A Rebels Beginner Cycling Log

CorkonianRebel

Hello to all in the forum from a newbie to cycling. I do a log already in the Athletics/Running forum but I am looking to get more specific cycling advice here from those in the know with this log of just my cycling!

I got a Giant Defy a while back on the cycle to work scheme and got a trainer as well but didn't do much on them.Its only now that I want to get going with them and just 2 days ago I went on my first cycle in a while.I did a 40Mile/65 Km cycle which is my longest ever one and this took me 3:27. I don't know whether that is good or bad but I was wrecked after it! It includes 3 stops that were not for too long though! I went out 20 miles, turned around and came back. The wind was strong and against me going out but then almost went away on the return.Very annoying!

I am definitely hooked on cycling and am debating whether to join a cycling club or a triathlon club but I will see how I get on for now.The freedom on a bike is a great feeling!

I am getting clipless pedals and proper cycling shoes (hopefully!) this week and I think they are meant to add to my times and comfort.My goals are to get more used to cycling and have it become second nature to me. Hopefully I would like to do those cycles that I see advertised around such as the ones for charity that are 100km.I want to try to cycle 4 times a week with the main long cycle being on a sunday as that suits me best. Lets get cycling!

Beasty

CorkonianRebel wrote: »

The wind was strong and against me going out but then almost went away on the return.Very annoying!

That's the nature of wind. If you think about it, you averaged 20kph (which is not bad for a start if you included 3 stops - better if you can stop your computer when stopped though, otherwise any data becomes pretty meaningless) - let's say you were heading into a headwind of 20kph, and cycling at 20kph - it feels like a wind of 40kph. If coming back you are still doing 20kph and the wind remains the same, it feels like the air is still

Headwinds are an obstacle to overcome when riding - if you start and finish at the same place you are bound to encounter a headwind at some stage. The good news is it's the same for everyone, and battling them makes you stronger (and getting the benefit of a tailwind maks you feel good);)

CorkonianRebel

Thanks Beasty.The wind made me think I was going backwards! I was hoping to get my clipless pedals today but my bike shop guy didn't have my size in shoes. I have to go back next week but fair dues to him he said he would do me a deal and give me a bike fit too.

I have been trying to shake off a cold all week so unfortunately I haven't done any training I hope to go for a nice long cycle again on sunday tho

At the moment I use Runkeeper when I cycle as I like to run too but I am wondering do people use Strava or Map my Ride here? I am wondering to stay or use one of the others for cycling? Or does it matter? They are specifically just for cycling so I am wondering would they be better?

CorkonianRebel

Well, nobody really answered my question but I have decided to use Strava for cycling from now on anyway! I think my cold is virtually gone so I was determined to get back on the bike tonight.Unfortunately I had to work late and ended up going out much later than planned. I wanted to do 20Km but ended up doing just over 17Km. 17.1 to be exact! It was very wet out too but fun riding in the rain once I got going.In future I would like to do around 20-25Km on nights like this once I get out a little earlier and once I dont have a cold thats just going away!

My average speed was 23.1 and I managed to get a max speed of 52.6 at one stage! It was a lovely cycle and I really wanted to do more but I didnt want to do much after having the cold. Next time I have to make sure I get out earlier too.A nice start to the week tho!

So I did 17.1Km in 44.24

Dermot Illogical

Give them all a shot and see which you prefer. I started out using Garmin Connect, Runkeeper and MapMyRide. I dropped MapMyRide and began using Strava instead. Still using GC and RK.

paulgalway

RT66 wrote: »

Still using GC and RK.

Maybe a stupid question, but what is GC?

Dermot Illogical

paulgalway wrote: »

RT66 wrote: »

Still using GC and RK.

Maybe a stupid question, but what is GC?

Garmin Connect

CorkonianRebel

Yes I prefer Strava now for cycling too!

CorkonianRebel

Well, I have got my clipless pedals finally and although I haven't been out on them yet I can see the difference they make.This was from just going up and down a short distance outside the shop and I could see that all of my 'pedal energy' (if you know what I mean! ) being transferred to the cycle! This should make a big improvement to my cycling but I have been practicing how to get out of them as I know I will forget!

I am going on a nice long cycle tomorrow morning and I must say I am looking forward to it already. My longest ride so far was 65K and I want to try to better that.I think getting the pedals was the last piece of the puzzle and now its just up to me getting out and riding! I will stop my clock when I take a break as Beasty suggested so I will have more accurate readings!!

A question to those with all the cycling experience......Do you bring money to buy something in a shop or do you bring anything else to eat? Obviously I will have an energy drink but I am just wondering would I need anything else? I am guessing bringing money to buy something in a shop is the best bet! Then, what would be the best to buy?

Dermot Illogical

CorkonianRebel wrote: »

A question to those with all the cycling experience......Do you bring money to buy something in a shop or do you bring anything else to eat? Obviously I will have an energy drink but I am just wondering would I need anything else? I am guessing bringing money to buy something in a shop is the best bet! Then, what would be the best to buy?

I generally stick a tenner in my pocket for emergencies, like coffee and buns. No harm in sticking some nibbles in your pocket as well though.

CorkonianRebel

Having got my clipless pedals finally today I headed off early for a long cycle.I didn't know how long I wanted to do but just kept going like the Energiser bunny! I ended up cycling to Youghal and it ended up a nice day even though there was a rainy start.

The Clipless pedals have made a huge difference and I really enjoyed the cycle.I took a stop in Youghal and then set course for home.Coming home the wind seemed like Galeforce and it was extremely tough.It was almost blowing me backwards! I got a puncture on the way back and while I changed the tube, I saw that Strava had crashed! very annoying!

The good thing is that I have a cycling computer too so I was able to see when I finished that I did 98 Km.This was my longest cycle ever so I am very happy with it. This was all due to my pedals as I got way more power each time I put the foot down.I didn't fall off from the pedals as well!.......Yet!!!

I am feeling a lot more confident cycling now!

Colonialboy

CorkonianRebel wrote: »

Coming home the wind seemed like Galeforce and it was extremely tough.It was almost blowing me backwards!

Plan your journey around the wind , head into the win on the outward leg and then on the return when your a bit tired you will hopefully have the wind at your back and if your not feeling tired well with the wind at your back you can really put the hammer down, get the legs spinning flat out. Although this is Ireland and Ive seen the wind blowing both directions at the same time..

Glad to see you have gotten the buzz from cycling.
Theres loads of threads on here about nutrition when cycling ..

CorkonianRebel

Is there any way that I can totally ban the wind unless its blowing me forward?!:D

The good thing about the wind I know its making me stronger at least!

CorkonianRebel

I didn't get a chance to get out on the road until tonight due to work but it felt very nice to be on the bike again.It was a cold, wet and windy night but the perfect one to feel good about after I had finished! I didn't just spend the evening on the couch!

I did 30Km tonight and it was a very enjoyable spin. I went on a nice loop that had more hills in it and was nice as a small tester to get back in the groove.If I can do this most week nights I will be very pleased!!

CorkonianRebel

I went away for the weekend to Tipperary and I brought my bike with me so yesterday decided to go for a long cycle to help clear the head and get me back on track so to speak!

I started off in Nenagh intending to cycle to Roscrea and back so off I went.It seemed like a nice day and I felt fresh not having done anything in a while.All of a sudden there were some heavy showers broken up by sunshine so it was kind of strange! I got to Roscrea and decided to keep going onwards.I think I wanted to test myself and do a bit of penance for not training too!

I was full sure that I would stop and turn around in Borris in Ossory but when I got there I kept on going until I made it to Mountrath.It is a lovely part of the country and I was really enjoying the ride even though there were bouts of hail to contend with every so often.At Mountrath I turned around and headed straight back to Nenagh.

When I came back into Nenagh the sun came out again and it felt great finishing in the sun.I was tired but it felt good doing a really long cycle.It is the longest one I have ever done so far and I enjoyed it all.I definitely will do it again if I am up in Tipp again maybe slightly varying the route or shortening it.

Today I rested after doing it but its another good cycle for me!!

So I did 114 Km/70.8 Miles in 4:49.

I averaged about 23.6 Km/h with a top speed of 56.2 Km/h

CorkonianRebel

Just a quick update on what I did tonight.

I went on the turbo that I have but took an age setting up the wired computer for the rear wheel. I used an extra one I had and ran the wire up the crossbar so I could see it. In future I will have this done beforehand!

I just did 16 mins on it as it was getting late and next time I will up the resistance on the Turbo as it was too easy! It was like cycling downhill but these teething problems will be sorted out for next time! I did 16.2 km/10 miles but as I said it was far too easy.Hopefully in future I can get a lot more sessions in by using the Turbo if I don't/can't go out.