Absolute Beginner

Cee-Jay-Cee

Had my first spin on a bike today in almost 15 yrs. I used to cycle to work while I lived in Dublin but when I left Dublin in 1997 I also left the bike behind and so began a slow slump in to almost complete inertia. So about a month ago I decided enough was enough and looked into the BTW scheme and after plenty of advice from members here, I picked up my Ridley Compact yesterday. This morning was such a beautiful morning and i decided there was no excuse not to take it out for a spin so off I set at 10:05am.

First of all I was surprised at how much feedback there was from the Tyres and frame. The Tyres were rock hard and I felt every pebble and hump/bump on the road. I have padded bib shorts but even so after 3km my rear end was sore. I had a goal to reach a certain point and return again. The route is made of gentle but long inclines, level sections and one, what I would class, tight climb.

Anyway reached my turning point and it was 6.6km according to my el-cheapo computer (totally forgot to use map my ride app on iPhone) even though my ass was sore I was feeling ok. So headed for home. Made it back to the house at 10:40am with a total distance of 13.2km which Equates to 22.6kmph average which I guess I poor but like I says it was my first spin and I'm am 100% unfit.

My rear end was broke after it. I have read various other threads and it seems that its common and will get better in time however the material on my saddle seems so thin (ProLogo Nago PAS Gel) that I can't see how it would ever be comfortable but we'll see in time.

Another thing the balls of my palms/hands ached slightly from resting them on the hoods which suggests to me there was too much weight on them and so I need to figure out how to remedy it (maybe move the saddle forward or back?)

Anyway I hope to go out again on Tuesday or Wednesday evening and will do same route and try to improve on my time. Once I find myself comfortable at that distance I'll increase it to 16 or 17 and work from there.

Cee-Jay-Cee

Was out twice since last week and done the same route each time until i build up a little more fitness. I was out on sunday morning last and managed 12.13km in 32.13 which is 22.59kmph average however i had a strong headwind on the start out but it was behind me on the way home which was welcome.

I'm really enjoying it so far and hoping to get out again tonite. I think i'll stick to the same route although if its a nice evening i might stretch it by a few kms.

Current weight loss through cutting out all junk food (crisps, chocolate, coke etc etc) currently stands at 9.5lbs over the last 3 weeks. I think i now need to watch my portion sizes as the weight loss seems to be sort of static over the last week or so as i had lost 7lbs in the first 10 days. But hopefully once i get a bit fitter and can manage longer distances then i should see some more lbs disappear.

EatsRainbows

CJC999 wrote: »

Current weight loss through cutting out all junk food (crisps, chocolate, coke etc etc) currently stands at 9.5lbs over the last 3 weeks. I think i now need to watch my portion sizes as the weight loss seems to be sort of static over the last week or so as i had lost 7lbs in the first 10 days. But hopefully once i get a bit fitter and can manage longer distances then i should see some more lbs disappear.

Hi there i have started the same thing with my brother who was rather over weight. we are both around 21. The first few weeks you will drop weight because that is the pure fat that you are loosing. after this initial burn you will start to turn the fat to muscle. dont be discouraged by what the weighing scale is telling you.

A smaller plate will help trick your mind into thinking your full. (to cut down on you portion size)

I however am no expert and expect to be stand corrected. but this is what i have seen happening to him over the last month

Cee-Jay-Cee

Went out for a spin this evening. Decided i needed to increase my distance so picked a new route. Got on reasonably well except for having to stop three times.

(1) Doing approx 40kmh on a long gentle decline and i seen this wasp heading straight for my face so i ducked slightly and the fúcker went into one of the vent holes on my helmet and i could hear him buzzing in it so i stopped sharpish and whipped the helmet off before he stung me.

(2) The route home was a mixture of some quite steep short hills, i was on the large front cog and went to change to the smaller one but must have hit the lever twice as the chain came off so had to stop and refit it and then couldnt get restarted as the hill i had stopped on was too steep and the bike was in a low gear.

(3) I was 300m from home and on a long steep hill and i got a severe cramp in the calf of my right leg. Had to get off the bike and stretch my leg out as it was starting to go into spasm. Once it had calmed i then had to walk the rest of the hill.

So all in all done 16.9kms over 45mins at an average of 22.5kmh, i'm guessing it would have been 25+ except for the stoppages.

I'm going to it again on thursday or friday evening and hope to knock at least 5 minutes off the time.

I'm really enjoying cycling so far and the route i took today has an excellent mixture of hills and level sections to really make it a good workout and get me sweating. I'll stick to it for another week or too and then up the distance again to 20kms+

t'bear

CJC999 wrote: »

and the fúcker went into one of the vent holes on my helmet and i could hear him buzzing in it so i stopped sharpish and whipped the helmet off before he stung me.
+

If the motorists dont get ye...then the wildlife will.....