Forums/

Beginner Cycling

Jim M.
Jim M. Sendmail

What is important is to stay motivated and have fun!

posted 6 months ago | Report

I am 52 yrs. old I only started riding as a form of weekly exercise in October (got up to 8-9 mile trips). Now I am up to 11 miles 2 - 3 times a week. My times are pretty slow, but I do try to better them or match them and also shooting for changing to 15 mile ride by January 1, 2012.

Personally goals help me. So I try to better my times and prepare to up miles per trip. I don't always go faster, but I still like having those personal goals. One easier goal I set is to make sure I get out there atleast twice a week.

Have fun and enjoy the wonderful outdoors :-)

Respond

6 posts

scroll to bottom
  • Ray G.
    Ray G. Sendmail

    Way to go Jim! Goals are an excellent way of motivating oneself to get out there and pedal. Seeing the results is an instant booster shot. You will continue to see results as you progress in your cycling.

    Safe pedaling!

    posted 6 months ago

  • Greg S.
    Greg S. Sendmail

    I was about your age when I started riding. It sounds like you've discovered how to make improvements a reality - Goals. I'm sure you'll have no trouble doing the 15 miles. You're probably well prepared for it mentally and that's most of the challenge.

    A question to ask yourself now is, "What are my long term goals?" Do you eventually want to ride a Century, 100 miles? Do you want to ride 20 miles in one hour? There is a ton of stuff you can have fun with and it sounds like you're well on your way.

    Enjoy!

    posted 5 months ago

  • Richard C.
    Richard C. Sendmail

    Jim

    Congratulations on deciding to use the bike as your form of exercise. It is much easier on the body as we get older. I know: I'm 70.

    But one thing that you have to be careful of is that in your desire to increase your distance to get more miles (exercise) you don't loose the fun of riding. That is, riding for the simple joy of being on the bike and moving. In attempting to go farther, some think that the key is to go fast. It is not so. Going fast is fun at times. If you don't believe me, just wait until you do a 40 mph downhill some time. But at your stage, concentrating on going fast will likely cause you to concentrate on speed and competitiveness and loose the pure joy of riding. I suggest that you do your normal rides, adding some miles here and there and then one day, pack some Cliff bars, a couple of water bottles and strike at a slightly slower pace than normal and ride exactly double you normal distance. This will do two things. #1 It will show you what you are really capable of doing and #2 It will show you how to go long distances on a bike. Going long distances is not about speed. It is about pace, energy management and hydration. Once you realize how far you can go, then I would recommend you start learning to ride some hills. There is nothing better for a biker than to learn to ride hills. It builds strength and aerobic capacity all at the same time. Putting some systematic hill work into your various routes each week will strengthen you legs and joints as well as increase your ability to transport oxygen and utilize that oxygen to provide the fuel the body needs. And surprise, surprise. As a side benefit of this strengthening of the body, you will ride faster at the same effort and will be able to ride farther. And then you will be truly hooked on biking and before you know it, you will be planning your first century ride.

    Good luck and remember that the key to riding well is to always make it fun.

    Richard

    posted 4 months ago

  • Jim M.
    Jim M. Sendmail

    I did 15 miles on December 30th, and twice in January :-)
    My goal for 2012 is to have a total of 1250 miles by end of year (regardless of weather, etc.). Due to weather got off to a slow start so far in January but by end of 2012 I will have atleast the 1250 mi. goal for the year. I am also shooting for a Century ride either by sometime in 2013. The 20 miles in one hour doesn't seem realistic with my heavy bike and my current pace. But "maybe" some day I'll be able to reflect back to this post and do it, we'll see (sure hope new bike is possible in the future). Sorry for delay in response but thanks for commenting :-)

    posted 4 months ago

  • Jim M.
    Jim M. Sendmail

    Thanks Richard!
    I appreciate all you shared. I am making sure to keep it fun :-)
    Primarily I am doing it for cardio, and some endurance (and FUN). Speed is not even in the equation. My goals are primarily based on me and bettering my personal pace and slowly adding on miles. Normally, I now ride 2-3 times a week and normally rotate between an 11 mile ride, then next time out 15 mile ride, etc.

    Thanks for your input. :-)

    posted 4 months ago

  • Jim M.
    Jim M. Sendmail

    I now have a new long ride of 18 miles. Next step will be 20 mile ride, next goal 25 mile ride.

    posted 2 months ago

Similar Discussions in Cycling - Beginner Cycling