurely spin back.

If you're feeling more adventurous, Stepaside village is a nice place, just a little bit of a climb up to it.

Clubs are good in that they get you out on the bike at the weekend and especially if you're new, will take you on routes that you've never done before. Most clubs tend to recommend that newbies can realistically do a 50km spin before trying out a club spin. Most clubs tend to train with racing in mind; i.e. going further and faster as time goes on. There are other social clubs who just focus on getting out for a bit of craic.

jumpgun · 11-04-2012 3:18pm

Dublintim wrote: »

Slightly off topic lads, but Ive a Trek Hybrid and I try to cycle a few kilometers every day. Im based in Crumlin, but am looking for a decent scenic route to cycle, does anyone have any ideas? I generally just go to the Pheno but am getting bored of it at this stage? Also, would you recommend joining a cycling club, or does it make any difference?:o

This route is nice should take about 1 hour maybe a bit more the climb is a tough on. http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/82626035/?open_ive_done=1&new_route=1

Club wise Leisurecycling.ie is a club I am in we cycle and some of us train to do sportive but we but we do not race. I joint a few months ago and it has really help me with my fitness and confidences on the bike.

offaly odonohue · 11-04-2012 4:59pm

Cool thread,

I got a bike on the BTW during the summer last year, mainly due to petrol costs...my commute to work is a 25k round trip.

Play alot of GAA so fitness has always been decent.

Was trying to raise awareness during November for the Movember campaign (other than a shocking tashe)...so I decided to do a charity cycle. I cycled solo from Clara, Co. Offaly to Courtown, Co. Wexford (150k) Probably one of the most rewarding things i've ever done...raised over 1200E too.

Injured at the mo...so no recent achievements

colm_gti · 11-04-2012 5:15pm

Took up cycling in (late) November of last year having dislocated my shoulder playing rugby the previous month (the last straw). Have since gone from thinking 20km was a long spin to doing roughly twice that distance two evenings a week, and roughly five/six times that distance on a weekend.

Registered for my first event (KARE Tour de Foothills) this weekend, will be posting in here again if I finish it :P

NeedMoreGears · 11-04-2012 5:33pm

colm_gti wrote: »

Registered for my first event (KARE Tour de Foothills) this weekend, will be posting in here again if I finish it :P

See you there. Looking forward to it. Enjoyed it last year.

Bigus · 12-04-2012 10:01pm

Dublintim wrote: »

Slightly off topic lads, but Ive a Trek Hybrid and I try to cycle a few kilometers every day. Im based in Crumlin, but am looking for a decent scenic route to cycle, does anyone have any ideas? I generally just go to the Pheno but am getting bored of it at this stage? Also, would you recommend joining a cycling club, or does it make any difference?:o

Out to howth along the cycle way along the sea very level all the way there and back.

Bigus · 12-04-2012 10:23pm

I bought a new road bike end of feb with the long term goal of cycling to Wexford from south Dublin at some stage this year.
I'm mid forties and overweight , did around 40 to 50 k each Sunday with a new regime of no alcohol Saturday nights.
Went to set out to meet mates in mondello one Sunday knowing I might turn back at saggart, continued on to Newcastle and loosened up on the flat Kildare countryside . I knew if I overdid it I could get a lift back from mondello so carried on. Got there had a quick sandwich with the lads and cup of tea. Headed back home. Round trip 90 km. Not as knackered and quicker recovery than expected.
50 km the next Sunday and the following Sunday got a lift up to Sally gap and cycled to wexford via laragh rathdrum wooden bridge,ark low,Gordy,ballycanew,killenagh,kilmuckridge,blackwater,.

Job done bet won, but where to now ?
Apart from the hills I feel could go anywhere now with an early start.
Trying to build up to killakee from rathfarnham every second eve now,so I can do the whole Wexford route door to door,on the back roads.
Try to get the missus to go road bike too but it's back to the hybrid when I,m out with her.
Heading to Bantry for a few night s and will bring the hybrids in the car. Any suggestions of where to drive to and do a 40 to 60 k loop from where the car is parked, or of course go direct from Bantry on the bikes, but I find combining bikes with car gets us to more remote places !:D:D

Fatbiker · 13-04-2012 1:13am

BrianBoru00 wrote: »

Targetting the tour of Sligo Sportive 60k on 6th May. ( Anyone think this is too optimistic???)
I intend to increase my distance to 18/20/25 over the next week, then increase to 35k and 45k....

I'm in a similar physical position as you. I started last year and am up to 80mins, round trip of about 27k, hilly up and downhill back. My concern about the Sligo sportive would be th hills. I find the hills tough so I don't stray from my chosen route. Take care and good luck. FB

Donelson · 13-04-2012 6:15pm

As part of my first ever tour, I cycled my first ever 100 miler.

today!

rollingscone · 13-04-2012 8:12pm

Have yet to do more than 70km on my hybrid.

Had my first go at downhill MTBing today. I was terrible and really only started to loosen up by the end of it.

Definitely want another go though

alexanderomahon · 13-04-2012 8:31pm

Since dusting down my old raleigh in the shed last May/June and deciding to try cycling (due to no longer being able to run) I have now

spent 2,000 euro on cycling relating items. WOOP WOOP

(I thought this would be a cheap way to keep fit!!!!)

P.s Don't tell the wife;)

mel.b · 13-04-2012 9:34pm

Another newbie cycling acheivement tonight, but not one i'm so proud of...my first spectacular fall from the bike:( Right at the end of my spin, in Ballyvaughan it starts to hail so i start to go a bit faster to get back to the car which was parked at the local petrol station. There is about a cm or 2 rise from the road into the entrance of the petrol station. Not sure if i hit it at the wrong angle, it was hail or inattention (probably all three) but the next thing i was flat out on the concrete on my side. I had an audience as well...people gathered at the petrol station which was serving as the registration point for a car rally, plus a couple of cars going past and a man walking up the road:o The bike i think is ok...havent had a chance to look at it properly, however i am nursing a very sore elbow at the moment that i can't straighten and hurts to move. Am icing it and hoping it isn't more serioulsy hurt.

loinnsigh · 13-04-2012 9:45pm

alexanderomahon wrote: »

Since dusting down my old raleigh in the shed last May/June and deciding to try cycling (due to no longer being able to run) I have now

spent 2,000 euro on cycling relating items. WOOP WOOP

(I thought this would be a cheap way to keep fit!!!!)

P.s Don't tell the wife;)

Snap, on both the reason to start cycling and the amount spent so far. And the spousal deception re the actual cost

daludo · 13-04-2012 10:01pm

OUCH!!!!!i feel your pain!!fell for the fourth time since i started last september on a spin with a group last night...it was no ones fault though,each time ive fallen ive just forgotten to click out of the pedals!!!apparently this is a common newbie boo boo,pass the ice pack when your done!!

Donelson · 14-04-2012 9:47am

Ah yeah, I've done the fallen over while clipped in at least ten times now, I almost have a technique at this stage!

daludo · 15-04-2012 8:48pm

such a feeling of pure helplessness as your falling,not to talk of the embarrasment!!bought new pair of cleets on friday,might help to keep me upright a bit longer!!couldnt believe how worn the old ones were,only had em since xmas!!

t.m · 19-04-2012 2:59pm

Finally got my B2W sorted out and took delivery last Friday.

Got out for a 40km cycle around North Dublin on Sunday morning. Thoroughly enjoyed it!

50km+ cycle planned this Sunday morning. And preferably with the sunshine again...

gicko · 21-04-2012 3:36pm

Im a newbie but completed the greenway cycle form westport to achill sound and then onto north achill where we booked into a hostel for the weekend. Completed about 65 K friday, 50k on the saturday around achill(fantastic views/hills!!!) and then 60k back to westport on sunday.. Legs were a little sore but rear end was in tatters!!. Bought a Cube SL cross and kitted out with rack and panniers. Did the job nicely. Defo have the bug now and cabt wait to get back out. Going to train for the wicklow 100 or 200 if im fit enough..

Gman

keane=cock · 21-04-2012 9:04pm

newbie to cycling but first time on a bike in about an year and a a half today (and a little over 2 months ago i ruptured ligaments in my ankle). planning on cycling to work tomorrow although i was fairly tired today but i did take a few hills in.

mel.b · 21-04-2012 9:25pm

gicko wrote: »

Im a newbie but completed the greenway cycle form westport to achill sound and then onto north achill where we booked into a hostel for the weekend. Completed about 65 K friday, 50k on the saturday around achill(fantastic views/hills!!!) and then 60k back to westport on sunday.. Legs were a little sore but rear end was in tatters!!. Bought a Cube SL cross and kitted out with rack and panniers. Did the job nicely. Defo have the bug now and cabt wait to get back out. Going to train for the wicklow 100 or 200 if im fit enough..

Gman

Nice

I did part of the greenway last year - it wasnt open all the way to achill at the time. Must organise a weekend away to do the whole thing now.

keane=cock wrote: »

newbie to cycling but first time on a bike in about an year and a a half today (and a little over 2 months ago i ruptured ligaments in my ankle). planning on cycling to work tomorrow although i was fairly tired today but i did take a few hills in.

Fair play - how did the ankle hold up?

slfcarro5 · 22-04-2012 7:33pm

So have being cycling to work for the last month or so (about 25km round trip) and decided to join a club last week. Went out for the first spin today and did over 70km. Delighted with it got a bit tried at the end and over a few hills but otherwise wasn't too bad. Didn't think I would be able to do that distance as I have done nowhere near it before so happy out. Defo gonna keep it up.

seamus · 23-04-2012 9:41am

One of the things you should never underestimate is the benefit of the cycle commute, especially when you're just starting out. It's generally known as "base miles" - time spent on the bike doing nothing specifically. Even if you're doing 50 relatively easy km in and out of work per week, then that's 50km that another newbie isn't doing.
They are also great for your body learning how to recover, both because it gets used to cycling every day, but also for that tough Monday after you've done a 150km cycle the day before, where your legs get to stretch out.

Hmmzis · 28-04-2012 12:32pm

Tomorrow is going to be exactly a year since I started cycling. A couple months back I got an Android phone and discovered the beauty and pain of Strava.

Today I got my first KOM!

Was also just a second behind the top guy in another segment but that one is marked as hazardous so the leaderboard is not shown on the main site (it's visible on the app though).

Now, if not for the two guys whose names I shall not speak, I might actually be able to get something else from the local hills. I might need another year or two to get anywhere near those sort of speeds.

Roger Hassenforder · 28-04-2012 7:21pm

Kudos on the KOM

Dermot Illogical · 28-04-2012 7:46pm

Roger Hassenforder wrote: »

Kudos on the KOM

+1, and where is it?

BMKN · 28-04-2012 8:17pm

Only cycling a year, Love this thread what a way to boast

I completed my first century ride in 5hrs 33 mins, and have done nearly 800miles this month. Treated myself to clipless shoes and pedals and a new helmet

Roger Hassenforder · 28-04-2012 9:24pm

before you know if you'll be on about watts and stuff!

Hmmzis · 28-04-2012 9:26pm

Roger Hassenforder wrote: »

Kudos on the KOM

RT66 wrote:

+1, and where is it?

Thanks guys. The segment is going out from Harolds Cross towards Terenure.
It's a little bit tricky most times since it's in the city and there are some traffic lights, so if you don't time it right then it becomes very difficult.

This time I got lucky, was out on the missus's road bike, had no red lights and very few cars on the road, so didn't have to stop

(still can't crack the 50kmh mark on that segment).

There was another guy riding behind me who posted the second time on that segment. He was on a white Focus Cayo with a very loud rear hub, could hear him from quite a distance.

Well, since I've now said where the segment is I fully expect somebody to truly and completely smash the current time of 3:33

Roger Hassenforder · 28-04-2012 9:32pm

its probably being beaten as we speak!

offaly odonohue · 28-04-2012 10:58pm

Did my first ever night cycle during the week, on shift work from 8pm till 4am at the moment (my work is 25K round trip commute)

It was exciting and scary at the same time!!The commute is along a main road with little or no road lights...I thanked my local bike shop for there advice and help in 'keeping me lit'. Hoping to commute to work over the next few months (flipping crazy petrol prices)

fishtastico · 29-04-2012 11:35am

Had my first proper cycle today. It was only about 30km out around Howth and back, but it was great fun, and I hope to increase the distance next week. Also, my thanks to whoever recommended I get a pair of bib shorts. Those things are great.

Nesie · 30-04-2012 6:26pm

I cycled 125km over the last 3 days. I am physically exhausted but pleased with myself. there was even a night on the beer in the middle there!

I did learn one thing - cycling up a hill into gale force winds is not pleasant.

Roger Hassenforder · 30-04-2012 6:51pm

Nesie wrote: »

I cycled 125km over the last 3 days. I am physically exhausted but pleased with myself. there was even a night on the beer in the middle there!

I did learn one thing - cycling up a hill into gale force winds is not pleasant.

toughens you up!!

spencer024 · 30-04-2012 7:03pm

Only started cycling in January, just over 2600kms cycled now and completed the 120km Kilmallock tour 2 weeks ago at average of 29.2 kmh, was 15st4lbs in dec, now at 13st 09lbs and well happy with myself from where i started.
Best advise I could give anyone is to join their local club if possible , you will get great support and tips/advise from experienced cyclists.
It can be very chalenging at times but I have the cycling bug now and am really enjoying the spins - hurting ones and all:)

walaw · 02-05-2012 8:13pm

Did my longest cycle last Sunday, the 120 km croi lap of the corrib.
Was going fairly well, then got a puncture 20k from the finish. Fixing the puncture seemed to drain me and I coasted the rest of the way.
This evening I did my fastest ever average speed 30.1 kph on a 30km spin, though it has to be said conditions were ideal
Next up is the Tour de Connemara at the end of the month. Hope the weather is nice because you can't beat Connemara when the sun is out!

nilhg · 05-05-2012 11:44pm

Not sure if it is the new bike or my new go faster Aldi jacket that made the difference but this evening I did my first +30km/hr spin of any decent distance, 29.2km @31.2km/hr.

http://app.strava.com/rides/7923317

I have a personal rule against doing silly things like time trialling when I'm out for a spin but temptation got the better of me this time when I turned for home at Brackna and I could see my average was over 33km/hr.

-PornStar- · 12-05-2012 11:22am

Had my first clipless moment today.

Good cycle other than that. Nice sunny day, surrounded by great motorists!

Roger Hassenforder · 12-05-2012 11:27am

-PornStar- wrote: »

Had my first clipless moment today.

Good cycle other than that. Nice sunny day, surrounded by great motorists!

they can be mortifying!
is that an oxymoron or something?

selana · 12-05-2012 7:59pm

went for two spins today and set strava pb's for them both, plus managed to get my average speed up closer to where I want it in both cases.

However, while watching a boat almost capsize I clipped the blocks around a bus stop and mangled my tire lever (could have been sooo much worse!) and then, in front a pub with about 100 people outside, as I unclipped to pause at a red light, my leg cramped and down I went. So my much for my htfu image...

Wishbone Ash · 12-05-2012 10:59pm

I got my first KOM on Strava last Monday and it's still standing 6 days later. Ironically I didn't know it was a segement until I uploaded the info. I've a couple of 2nds also.

Darkglasses · 13-05-2012 12:31am

Hopefully clipless pedals are on the way for me, a pair of these came up on Adverts.

Newbie Cycling Achievements

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