September 2016 Biking Cycling Bicycling Challenge

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Replies

  • cld1185
    cld1185 Posts: 4 Member
    I am new to cycling, but use the Peloton... I try and use my bike at minimum 3x/week. So, my goal will be 150 mile for September.
  • Missnu13
    Missnu13 Posts: 65 Member
    Day 1. 25 miles Fin..
    Sept 5 25 miles Fin..

    50/250
  • 35dollars
    35dollars Posts: 832 Member
    TheBigYin wrote: »
    Kevolar wrote: »
    I'd also suggest that you join the Century+ Cycling group (don't worry, the 100+km or miles is optional;) ) because there's all sorts of interesting challenges that are going on in there - especially if you're on Strava, as we've an "automated" system online which actually harvests the rides (outdoors or indoor trainer stuff (like Zwift, TrainerRoad, Sufferfest, Tacx VR Rides etc.) , as long as its on strava - it'll count for our Winter Challenge League.

    I'll definitely second that - the group, the CycLeagues app and TheBigYin's challenge spreadsheets are fabulous motivation - they drove me to nearly double my best every monthly mileage over the course of the summer challenge.
  • pjcfrancis
    pjcfrancis Posts: 121 Member
    I've been alternating walking with riding over the summer but I'm going back to work tomorrow, so I will be riding 12 km (about 7 mi) or further when commuting by bike. In past years as the winter weather begins I've tended to slack off, but I've bought a new light and new rain pants to support my efforts to keep riding after summer fades.
  • stuhldreier
    stuhldreier Posts: 10 Member
    1.9.16 - RPM class - 20 miles
    2.9.16 - Road Ride - 21 miles
    3.9.16 - RPM class - 20 miles
    4.9.16 - Road Ride - 24.5 miles

    Total 85.5 miles out of 300.
  • KareninLux
    KareninLux Posts: 1,413 Member
    edited September 2016
    Jump started my cycling commute - two weeks before I need to. Got to get back in the saddle.
    5 Sept - 12 kms today on my son's Giant mountain bike. Felt great!
  • dpwellman
    dpwellman Posts: 3,271 Member
    Missed a 54 mi club ride yesterday. Sesamoiditis.

    But I think I'll hit my 320 mi goal anyway.
    91.25 mi down
    228.75 remaining.
  • kendallvon
    kendallvon Posts: 170 Member
    Just found this group. I love riding my recumbent bike. I'm gonna start tomorrow. Don't know how many Miles I can do-- I'm an MS patient. I'll do my best, though.
  • smyle5
    smyle5 Posts: 33 Member
    9/2 26.4 miles
    9/3 24.1 miles
    9/5 35.4 miles

    85.9/250

    Longest consecutive miles I have done. I was a little sluggish at the end, but rode my x-road bike thinking we were doing more trail style riding today... lovely day with a lovely headwind to ride into all the way back :-)
  • Ohhim
    Ohhim Posts: 1,142 Member
    Just more commuting mileage this week. Toying with Riding to DC Thu-Sat as my team (Pirates) are playing horribly, but will play it by ear as it is a bit hot and I'm not sure how Hermine will figure into the mix.

    9/3 - 19 miles
    9/4 - 12 miles
    9/5 - 14 miles

    Total: 46 miles
    Goal: 621 miles
    Remaining: 576 miles
  • BeckyCMcClinton
    BeckyCMcClinton Posts: 29 Member
    9/1 - 6.51
    9/3 - 7.06
    9/5 - 7.02

    September 20.59/130 miles
    August 130.46 /120 miles
    July 124.10/120 miles
    June 25- 30, 28.48 Miles (No Goal)

    YTD:338.56 miles
  • SingingSingleTracker
    SingingSingleTracker Posts: 1,866 Member
    September 4th 15.3 Miles -- Duration 1:59:07

    September Total Miles: 15.3
    September Total Duration: 1:59:07
  • tristramtrent
    tristramtrent Posts: 257 Member
    edited September 2016
    2/9 15.2 Architectural antiques Tadley
    6/9 13.2 Burghfield St Mary's Church

    Feeling really happy with the bike these days. Now I think it's time to discover some new destinations. I dont generally spend more than 2 hours out and about, usually less, but I feel now I could go further. It's very hilly where I live, which limits my distances a bit, have any of you more experienced MFP cyclists any advice about where to take this next? Goals or approaches? I still seem quite slow as other cyclists often overtake me.
  • ending_start
    ending_start Posts: 20 Member
    edited September 2016
    I'll join this challenge! I actually bike to work everyday which ranges from 6-10km each way
    depending on the route I take. Looking at my year to day, I think I'm going to aim for 500km
    for September.

    Had a decent 6km ride into work today; not super busy even for being "rush" hour after a holiday which was nice. Forgot my GPS but made it in roughly the same time as normal so I estimate I biked an average speed of 20-22km.

    Sept - 30.5
    Aug - 442.1
    Jul - 452.8
    Jun - 539
    May - 388.2
    Apr - 276.2
    Mar - 230
    Feb - 153.4
    Jan - 91.1

  • kendallvon
    kendallvon Posts: 170 Member
    Well-- 1st day in a long while.
    9/6- 6.00
  • JBliss1108
    JBliss1108 Posts: 21 Member
    I set an aggressive goal (for me) last month and then had numerous scheduling conflicts that interfered with riding. I'll set this month's goal at 175 miles again.

    9.5 21.6 miles

    MTD 21.6 Miles
    To Goal: 153.4
  • JBliss1108
    JBliss1108 Posts: 21 Member
    Quick question for the community, especially those with children...

    I'm really struggling finding time to ride. How do you juggle family time with little kids (age 5&3)/work/other life responsibilities and have time to ride? My schedule goes some thing like this...

    6:00 - kids up; get ready for school and daycare
    7:20 - out the door
    8-5 - work
    5-8 - supper, family/play time, baths

    The kids are in bed and asleep by 8:30. So, I either get up at 4:50 AM or go at 9:00. I find it difficult through the week. Weekends are easier but it's tough to log the kind of miles I'd like to only having two days to ride. And those weekend days aren't completely free. There's only a couple hour window on the weekends before family obligations, etc. start.

    Any thoughts on how to juggle these items and still fit some extra riding in?



  • johnnylloyd0618
    johnnylloyd0618 Posts: 303 Member
    1st 13.98 mi Road Cycling 50:37 747 kCal 16.6 mi/h mi/h
    3rd 40.04 mi Road Cycling 2:14:28 2,220 kCal 17.9 mi/h mi/h
  • tcaley4
    tcaley4 Posts: 416 Member

    have any of you more experienced MFP cyclists any advice about where to take this next? Goals or approaches? I still seem quite slow as other cyclists often overtake me.

    The way that I increase my mileage is by increasing previous rides by a small percentage, like say, 10%. So if I do a 30 mile ride on a Saturday, the next Saturday I would ride 33 miles.

    As far as speed goes, that will come in time. I usually only do long rides on the weekend, and try and work on my speed during the week on shorter rides. By increasing your mileage, you will improve your stamina, which will result in more speed on the shorter rides. My first recorded rides, I was only able to do about 10 mph, I'm hitting 20+ mph and have rides greater than 60+ miles now, trying to work my way up to 100.

    I would suggest getting one of the biking apps so you can track your progress. I use MapMyRide. Others on here use Strava, and there are other apps available. Pick one and try it an see which one you like. I have 3 yrs of ride history built up in MMR now. I had too much history recorded before I found out about the others.

    That's what worked for me - YMMV.


  • tcaley4
    tcaley4 Posts: 416 Member
    JBliss1108 wrote: »
    Quick question for the community

    Any thoughts on how to juggle these items and still fit some extra riding in?

    Sorry, can't help you on this one. I'm an empty nester, so I have more free time available. But it sounds like the only time you would have available is a you mentioned, either early in the morning before kids get up, or after they go to bed at night.

    For both of those times, you would need to look at some good lighting accessories for your bike, like a good headlight and a tail light.

  • tcaley4
    tcaley4 Posts: 416 Member
    I have not done very well for the last two months as far as mileage goes, so I'm not sure what to set for a goal. I guess I will just stick with 200 and see how the month goes.

    09/02 - 18.25 time: 1:11 avg speed: 15.3
    09/03 - 14.57 time: 0:51 avg speed: 17.1
    09/05 - 21.96 time: 1:26 avg speed 15.3

    September total: 54.77
    Goal for month: 200
    Year to date: 2,331.87

    Jan - 175.9
    Feb - 343.3
    Mar - 353.8
    Apr - 363.4
    May - 319.1
    June - 316.2
    July - 166.1
    Aug - 167.6
  • sijomial
    sijomial Posts: 19,809 Member
    2/9 15.2 Architectural antiques Tadley
    6/9 13.2 Burghfield St Mary's Church

    Feeling really happy with the bike these days. Now I think it's time to discover some new destinations. I dont generally spend more than 2 hours out and about, usually less, but I feel now I could go further. It's very hilly where I live, which limits my distances a bit, have any of you more experienced MFP cyclists any advice about where to take this next? Goals or approaches? I still seem quite slow as other cyclists often overtake me.
    @tristramtrent
    I get bored with some of my local rides too, I live on the SW boundary of the London urban sprawl which tends to limit my choice of direction. So the initial 6 - 8 miles to get to the countryside gets doubled on nearly all my journeys.

    Slinging the bike in the back of the car and driving to a new area gives a much wider scope.

    Check out http://www.sustrans.org.uk/ for local and not so local routes.

    Check out http://www.aukweb.net/home/ for permanent routes. You may not be ready to do the whole thing (yet!) but can use them for inspiration or to sample areas.

    Can you get to the Kennet & Avon canal? Nice and flat and very pretty.

    Does your County Council promote scenic cycle routes? The Surrey Cycleway was my introduction to exploring some lovely areas.

    Tip for hills, get your gears low and keep your leg cadence high, far easier than grinding up and fatiguing your muscles.



  • SteveCro
    SteveCro Posts: 788 Member
    Setting my goal at 250. Evenings are getting shorter.

    9/6 - 17.4 miles Boy getting a slow start already. My landscape project is getting me behind.

    MTD - 17.4

    Jan - 170.47
    Feb - 245.31
    Mar - 409.88
    Apr - 227.22
    May - 332.92
    June - 302.69
    July - 505.53
    Aug - 196.86

    YTD - 2408.27
  • tcaley4
    tcaley4 Posts: 416 Member
    09/02 - 18.25 time: 1:11 avg speed: 15.3
    09/03 - 14.57 time: 0:51 avg speed: 17.1
    09/05 - 21.96 time: 1:26 avg speed: 15.3
    09/06 - 14.80 time: 0:54 avg speed: 16.3

    September total: 69.57
    Goal for month: 200
    Year to date: 2,346.67

    Jan - 175.9
    Feb - 343.3
    Mar - 353.8
    Apr - 363.4
    May - 319.1
    June - 316.2
    July - 166.1
    Aug - 167.6
  • SingingSingleTracker
    SingingSingleTracker Posts: 1,866 Member
    edited September 2016
    Riding Dirt in September

    September 4th 15.3 Miles -- Duration 1:59:07
    September 6th 6.76 Miles -- Duration 00:41:45

    September Total Miles: 22.06
    September Total Duration: 2:40:52
  • tristramtrent
    tristramtrent Posts: 257 Member
    @tcaley4 and @sljomial thank you for that good advice. I feel a general ambition towards improvement but unsure how to take a steady step rather than a big one into a ride I won't manage! If I were to go North across the A4 the scenery (Bucklebury etc) gets seriously pretty but the hills are brutal. I would love to be able to tackle them at all. But you may remember, in March I could hardly do a mile on the flat . So one day I may get good enough to tackle this. The Kennet and Avon is a favourite route, went all the way to Newbury on it recently. It was mainly clear but some stretches had bramble challenges. Before the weather breaks I have planned to sling the bike in the car and have a trip round Avebury. I think I am a bit impatient to get fit! Thanks for these suggestions , both of you, I am totally going to follow them all up.
  • Ohhim
    Ohhim Posts: 1,142 Member
    Got in a bit more commuting riding the past two days along with some time on the expresso machine.

    Ended up having to ride to pick up a bunch of supplies, as I decided to do the Pittsburgh->DC ride along the great allegheny passage & C&O canal towpath this Thursday-Saturday. Setup lodging (hostel + hotel for the 2 nights, then stays with friends in DC), snagged a small hydration backpack, prioritized my packing list, swapped on some 700x32c tires onto my road bike (as 90% of the route is gravel/dirt paths), did a quick bike cleanup, packed, and am ready to go in the AM.

    With 335 miles in 3 days (split 100/105/130), I think I'll be in good shape for hitting my monthly target again. Weather is a bit hot (highs in the mid 90s each day) and some rain will hit me Friday, but I'll try to get out early enough each AM to get in most of the mileage in by noon. Doing the same planned distance/stops as my first trip 2 years ago, but the days are much longer (last did it end of October), and I'm in much better shape which will avoid too much racing against the sun and will let me enjoy some leisurely lunches and mid-day breaks.

    9/3 - 19 miles
    9/4 - 12 miles
    9/5 - 14 miles
    9/6 - 30 miles (expresso + baseball commute)
    9/7 - 28 miles (errands + baseball commute)

    Total: 104 miles
    Goal: 621 miles
    Remaining: 517 miles
  • cpanus
    cpanus Posts: 19,896 Member
    I'm in for 200 this month.

    09/03 - 16.00 miles
    09/04 - 15.00 miles
    09/07 - 15.50 miles

    Chris
  • SteveCro
    SteveCro Posts: 788 Member
    Setting my goal at 250. Evenings are getting shorter.

    9/6 - 17.4 miles Boy getting a slow start already. My landscape project is getting me behind.
    9/7 - 15.68 miles 94 degrees with heat index of 104, great day for a ride...

    MTD - 33.08

    Jan - 170.47
    Feb - 245.31
    Mar - 409.88
    Apr - 227.22
    May - 332.92
    June - 302.69
    July - 505.53
    Aug - 196.86

    YTD - 2423.95
  • tcaley4
    tcaley4 Posts: 416 Member
    09/02 - 18.25 time: 1:11 avg speed: 15.3
    09/03 - 14.57 time: 0:51 avg speed: 17.1
    09/05 - 21.96 time: 1:26 avg speed: 15.3
    09/06 - 14.80 time: 0:54 avg speed: 16.3
    09/07 - 18.40 time: 1:11 avg spped: 15.5

    September total: 87.97
    Goal for month: 200
    Year to date: 2,365.07

    Jan - 175.9
    Feb - 343.3
    Mar - 353.8
    Apr - 363.4
    May - 319.1
    Jun - 316.2
    July - 166.1
    Aug - 167.6