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Every accomplishment starts with a decision to try

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  • #2162
    AuldManKing
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,237 ✭✭✭AuldManKing


    career move wrote: »
    Nice bike. Hope it serves you well :D

    Ah Jaysus, K's here. We'll never see FD again :)


  • #2163
    Neady83
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,038 ✭✭✭Neady83


    Well ware, it's a sweet looking bike. May you have many hundreds of kms of fun on it :)

    Really looking forward to going for a spin down the Connemara way when you're back West :)


  • #2164
    Firedance
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,009 ✭✭✭Firedance


    career move wrote: »
    Nice bike. Hope it serves you well :D
    Thanks! she's a lovely ride cycle :D
    AuldManKing wrote: »
    Ah Jaysus, K's here. We'll never see FD again :)

    Aww Alan I never knew you cared :p
    Neady83 wrote: »
    Well ware, it's a sweet looking bike. May you have many hundreds of kms of fun on it :)

    Really looking forward to going for a spin down the Connemara way when you're back West :)

    whoop whoop, I'll be well whipped into shape by then :pac: (I'm sticking to the miles though....!)


  • #2165
    Firedance
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,009 ✭✭✭Firedance


    Saturday 11th June contd:
    3.4 miles @ 10:53 avg hr 131. Managed to get out for a few miles in the late evening, a little bit cooler than of late which was lovely.

    Sunday 12th June
    Bike Ride: 11 miles in 48 mins avg HR 107 - you’ve got to be having a laugh?!!! I barely got over 100BPM and only burned 217 calories for my 11 miles 217?!!! I want a refund :D I just did a recce of some of my commute to see what it might be like time wise, it’s 13.5 miles to the office although I might be able to find a couple of short cuts so 11 miles in 48 means I might get to work in just over the hour although the last mile will be down the Quays which I’d imagine will be very slow between the lights and making sure I don’t get killed. Things I noticed today

    Our roads are utter ****e
    Our cycle paths are a total joke - the concrete footpaths along side the cycle paths are smoother!!
    Cyclists are apparently invisible :rolleyes:

    It took me a couple of miles to feel steady on the bike but once I settled into it boy it’s a joy to cycle. So light and it never felt like effort despite the fact I was actually trying to put some effort in.

    PM: 3 miles @ 10:55 avg HR 130. Decided I still needed to do some actual real exercise. Hot hot hot, 23 degrees, hadn’t had enough water during the day, burned 377 calories by comparison to the bike ride.. Seriously!!

    Followed by 20 mins easy swimming in the pool, my membership is up mid July so I just need to get some value from it between now and then!

    Another lovely Sunday afternoon, loving these with the bright evening and the few hours total chill out.


  • #2166
    Neady83
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,038 ✭✭✭Neady83


    Firedance wrote: »
    Our roads are utter ****e

    +1 wait until you get out into country roads with uneven surfaces and random holes all over the shop. After 3/4 hours on the saddle, you feel every bump 100 times over :)
    Firedance wrote: »
    Our cycle paths are a total joke - the concrete footpaths along side the cycle paths are smoother!!

    I honestly don't think that the people who lay the cycle paths have ever actually cycled. They're bumpy and lumpy and dangerous as hell.
    Firedance wrote: »
    Cyclists are apparently invisible :rolleyes:

    Be so vigilant for cars turning left and doors potentially opening onto your path. I don't cycle around the city because I'm too nervous of other people messing up.
    Firedance wrote: »
    It took me a couple of miles to feel steady on the bike but once I settled into it boy it’s a joy to cycle. So light and it never felt like effort despite the fact I was actually trying to put some effort in.

    Brilliant, I'm delighted you enjoyed it, get yourself out onto some nice country roads soon and enjoy the rolling hills, the buzz of the downhills and the lightness on the legs. Cycling compliments running so well. It really lets the legs recover after a long run.


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  • #2167
    Firedance
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,009 ✭✭✭Firedance


    Neady83 wrote: »
    +1 wait until you get out into country roads with uneven surfaces and random holes all over the shop. After 3/4 hours on the saddle, you feel every bump 100 times over :)

    Brilliant, I'm delighted you enjoyed it, get yourself out onto some nice country roads soon and enjoy the rolling hills, the buzz of the downhills and the lightness on the legs. Cycling compliments running so well. It really lets the legs recover after a long run.

    It was the country roads part of the cycle that had the bumpiest bits!! the surface was like something from the moon which you don't notice in a car but I felt every single tiny bit on the bike, they were not, as the song goes, 'good vibrations' :pac: Not sure I'll ever be on for flying down hills, I'm a bit of a scardy cat really :o:D


  • #2168
    El Caballo
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,137 ✭✭✭El Caballo


    Neady83 wrote: »
    Be so vigilant for cars turning left and doors potentially opening onto your path.

    +1, the key to riding safely is to trust no one else to see you or to make the right decision and ride assertively. Don't be intimidated by drivers behind, if you are coming up to a bad bend or cycling close to parked cars, don't be afraid to ride in the middle of the lane, it only delays a driver a few seconds or a minute at most but you are protecting yourself. You'll get used to the vibrations and after a few rides, won't even notice them anymore unless it's really really bad. I've one of the stiffest bikes on the market and ride some of the worst roads in the country and rarely ever notice vibrations but it felt like holding onto a jack hammer at first. Well wear!


  • #2169
    aquinn
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,968 ✭✭✭aquinn


    Add padded shorts to buying list. Such a good look, but will make County roads and poxy cycle lanes slightly more comfortable. Happy cycling, it's lovely.


  • #2170
    adrian522
    Moderators, Computer Games Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 16,358 Mod ✭✭✭✭adrian522


    My tuppence work on the cycling, buy a track pump and make sure the tyres are fully inflated (as much air as you can get in them) and do this at least once per week.

    Also every 2-3 weeks take a look at the tyres and remove any pieces of glass or anything else that you have picked up in the meantime.

    Both of the above will really cut down on punctures, but you will still need a good mini pump, and carry a spare tube and tyre levers on longer trips.


  • #2171
    Firedance
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,009 ✭✭✭Firedance


    El Caballo wrote: »
    +1, the key to riding safely is to trust no one else to see you or to make the right decision and ride assertively. Don't be intimidated by drivers behind, if you are coming up to a bad bend or cycling close to parked cars, don't be afraid to ride in the middle of the lane, it only delays a driver a few seconds or a minute at most but you are protecting yourself. You'll get used to the vibrations and after a few rides, won't even notice them anymore unless it's really really bad. I've one of the stiffest bikes on the market and ride some of the worst roads in the country and rarely ever notice vibrations but it felt like holding onto a jack hammer at first. Well wear!

    Thanks E, yep will do. Anyone who's driven with me knows how much space I give to a cyclist, be nice if the favour was returned now but I definitely won't be intimated..
    aquinn wrote: »
    Add padded shorts to buying list. Such a good look, but will make County roads and poxy cycle lanes slightly more comfortable. Happy cycling, it's lovely.

    I had two pairs on yesterday :p #delicatetushy
    adrian522 wrote: »
    My tuppence work on the cycling, buy a track pump and make sure the tyres are fully inflated (as much air as you can get in them) and do this at least once per week.

    Also every 2-3 weeks take a look at the tyres and remove any pieces of glass or anything else that you have picked up in the meantime.

    Both of the above will really cut down on punctures, but you will still need a good mini pump, and carry a spare tube and tyre levers on longer trips.

    Thanks Adrian, yep I have two fancy pumps, one big one at home the other on the bike along with a repair kit that's just under the saddle. I upgraded to the puncture resistant tyres too just for good measure. I suppose I should learn to use the repair kit although surely I can just stand at the side of the road and put on my 'helpless woman' face like I do when I get a puncture in my car*









    *I'm JOKING :D*





    *I may not be joking :pac:


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  • #2172
    aquinn
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,968 ✭✭✭aquinn


    Firedance wrote: »
    Thanks E, yep will do. Anyone who's driven with me knows how much space I give to a cyclist, be nice if the favour was returned now but I definitely won't be intimated..



    I had two pairs on yesterday :p #delicatetushy



    Thanks Adrian, yep I have two fancy pumps, one big one at home the other on the bike along with a repair kit that's just under the saddle. I upgraded to the puncture resistant tyres too just for good measure. I suppose I should learn to use the repair kit although surely I can just stand at the side of the road and put on my 'helpless woman' face like I do when I get a puncture in my car*









    *I'm JOKING :D*





    *I may not be joking :pac:

    They thought I was joking when I mentioned this on ROK thread last year, I really wasn't. Borrowed a puncture repair kit that thankfully returned unopened.


  • #2173
    adrian522
    Moderators, Computer Games Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 16,358 Mod ✭✭✭✭adrian522


    I don't think relying on a repair kit on the side of the road is a good idea, a spare tube is better and easier I think, you can always repair your tube once you get home.


  • #2174
    Firedance
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,009 ✭✭✭Firedance


    adrian522 wrote: »
    I don't think relying on a repair kit on the side of the road is a good idea, a spare tube is better and easier I think, you can always repair your tube once you get home.

    yeah sorry, the repair kit contains a spare tube :) thanks Adrian!


  • #2175
    aero2k
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,220 ✭✭✭aero2k


    I think it's been said before, but be sure to get whatever caused the puncture out of the tyre before fitting that new tube - otherwise you won't get far.


  • #2176
    Firedance
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,009 ✭✭✭Firedance


    aero2k wrote: »
    I think it's been said before, but be sure to get whatever caused the puncture out of the tyre before fitting that new tube - otherwise you won't get far.

    The what now? sigh, this just seems like an awful lot of hard work :D:D that means I have to bring my glasses (or carry a magnifine glass) so I can see whatever that is!!! Easier to bring a short skirt and take it from there*









    I'm JOKING :D


  • #2177
    tang1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,121 ✭✭✭tang1


    Did you bring it for a good ride* yet??





    *cycle.


  • #2178
    Firedance
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,009 ✭✭✭Firedance


    tang1 wrote: »
    Did you bring it for a good ride* yet??





    *cycle.

    'Listen very carefully I vill say dis only wance' (if you have never seen 'allo 'allo then we just have to end our friendship right now :D) have you not read my log??!!

    Was out getting some saddle practice again tonight, have finally discovered where my sit bones are after yesterdays 11 mile :p:p


  • #2179
    aero2k
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,220 ✭✭✭aero2k


    Firedance wrote: »
    The what now? sigh, this just seems like an awful lot of hard work :D:D that means I have to bring my glasses (or carry a magnifine glass) so I can see whatever that is!!! Easier to bring a short skirt and take it from there*
    :D

    I'm no expert in these matters, but I think you'll find it easier to remove the puncture causing agent from your tyre than to get into a miniskirt by the side of the road while maintaining some shred of dignity:D.


  • #2180
    Firedance
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,009 ✭✭✭Firedance


    Monday 13th June
    LUNCH: 3 miles @ 10:35 avg HR 120, it was drizzling for this which just made it all the more fantastic, nice n cool, very enjoyable and delighted with that average pace.

    PM: Bike Ride: 6.6 miles in 26:55 avg HR 105. Did a local outer road loop which I knew was around 10K, much better roads and have the use of nice wide hard shoulders most of the way around allowing me to play a bit more with the gears/speed/effort. I kept the gears a bit higher on the inclines in an effort to put more work in. Comparing the two rides on strava I’m just learning what’s what with the stats

    description Ride 1 Ride 2
    Avg Power  66w        82w
    Energy output 195kj         132kj
    cadence 59 (max 118) 60 (max 79)
    heart rate 107 (max 137) 114 (max 139)
    speed Speed 13.6m/h max 20.4     14.8m/h (max 22.4)


    The only thing I understand there really is MPH (and HR obviously), do any of the other readings have any relevance with regard to understanding how hard (or not) I’m working on the bike? Obviously both rides were very much on the easy end of things but I’d like to at some point learn how to get a good workout done too.

    Thanks for all the puncture tips folks, all joking aside I’ll take Adrians advice to clean and check the tyre pressure a couple of times a week, hopefully that in itself will avoid any punctures which invariably happen in the pouring rain, many miles from home!


  • #2181
    aero2k
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,220 ✭✭✭aero2k


    Firedance wrote: »
    Monday 13th June
    LUNCH: 3 miles @ 10:35 avg HR 120, it was drizzling for this which just made it all the more fantastic, nice n cool, very enjoyable and delighted with that average pace.

    PM: Bike Ride: 6.6 miles in 26:55 avg HR 105. Did a local outer road loop which I knew was around 10K, much better roads and have the use of nice wide hard shoulders most of the way around allowing me to play a bit more with the gears/speed/effort. I kept the gears a bit higher on the inclines in an effort to put more work in. Comparing the two rides on strava I’m just learning what’s what with the stats

    description Ride 1 Ride 2
    Avg Power 66w 82w
    Energy output 195kj 132kj
    cadence 59 (max 118) 60 (max 79)
    heart rate 107 (max 137) 114 (max 139)
    speed Speed 13.6m/h max 20.4 14.8m/h (max 22.4)

    The only thing I understand there really is MPH (and HR obviously), do any of the other readings have any relevance with regard to understanding how hard (or not) I’m working on the bike? Obviously both rides were very much on the easy end of things but I’d like to at some point learn how to get a good workout done too.

    Thanks for all the puncture tips folks, all joking aside I’ll take Adrians advice to clean and check the tyre pressure a couple of times a week, hopefully that in itself will avoid any punctures which invariably happen in the pouring rain, many miles from home!

    Watts is the only accurate measure of how hard you're working, but it needs to be measured with a power meter fitted to the bike, not computed by some other gadget. (I think you're getting it from your Garmin?) Watts is the power your legs are generating - it's a direct mesure of effort levels. HR can vary with how you're feeling on the day, speed is affected by wind direction, gradient etc, but watts goes up and down according to how hard and fast you push. To give you an idea, a typical male riding at 25mph needs about 250 watts. Top pros can produce close to 500 watts (that doesn't mean they can do 50mph - wind resistance increases exponentially with increasing speed).

    One observation is that your cadence looks a bit low - how are you measuring it? Can you do a count looking at your watch to see if it's right? In theory a low cadence is more efficient, but in practice it causes more muscle fatigue so somewhere in the range of 80-100 is better.


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  • #2182
    Firedance
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,009 ✭✭✭Firedance


    aero2k wrote: »
    Watts is the only accurate measure of how hard you're working, but it needs to be measured with a power meter fitted to the bike, not computed by some other gadget. (I think you're getting it from your Garmin?) Watts is the power your legs are generating - it's a direct measure of effort levels. HR can vary with how you're feeling on the day, speed is affected by wind direction, gradient etc, but watts goes up and down according to how hard and fast you push. To give you an idea, a typical male riding at 25mph needs about 250 watts. Top pros can produce close to 500 watts (that doesn't mean they can do 50mph - wind resistance increases exponentially with increasing speed).

    One observation is that your cadence looks a bit low - how are you measuring it? Can you do a count looking at your watch to see if it's right? In theory a low cadence is more efficient, but in practice it causes more muscle fatigue so somewhere in the range of 80-100 is better.

    Yes those stats are all coming from the garmin, funny that, my running cadence is also on the low side, I wonder if they are connected? Possibly to leg turnover? I'm assuming that's how fast my feet are turning the pedals?

    If I consistently use the garmin though I can measure the figures against each other to see improvements while acknowledging that they're not accurate in themselves, so those rides were 60 & 80w and if I put a concerted effort in to my next one and see it at 120 that shows I've worked harder? Or do I need get a power meter and be done with it?

    250 watts?! well that's put me and my 82w back in my box :D:D


  • #2183
    adrian522
    Moderators, Computer Games Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 16,358 Mod ✭✭✭✭adrian522


    I've a cadence sensor on my bike and I try to go with an easier gear and higher cadence, rather than a harder gear and lower cadence. Reason is I like to keep my legs fresh for running and hope the cycling helps with recovery.

    My average comes out at about 75-80 usually because of all the starting and stopping on my route, but 85+ would be ideal but not really possible.

    Don't worry about it too much though.

    I'd also say to stay vigilant on the stretching if you are going to cycle a fair bit as the hips, hamstrings, calves can get tight on the bike.


  • #2184
    aero2k
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,220 ✭✭✭aero2k


    Firedance wrote: »
    Yes those stats are all coming from the garmin, funny that, my running cadence is also on the low side, I wonder if they are connected? Possibly to leg turnover? I'm assuming that's how fast my feet are turning the pedals?

    If I consistently use the garmin though I can measure the figures against each other to see improvements while acknowledging that they're not accurate in themselves, so those rides were 60 & 80w and if I put a concerted effort in to my next one and see it at 120 that shows I've worked harder? Or do I need get a power meter and be done with it?

    250 watts?! well that's put me and my 82w back in my box :D:D

    Of course you can use the numbers as an indicator. If you really want to get into it though, what you'd be aiming for is to see more watts developed over time without increasing HR. For that to be really accurate. you would need a power meter (big €€€).

    Your 82w was at a very low HR; from experience that 250w would be at or above LT. Sustainable for about one hour at peak fitness with great discomfort:eek:.


  • #2185
    Firedance
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,009 ✭✭✭Firedance


    adrian522 wrote: »
    I've a cadence sensor on my bike and I try to go with an easier gear and higher cadence, rather than a harder gear and lower cadence. Reason is I like to keep my legs fresh for running and hope the cycling helps with recovery.

    My average comes out at about 75-80 usually because of all the starting and stopping on my route, but 85+ would be ideal but not really possible.

    Don't worry about it too much though.

    I'd also say to stay vigilant on the stretching if you are going to cycle a fair bit as the hips, hamstrings, calves can get tight on the bike.

    That's a good point, I could certainly feel my legs working more last night and if you look at my max cadence from the first ride its 118 where I was at one point in an easy gear but pedaling quite quickly along a flat straight.

    I won't overthink it, I guess I'm just trying to figure out how to get the best out of the bike, I don't really just want to be dawdling along achieving nothing either though.

    Yep, I could feel my right hip last night on the inclines!


  • #2186
    aquinn
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,968 ✭✭✭aquinn


    FD, can you not just go for a leisurely cycle???????????????????

    Less of the stats and results and get used to the bike and enjoy it?


  • #2187
    Firedance
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,009 ✭✭✭Firedance


    aquinn wrote: »
    FD, can you not just go for a leisurely cycle???????????????????

    Less of the stats and results and get used to the bike and enjoy it?

    How long have you known me now Aoife?! Long enough to know the answer to that question :p no, I can't, everything has a purpose! I need to get into shape to kick tangs ass over 50K :D:D


  • #2188
    aquinn
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,968 ✭✭✭aquinn


    ARRGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.


  • #2189
    Bungy Girl
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,355 ✭✭✭Bungy Girl


    Hey FD, just catching up here. Congrats on the new bike!

    I'm no expert (it has been a loooooooong time since I've been on a bike without a child's seat :rolleyes:) but back in the day we were told high cadence with gears to match rather then low cadence and heavy gears. It's almost counter-intuitive because you think you're working harder when you're pushing harder (and, of course you can do sessions like that :eek:) but for general, everyday leisure/fitness cycling and to improve you should keep the legs spinning easily and regularly adjust the gears to match the elevation. Keeping the cadence high is easier in cleats but that's something to consider with a bit more experience under your belt as you need to be confident that you can un-clip quickly especially in traffic.

    Have fun!!


  • #2190
    Firedance
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,009 ✭✭✭Firedance


    Bungy Girl wrote: »
    Hey FD, just catching up here. Congrats on the new bike!

    I'm no expert (it has been a loooooooong time since I've been on a bike without a child's seat :rolleyes:) but back in the day we were told high cadence with gears to match rather then low cadence and heavy gears. It's almost counter-intuitive because you think you're working harder when you're pushing harder (and, of course you can do sessions like that :eek:) but for general, everyday leisure/fitness cycling and to improve you should keep the legs spinning easily and regularly adjust the gears to match the elevation. Keeping the cadence high is easier in cleats but that's something to consider with a bit more experience under your belt as you need to be confident that you can un-clip quickly especially in traffic.

    Have fun!!

    Thanks G :) yes cleats have been discussed but they frighten the life outta me so I'm putting that on the long finger toe :eek::P but that does remind me I was to look for toe clips in the meantime..


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  • #2191
    Kennyg71
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,921 ✭✭✭Kennyg71


    Firedance wrote: »
    Thanks G :) yes cleats have been discussed but they frighten the life outta me so I'm putting that on the long finger toe :eek::P but that does remind me I was to look for toe clips in the meantime..

    Practice clipping and unclipping holding wall after few mins it will
    become an unconscious movement. Toe clips can be a mare as well
    got my laces caught in one and ended up on the ground.


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