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NowGoWorkout

I wouldn't have EVER gotten to my fitness levels without my two-wheeled buddy...

Kaye8395BTS

Hello! I am VERY glad I found this thread! I just stared biking/cycling and have taken on a rather large challenge. I signed up for a 100 mile century ride in July...that is 2 months, 3 weeks and 6 days away! :noway:

SO...here I am! Advice please!!!! here is the background on myself and how I came to signing up for the Trek: 17 months ago I was 263 lbs, depressed and a joke. I woke up, turned my life around and decided I was going to complete day 1 (100 miles) of the Tri-State Trek, which bikes from Boston, MA into NY state. The Tri-State Trek raises money for ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) - day 1 is named after my father, who passed away in 2008 from ALS. He completed (while sick) the entire ride of 270 miles in 2006. I owe it to him and myself to at least complete day 1.

I have kicked *kitten* in my spinning classes and since I live in Boston, MA I have only been able to actually get on a bike more recently. Though, I feel as though my bike is a bit big for me... how much do bike fitting appointments run? and will I just have to invest in a new bike if it is indeed to big for me? It was my father's bike and he was 5'10 - I am 5'5. Also, those who track their progress, I've noticed a lot of people use their iPhone and download apps...unfortunately I have a blackberry and I haven't been able to find something that will track my distance? Is there such a way to track how much distance you can do in the spinning class as well?

Sorry for all my questions, I am a complete novice and need all the help I can get!

Thanks so much!

sillygoose1977

Hello! I am VERY glad I found this thread! I just stared biking/cycling and have taken on a rather large challenge. I signed up for a 100 mile century ride in July...that is 2 months, 3 weeks and 6 days away! :noway:

SO...here I am! Advice please!!!! here is the background on myself and how I came to signing up for the Trek: 17 months ago I was 263 lbs, depressed and a joke. I woke up, turned my life around and decided I was going to complete day 1 (100 miles) of the Tri-State Trek, which bikes from Boston, MA into NY state. The Tri-State Trek raises money for ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) - day 1 is named after my father, who passed away in 2008 from ALS. He completed (while sick) the entire ride of 270 miles in 2006. I owe it to him and myself to at least complete day 1.

I have kicked *kitten* in my spinning classes and since I live in Boston, MA I have only been able to actually get on a bike more recently. Though, I feel as though my bike is a bit big for me... how much do bike fitting appointments run? and will I just have to invest in a new bike if it is indeed to big for me? It was my father's bike and he was 5'10 - I am 5'5. Also, those who track their progress, I've noticed a lot of people use their iPhone and download apps...unfortunately I have a blackberry and I haven't been able to find something that will track my distance? Is there such a way to track how much distance you can do in the spinning class as well?

Sorry for all my questions, I am a complete novice and need all the help I can get!

Thanks so much!

First of all, congrats for having such ambition!

A good bike shop will probably adjust your bike for free or very little, especially if you tell them your story. Five inches is quite a difference but hopefully they can make you more comfortable. I'm sure it would be special to you to ride your dad's bike. You can get a good bike computer to track your miles/speed/cadence for about $50. I'm not sure how to track distance in spinning. I wish I knew too. I wish you the best!

kent4j

What do you girls wear when cycling?

The stuff you get in bike shops aren't exactly very flattering. I want something practical yet chic! It's so lovely outside and its great not having to wear so many layers. Cycled for five miles the other day and almost had my clothes caught in the chains a couple of times. Not impressed. So maybe some cute shorts for when I cycle later today? Or above the knee skirt?

What app do you guys use?
I've been using mapmyride but going to try cyclewatch later because it has calories burned info that might be helpful.

Here's a couple of websites with great choices of clothing!

http://www.terrybicycles.com

http://www.teamestrogen.com

Brenda, Thanks for the sites, cute stuff!!

NowGoWorkout

Kaye,

PM me, and I'll give you what you need. One thing...you have almost 12 weeks, and already have a good base of cardio built up on the stationary bike. I say change your goal from completing day one, to finishing the whole thing. You CAN do that, and if you focus, you can do it happily in a minimal amount of pain.

You need time in the saddle. This is the NUMBER ONE requirement. Spinning classes are great for offseason, but nothing will get your prepared for long rides better than sitting and pedaling your bike. Again, friend / message me, I'll help you out with your bike fit issues and training.

Now go workout.

SSG

Hello! I am VERY glad I found this thread! I just stared biking/cycling and have taken on a rather large challenge. I signed up for a 100 mile century ride in July...that is 2 months, 3 weeks and 6 days away! :noway:

SO...here I am! Advice please!!!! here is the background on myself and how I came to signing up for the Trek: 17 months ago I was 263 lbs, depressed and a joke. I woke up, turned my life around and decided I was going to complete day 1 (100 miles) of the Tri-State Trek, which bikes from Boston, MA into NY state. The Tri-State Trek raises money for ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) - day 1 is named after my father, who passed away in 2008 from ALS. He completed (while sick) the entire ride of 270 miles in 2006. I owe it to him and myself to at least complete day 1.

I have kicked *kitten* in my spinning classes and since I live in Boston, MA I have only been able to actually get on a bike more recently. Though, I feel as though my bike is a bit big for me... how much do bike fitting appointments run? and will I just have to invest in a new bike if it is indeed to big for me? It was my father's bike and he was 5'10 - I am 5'5. Also, those who track their progress, I've noticed a lot of people use their iPhone and download apps...unfortunately I have a blackberry and I haven't been able to find something that will track my distance? Is there such a way to track how much distance you can do in the spinning class as well?

Sorry for all my questions, I am a complete novice and need all the help I can get!

Thanks so much!

RunRideRay

I am sure SSG will have a good program for you, but if you need any supplement info I am good at bike fitting too, I do this a lot for friends etc... I am crazy about geometry and "fit" of a bike, down to every mm on every tube. Your LBS will be a great place to start too.

I completely agree on spinning -vs- riding, that's why I ride all winter in the snow, I hate being behind once spring comes. I often do 100-200 mile single-day races in the early spring, and you need real miles for that.

Let me know, and again I am sure SSG will have great info too [thanks for that!!!]

Ray

BryanAir

Today it was lightly raining, but I decided to toughen up and ride anyway. It was a great ride. The usual 10-15 knot wind didn't kick up until the final mile which made the ride much easier than usual.

One question: Should I log the bugs that I ate? They kept flying into my face and I'm sure a few made it to my stomach.

johnwhitent

Today it was lightly raining, but I decided to toughen up and ride anyway. It was a great ride. The usual 10-15 knot wind didn't kick up until the final mile which made the ride much easier than usual.

One question: Should I log the bugs that I ate? They kept flying into my face and I'm sure a few made it to my stomach.

Many years ago my cousin responded to a question about consuming bugs while cycling by saying "I like the green crunchy ones." Be sure to include the protein if you log them.

gtm124

Today it was lightly raining, but I decided to toughen up and ride anyway. It was a great ride. The usual 10-15 knot wind didn't kick up until the final mile which made the ride much easier than usual.

One question: Should I log the bugs that I ate? They kept flying into my face and I'm sure a few made it to my stomach.

Many years ago my cousin responded to a question about consuming bugs while cycling by saying "I like the green crunchy ones." Be sure to include the protein if you log them.

I like the ones that get stuck in the back of your throat the flavor lasts a long time.:bigsmile:

DeBlue

How about the bugs that get stuck in your front teeth and you don't even know it.... :smooched:

janesmith1

lol, I thought I was the only one who ate bugs by accident on my last ride lol.

cloggsy71

I wouldn't have EVER gotten to my fitness levels without my two-wheeled buddy...

Nice bike!

whiskey9890

two pain related questions:
1) how long will it take for my bum to stop hurting? i only started cycling again last week and despite a gel saddle and a gel cover on it my bum still hurts. thankfully its stopped hurting when i'm off the bike now but its still abit uncomfy when i'm in the saddle lol.
2) the three outer fingers on my left hand are really aching since i've been using the bike, i don't think i'm holding on very tight, certainly not conciously anyway. any advice?

johnwhitent

Whiskey9890 I'll offer my two cents worth. One, it takes a few rides to get used to cycling. That includes the strain on the lower back and soreness from the saddle. You mentioned gel padding; be careful there. More padding does not mean more comfortable, in fact it can work against you. I'm not promoting rock hard saddles; I do have a gel saddle. But most of the padding should be in your cycling shorts. I use a thinly padded gel cutout saddle but with some high quality Pearl Izumi cycling shorts. I spend more than a lot of recreational cyclists do on shorts but they are worth every penny. Cheap shorts just don't do the job adequately. You do get what you pay for. But even with the best shorts your body needs a few rides to adapt.

As for the aching fingers, I have not had that issue but my guess is that the fingers are just complaining about being used in a new way and will adapt. Wraping around a thin bar is not something fingers are used to. My bike does have padded handlebar tape and that may help. Maybe someone with similar experience can weigh in on this issue.

Cycling is very rewarding and after a few base building rides you will find your fitness accelerating rapidly. If you don't already have one you may want to get a cyclometer so you can see your average speed increasing and length of time it takes to cycle your route decreasing. Cycling is the most rewarding (physically and emotionally) form of exercise that I have found.

whiskey9890

thanks john, must admit i've not got padded shorts, still trying not to invest too much in the biking until i know i'm going to stick with it if that makes sense. and you are right about the fitness level increasing quickly, i already feel a bit fitter in the week and a bit i've been doing it, got a cycle computer on the bike (although it does scare me seeing how fast i go down one of the hills on the way home from work. average speed on my run to work is about 10.6 mph over 3.45 miles which is mainly uphill, did it for the first time this year yesterday and was a whole 15 seconds faster today even though i felt i was going slower, not a huge acheivement but i was dead chuffed and my cheeks lost their rosy glow a lot faster too lol. i'll keep plodding away at it

johnwhitent

Whiskey9890 - believe me, the shorts are crucial. They may make the difference in whether you stick with it or not. I don't like recommending spending money; spending more money does not always accomplish anything besides spending more money, and I am financially challenged right now myself. But cycling shorts are foundational for becoming a cyclist. To me cycling shorts are just part of the bike - both are essential to ride. My wife refused to wear them because of her appearance in them but after I bought her some she adores them. She still wears baggy shorts over them but she won't get on the bike without them.

PS: If you are averaging 10.6 going uphill you are doing great! And a fifteen second improvement with no more exertion is very encouraging. You may find yourself looking for longer ways to get to work so you can enjoy more time on the bike and see those results improve! And, 4/5 years ago I lost 55 pounds cycling and watching my diet. What a great way to get fit!

stenochick0417

two pain related questions:
1) how long will it take for my bum to stop hurting? i only started cycling again last week and despite a gel saddle and a gel cover on it my bum still hurts. thankfully its stopped hurting when i'm off the bike now but its still abit uncomfy when i'm in the saddle lol.
2) the three outer fingers on my left hand are really aching since i've been using the bike, i don't think i'm holding on very tight, certainly not conciously anyway. any advice?

It took me about 2-3 weeks of riding 3 days a week for my rear to quit hurting. (And this includes using padded shorts. . . )

stenochick0417

Along these same lines of aches and pains. . . my hands keep going numb. I bought some decently padded gloves and my handlebars are wrapped. Am I doing something wrong? It sure does get annoying after a while. :grumble:

sillygoose1977

Whiskey9890 - believe me, the shorts are crucial. They may make the difference in whether you stick with it or not. I don't like recommending spending money; spending more money does not always accomplish anything besides spending more money, and I am financially challenged right now myself. But cycling shorts are foundational for becoming a cyclist. To me cycling shorts are just part of the bike - both are essential to ride. My wife refused to wear them because of her appearance in them but after I bought her some she adores them. She still wears baggy shorts over them but she won't get on the bike without them.

I have to agree with this. My shorts save my butt. They are the most expensive article of clothing I own (seriously) and they are worth every penny. My butt still hurts but the more regularly I ride the less it hurts.

sillygoose1977

Along these same lines of aches and pains. . . my hands keep going numb. I bought some decently padded gloves and my handlebars are wrapped. Am I doing something wrong? It sure does get annoying after a while. :grumble:

Are you locking your elbows? Try to keep a slight bend to improve the circulation.

RunRideRay

+1 on the sillygoose comment, not sure why the prices had to go up so much, but they did. The quality is unbelievable now, and once you get a top-shelf pair you can't wear anything else... and that adds up quick. Sugoi RS are the best I have found, I take them above anything (Capo, Pearl Izumi, etc...)

Ray

stenochick0417

Along these same lines of aches and pains. . . my hands keep going numb. I bought some decently padded gloves and my handlebars are wrapped. Am I doing something wrong? It sure does get annoying after a while. :grumble:

Are you locking your elbows? Try to keep a slight bend to improve the circulation.

No that I'm aware of, but I'll try to pay attention to that and see if that helps. Thanks!

baldzach

Along these same lines of aches and pains. . . my hands keep going numb. I bought some decently padded gloves and my handlebars are wrapped. Am I doing something wrong? It sure does get annoying after a while. :grumble:

Are you locking your elbows? Try to keep a slight bend to improve the circulation.

No that I'm aware of, but I'll try to pay attention to that and see if that helps. Thanks!

Change your hand position from time to time as well. That's why road bikes have such funny shaped handlebars! If you're riding a flat-bar bike, get mountain bike style bar ends for it. You'll be glad you did.

RunRideRay

a few other considerations.....

> gripping the bar too tightly can be an issue too, when you get more comfortable with balance and posture you can lighten up the grip, let the hands sorta guide the bars and not clinch it
> as said, a slight bend in elbows is good.
> raise the bar, this can have a big impact, the higher the bars the less weight on the hands. You can increase this with the stem and stack height, maybe a shorter stem.
> changing hand positions is key during the ride too (already said)
> if you have flat bars, ergon grips will make it all go away... they rock

hope it helps, ride on my friends

Ray

taso42_DELETED

I just signed up for a "bike to work challenge" for the month of May. It will be a 42 mile round trip. I will attempt to do it once per week. I have no idea if I will even survive the first day, but it will be fun trying!

sillygoose1977

I just signed up for a "bike to work challenge" for the month of May. It will be a 42 mile round trip. I will attempt to do it once per week. I have no idea if I will even survive the first day, but it will be fun trying!

Nice job! You can do it. I would ride to work if I didn't have to drop my daughter at school everyday

cloggsy71

I just signed up for a "bike to work challenge" for the month of May. It will be a 42 mile round trip. I will attempt to do it once per week. I have no idea if I will even survive the first day, but it will be fun trying!

Are you a cyclist anyway, or starting from fresh? Is the journey all on tarmac roads, or are there some off road bits to ride too?

21 miles is easy doable on the right bike; don't jump on a mountain bike with fat nobbly and expect to find it easy doing that distance on the road. You'll need slick tyres on it (and have locked out the suspension if it hyas any!)

My suggestion would be to get a 'hybrid' bike (flat bars, but 28mm 25mm or 23mm tyres,) or better still a full on 'road bike' (drop handlebars and 25mm or 23mm tyres.)

BryanAir

As of this morning in my virtual SF->NYC bike ride I crossed the Nevada border and will be in downtown Reno by the end of my evening commute. I had to ride into a brisk west wind this morning, but at least I didn't have any bugs in my teeth.

rydn4h2o

I just signed up for a "bike to work challenge" for the month of May. It will be a 42 mile round trip. I will attempt to do it once per week. I have no idea if I will even survive the first day, but it will be fun trying!

Good for you! 21 miles one way before work is definitely doable, wish I could do it as well!

whiskey9890

i'm missing my bike, i think cycling could actually be "my" exercise, as i have previously said i only dusted it down again a couple of weeks ago, but this is the second day i've not been on it and i'm itching to get out on it, i think i may abe able to justify a new bike if this carries on much longer!