Cycling Challenge - January 2015 Biking Bike Bicycle

124

Replies

  • elixile
    elixile Posts: 80 Member
    I hope it's not too late to join this thread - I just found out at the end of last year that shock-horror... I actually enjoy cycling!!

    Having not ridden for 17+ years, and rather stubborn about riding full stop, I decided on a whim to bite the bullet and get a bike through a cycle scheme at work. I've not looked back since and now even miss riding her when I can't... I seriously cannot even tell you all how much this turnaround has surprised me (I hated the idea of getting back on a bike, hated!), but it's great!

    As I cycle most days in and out of work, that's a round trip of 11 miles - so my current total for January is 126 miles. Well done to everyone so far :D
  • ClareB13
    ClareB13 Posts: 202 Member
    Finally decided to bite the bullet and buy a turbo trainer yesterday. Gave it a quick try out last night and logged 10 more miles.

    Total for January: 21 miles
  • 47Jacqueline
    47Jacqueline Posts: 6,993 Member
    Just got back on my bike this week after breaking my leg in a bike/car accident in October. All I did was ride to the gym and then NOT take a shortcut home, but it felt so good to be riding again.
  • Ohhim
    Ohhim Posts: 1,142 Member
    Only allowed to do some short commuting post-marathon on Sunday (was happy to crack the 4 hour mark), so not racking up the miles this week. Hoping to get in one more long ride before heading out west for some skiing & movies (Sundance) on Tuesday.

    New commuter/guest/beach bike fixie is almost ready as I've replaced the stock crank (46t retrospec), tires (vittoria adventure trail 700x38), seat (specialized dolce), pedals (SPD m324), and brake pads. New brakes (bright orange villano fixie) will go on in another week and a half, as the pad upgrade wasn't quite enough.

    1/3 - 19 miles
    1/5 - 10 miles
    1/10 - 15 miles
    1/11 - 25 miles
    1/13 - 21 miles
    1/14 - 7 miles (tuning ride on the fixie)
    1/15 - 9 miles
    1/16 - 16 miles
    1/17 - 27 miles
    1/21 - 4 miles
    1/22 - 4 miles

    Total: 157 miles
    Goal: 200 miles

    wj4mt8e0f600.jpg
  • SuggaD
    SuggaD Posts: 1,369 Member
    Woohoo, almost the weekend! Cycling both Saturday and Sunday with my club.
  • Camo_xxx
    Camo_xxx Posts: 1,082 Member
    Late to the thread but so far I have hit my Jan goals

    So far I have been getting in 100-125 miles &10,000 of climb per week but starting to get tired of this cold foggy spell we are having.

    Did my first 75 mile day this week.
  • cowbellsandcoffee
    cowbellsandcoffee Posts: 2,975 Member
    In for 350 this month.

    1/4 - 19 miles
    1/5 - 20
    1/7 - 20
    1/8 - 20
    1/9 - 13
    1/10 - 22
    1/11 - 20
    1/12 - 20
    1/13 - 20
    1/15 - 35
    1/19 - 20
    1/22 - 20
    1/23 - 22

    Total - 271

    Remaining - 79
  • dsproffitt
    dsproffitt Posts: 11 Member
    Cycling is the absolute best sport!
    Here in the UK we have a Cycle to Work scheme.
    We get tax relief on a bike that we purchase through the scheme.
    The company buys it for us, and we pay them back.

    So last April, after having a heavy commuter bike for years (It did about 8000 miles before needing some major attention) and loving it, I bought a twang-rinky-dink road bike. 8kgs and sooooo sexy!!
    I think I am cheating on my girlfriend with this bike, its so damned amazing ;)

    Last year I racked up over 3000 miles on it, and this year I am in training to do a 24 hour 300 mile cycle from a city in the north (Newcastle) to London.
    cowbellsandcoffee wrote: »
    In for 350 this month.
    Remaining - 79

    Nice stats ..
    Im on for a 60miler today and a 30 miler tomorrow ...
    Do you use Strava to log?
  • jimmckenna68
    jimmckenna68 Posts: 523 Member
    ClareB13 well done with the turbo. Just got one too for when it is too icy and it's great. Get onto YouTube there's loads of well known cycling routes e.g Tour de France and you can beast yourself in time for the better weather!
    ENJOY!
  • ClareB13
    ClareB13 Posts: 202 Member
    jimmckenna68 wrote: »
    ClareB13 well done with the turbo. Just got one too for when it is too icy and it's great. Get onto YouTube there's loads of well known cycling routes e.g Tour de France and you can beast yourself in time for the better weather!
    ENJOY!

    Just done this one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSFYRiqodvU

    so that's another 13.66 miles in the bank

    Total so far: 34.66 (I know it's not much but Jan 2014 was 24.96 so it's already an improvement. I did bang on 1000 miles last year, aiming for at least 1500 this year)
  • Sarah_Cycles
    Sarah_Cycles Posts: 25 Member
    Rain in Raleigh. 45 min on trainer. All I could stand. No additional mileage though, I don't log trainer miles
  • jimmckenna68
    jimmckenna68 Posts: 523 Member
    I have seen them. I use turbotripping mostly. Well done on the mileage today. Will follow your example and do some time tomorrow.
  • Sarah_Cycles
    Sarah_Cycles Posts: 25 Member
    elixile wrote: »
    I... I actually enjoy cycling!!

    Welcome. Love your enthusiasm!
  • jimmckenna68
    jimmckenna68 Posts: 523 Member
    CYCLING IS BRAW!!
  • jimmckenna68
    jimmckenna68 Posts: 523 Member
    Too windy so 1hr20 on turbo trainer.
    Soaked, knackered and very happy.
  • ClareB13
    ClareB13 Posts: 202 Member
    Good job!! 45 mins is my most so far but I'm back on it tomorrow so might try for a longer but less intense session and see how that goes
  • jimmckenna68
    jimmckenna68 Posts: 523 Member
    Yeah, longer, steady pace is good for burning fat. I'm daft, I can't help but go for it, end up a sweaty heap.
  • SingingSingleTracker
    SingingSingleTracker Posts: 1,866 Member
    January 1 - rode 8.3 miles for a duration of 1:05:00 (mountain biking)
    January 2 - rode 17.3 miles for a duration of 1:49:32 (singlespeeding)
    January 3 - rode 31.2 miles for a duration of 2:24:56 (foundation road miles)
    January 6 - rode 20 miles for a duration of 1:03:58 (included FTP test to set training zones)
    January 13 - rode 20 miles for a duration of 2:15:00
    January 16 - rode 20 miles for a duration of 1:15:00
    January 18 - rode 32 miles for a duration of 2:05:00
    January 21 - rode 20.8 miles for a duration of 1:30:14
    January 25 - rode 15.5 miles for a duration of 1:02:06

    January Totals: 185.1 miles - 14:30:46 hours
  • okcat4
    okcat4 Posts: 224 Member
    CricketKate wrote: »
    For anyone wondering who CricketKate is and why she never posts: I started this monthly cycling thread back in 2012. Last summer, I got cancer and I haven't been on my bike since. I just wanted to say that, when my health is back and the snow is gone, I will be back to pushing pedals. In the meantime, know that I'm here, in the back ground, cheering you on.

    Kate, I hear ya! Had diagnosis for breast cancer jan 2014, surgery in February and rad tx in April. Tried to ride in June and wore out in no time. Just now getting comfortable again on a bike. Be kind to yourself and comeback as you can. Everyone is different!
  • kcjchang
    kcjchang Posts: 709 Member
    1/6 - 11.7 miles in 40 min
    1/7 - 12.8 miles in 45 min
    1/9 - 38.3 miles in 2 hrs 31 min
    1/11 - 17.8 miles in 1 hrs 11 min
    1/14 - 12 miles in 40 min
    1/15 - 35.4 miles in 2 hrs 21 min
    1/16 - 8.8 miles in 30 min
    1/17 - 14.6 miles in 50 min
    1/18 - ~33.9 miles in ~2 hrs+ (forgot to restart computer)
    1/20 - 17.2 miles in 55 min
    1/21 - 10.1 miles in 35 min
    1/24 - 63.0 miles in 3 hrs 53 min (battery died and didn't record the last 5 miles - not included)
    1/23 - 25.4 miles in 1 hrs 42 min (recovery & pace line training)

    Total: 301
    Goal: 300
  • jimmckenna68
    jimmckenna68 Posts: 523 Member
    Are you trying to make us all feel guilty??
  • Ohhim
    Ohhim Posts: 1,142 Member
    edited January 2015
    Done (with a super-windy ride today in 25mph sustained winds). Off to Park City tomorrow for Sundance where I'll be strapping on the skis.

    Upping my goal to 400 next month as my running, travel, and guest/visitor schedule will be a bit more manageable.

    1/3 - 19 miles
    1/5 - 10 miles
    1/10 - 15 miles
    1/11 - 25 miles
    1/13 - 21 miles
    1/14 - 7 miles (tuning ride on the fixie)
    1/15 - 9 miles
    1/16 - 16 miles
    1/17 - 27 miles
    1/21 - 4 miles
    1/22 - 4 miles
    1/26 - 44 miles

    Total: 201 miles
    Goal: 200 miles
  • oboeing
    oboeing Posts: 1,816 Member
    i haven't been on a bike since i was 15 and landed on a helmet-less head... so... i bought a stationary bike for my living room. it's a spin-type bike, so i'm looking for good apps or you tube videos for an at home spin class... any suggestions? thanks!!!!!
  • jimmckenna68
    jimmckenna68 Posts: 523 Member
    YouTube - "turbotripping" are great but you'll find links to others too
  • Ohhim
    Ohhim Posts: 1,142 Member
    edited January 2015
    oboeing wrote: »
    i haven't been on a bike since i was 15 and landed on a helmet-less head... so... i bought a stationary bike for my living room ...

    any suggestions? thanks!!!!!

    I'd only try a helmet for the stationary bike if your region is prone to earthquakes, or if you are trying out rollers for the first time. Otherwise, I think you'll be safe risking it with a bare head indoors... definitely helps with ventilation.
  • SingingSingleTracker
    SingingSingleTracker Posts: 1,866 Member
    January 1 - rode 8.3 miles for a duration of 1:05:00 (mountain biking)
    January 2 - rode 17.3 miles for a duration of 1:49:32 (singlespeeding)
    January 3 - rode 31.2 miles for a duration of 2:24:56 (foundation road miles)
    January 6 - rode 20 miles for a duration of 1:03:58 (included FTP test to set training zones)
    January 13 - rode 20 miles for a duration of 2:15:00
    January 16 - rode 20 miles for a duration of 1:15:00
    January 18 - rode 32 miles for a duration of 2:05:00
    January 21 - rode 20.8 miles for a duration of 1:30:14
    January 25 - rode 15.5 miles for a duration of 1:02:06
    January 27 - rode 12.25 miles for a duration of 00:35:01

    January Totals: 197.35 miles - 15:05:47 hours



  • 49Elle
    49Elle Posts: 80 Member
    Hi everyone... you are all putting in great distances, I am impressed. I am a 65yr old female working on the excess weight. I have major problems with my legs and some balance issues so with the added weight decided to buy a recumbent trike (tadpole).. got a Greenspeed Magnum and really loving it - managing 3 rides a week around the 8 mile mark - some flat, some grade, some hill, so the fitness is improving and the weight loss going in the right direction.

    I've been looking at buying a fitness tracker, but the Fitbit from what I have read doesn't seem to cover cycling. I don't have a bike/trike computer and I believe not all computers are suitable for trikes.

    Anyone here use a fitness tracker that covers cycling as well as steps? I probably should be looking at a HR as well to keep within the 'zone', but all advice appreciated as I am pretty new to all this techno gear.
    Cheers,
    Elle
  • kcjchang
    kcjchang Posts: 709 Member
    jimmckenna68 wrote: »
    Are you trying to make us all feel guilty??

    Me? Yes, go ride. :) Just lucky the weather is dry and temp is in the mid 40s to high 50s. Can't wait for Day Light Saving to kick in and jettison the trainer (for the most part).
    oboeing wrote: »
    so i'm looking for good apps or you tube videos for an at home spin class... any suggestions?

    A few I found/watch on the trainer https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PLu0oRf_U54p4_u_vOwM-SwLOV8sU9le_u but most of the time I just watch Netflix.
    12dream wrote: »
    Anyone here use a fitness tracker that covers cycling as well as steps? I probably should be looking at a HR as well to keep within the 'zone', but all advice appreciated as I am pretty new to all this techno gear.

    I use my phone, IpBike for cycling and Endomondo for walks. I'm not sold on "steps" and prefer tracking distance and pace. Before you buy a HR monitor, take a read of Azdak's blog http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/Azdak/view/the-real-facts-about-hrms-and-calories-what-you-need-to-know-before-purchasing-an-hrm-or-using-one-21472. I use one but not for calorie counting as most folks tend to think it is use for, I use it to gauge my intensity along with the virtual power readout from IpBike (real power meters are still too pricy for me). Post ride evaluation using Golden Cheetah is a dream come true; wish I had that when I was racing collegiate back in the late 80s. I don't have the discipline to keep monitoring when riding outdoors but are building a good feel/base from my trainer sessions.
  • 49Elle
    49Elle Posts: 80 Member
    12dream wrote: »
    Anyone here use a fitness tracker that covers cycling as well as steps? I probably should be looking at a HR as well to keep within the 'zone', but all advice appreciated as I am pretty new to all this techno gear.

    I use my phone, IpBike for cycling and Endomondo for walks. I'm not sold on "steps" and prefer tracking distance and pace. Before you buy a HR monitor, take a read of Azdak's blog http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/Azdak/view/the-real-facts-about-hrms-and-calories-what-you-need-to-know-before-purchasing-an-hrm-or-using-one-21472. I use one but not for calorie counting as most folks tend to think it is use for, I use it to gauge my intensity along with the virtual power readout from IpBike (real power meters are still too pricy for me). Post ride evaluation using Golden Cheetah is a dream come true; wish I had that when I was racing collegiate back in the late 80s. I don't have the discipline to keep monitoring when riding outdoors but are building a good feel/base from my trainer sessions.[/quote]

    Hi, thanks for the reply but I would appreciate s
    ome clarification.
    IpBike..I take it that is an App for your Iphone? (I don't have a smart phone yet)
    "steps"?? I was thinking it would be good to monitor how much activity I actually did during the day - so walking general; treadmill and cycling

    You "prefer tracking distance & pace" .. sounds good- are you talking cycling specific? When I have looked at cycling computers they mention ones with 'cadence' or not. Can you advise what is cadence?

    HRM - I read the blog - thanks for the link. I wasn't so much wanting to know calorie counting as for effort intensity and to maintain a steady rate within a safe zone recommended for my age group (some of those hills make my heart pound away) and then resting recovery.. when I feel able to continue as normal, although still peddling just not with the same intensity.

    Golden Cheetah... another app?

    So more precisely I guestimate I am looking for a distance tracker for cycling that will also measure intensity for effort & fitness and a heart rate monitor to guage I am not over doing it.
  • jimmckenna68
    jimmckenna68 Posts: 523 Member
    Hey! Kcjchang- the weather is -2c it's blowing a gale and snow is forecast! just wait til spring - then I will show!!
This discussion has been closed.

Categories