Beginner Cyclist ... help!!

mekhala

Hi All

I have bought a bike and unsure about how to start training effectivly, and eating for that training...

it all seems so daunting, is there anyone who can help me to get organised?

Plus, do any of you know of any decent websites, that can teach me to look after my bike??

Hope you can help,

Mekhala x

kayemme

are you training to race? or do you just want to ride?

mekhala

i would like to do the transpenine trail next year, only racing against myself, I would like to do it in 4 days. 285miles i think it is.

kayemme

the best thing (imo) is to find a bike path near your house. then ride it. if you don't have a bike path handy (search it online, also term: greenway, depending on where you live) find a good city park. the point is to stay away from cars. cars cause a lot of trouble for even the most experienced cyclist, so my advice is to just stay away from them. people are far too busy doing other things than driving and this is potentially very dangerous for you.

make sure you can get a full extension of your leg when you're sitting on the saddle. if not, adjust your seat and/or handlebars. pressure on your knees happens when there's not enough leg extension.

don't over exert yourself the first couple times. you need to build up your "girl parts" to be able to withstand pressure on them. let it ache a little, but don't go too far with it.

did you buy the bike new or used? if used, it might serve you well to take it into a shop and have it tuned up. i would wait till after i rode it a few times so if there are any big problems you can tell the service person.

most of all, bike riding should be fun! so try to find places you can ride sans autos. there's nothing like the fresh air and zen quality of a nice bike path.

mekhala

sounds good, thanks for taking the time to answer,

The bike is new, i baught it a month ago, have been out on it a few times, but the front tyre is giving in a bit, hope its not broken and just need pumping up!!

kayemme

i would like to do the transpenine trail next year, only racing against myself, I would like to do it in 4 days. 285miles i think it is.

oh, you could do that, easy. 71m/day is not really all that much on a bike. it sounds daunting, but remember, you're going to be traveling at least 10mph so the worst case is that it's 7+ hours ... not even a big deal. you could probably do it later this year.

that's not to fluff it off, i'm just saying your goal is really reasonable. so start looking at the terrain, find hills. train for hills.

how many speeds is your bike?

kayemme

i just looked up the trail... that sounds like SO. MUCH. FUN!

i wish i could do it with you!

edit: What kind of bike is it? how fat are the tires?

mekhala

Its a hybrid bike with21 gears, the man in th eshop said it would be sterdy enough for it.

kayemme

so you have street tires?

i ride a 63 Robin Hood (british 3 speed, pre raleigh) sometimes 40 miles in a day... if i can ride that much with only 3 speeds, you're gonna be fine.

if you don't have the hybrid street tires, you may want to make that purchase. they're skinny in the middle with mountain bike knobby sides. they're great for varied terrain.

i totally think you could do this by next year. do you have a bike trail (sans cars) near your house? start with something like 5k, one way. see how you feel. then just keep adding 5k until you are at a good 15miles (25k?) then start timing yourself and increase your mileage keeping track of your time. then you'll be able to gauge how long it should take you to ride, say 75miles in a day.

map out the terrain to see how many hills you will face. if you train for hills, you'll be all set. i'd suggest getting a contour map of your area, and then bike as much as you can away from traffic.

another thing you could do that would really help, is simply bike instead of drive for your daily errands.

mekhala

i have never thought of getting one of those maps, will look into it, thanks for the advice!! good going on 40 miles a day!!!

how long does that take you ?

maddox22

Find yourself a good bike shop with a friendly mechanic. Ask him/her for advice on maintenance--and make sure to ask about weather (e.g., what should you do if you have to ride in the rain). Definitely get yourself a tire pump and check your tires frequently--at least once a week. Keep them inflated to the right pressure; just like car tires, if they're over- or under-inflated, it's harder to ride (and less safe, too). Take it into the shop for a tuneup once a year, and make sure it's properly fitted to you. Don't feel obligated to keep going to the place you bought it at if you're not getting good service there.

I'd also HIGHLY recommend investing in a pair of padded bike shorts. Your "girly parts" :-) will thank you for it! I have been able to find them for about $30 at Dunham's (a discount sport equipment store around here). You really only need one pair as long as you wear undies in them.

Good luck, and have fun!!