New bike/unfit owner
Discussion
I have just ordered a nice new shiny push bike (hybrid). The last time I rode was 32 years ago....!
I walk with my dogs daily and my job can be physical (or a lot of driving/sitting around).
What sort of plan should I have to ensure I don't keel over the first time out? I live in a rural area which is maybe 70% flat(ish) and the other 30% is hilly.
I am considering my first ride will be to a ruined abbey which is 3.5 miles from home. The last mile is down hill (so uphill on the way back.....)
Is 7 miles too much for a first ride in 32 years?
Thanks.
I walk with my dogs daily and my job can be physical (or a lot of driving/sitting around).
What sort of plan should I have to ensure I don't keel over the first time out? I live in a rural area which is maybe 70% flat(ish) and the other 30% is hilly.
I am considering my first ride will be to a ruined abbey which is 3.5 miles from home. The last mile is down hill (so uphill on the way back.....)
Is 7 miles too much for a first ride in 32 years?
Thanks.
JumboBeef said:
y2blade said:
How fit are you generally?
Generally, OK(ish). My worry is my bikemuscles will have seized up through lack of use over the years. Visions of getting to the Abbey..............and having to call my wife to come and collect me 
Go steady and let us know how you get on.
Just take it easy. Cycling's one of those sports that you can do at any speed and any effort, so just be concious of the effort you're putting in and gradually ramp things up sympathetic to any aches and pains etc. 7 miles sounds about right to me as a starting point from what you've described. Just listen to your body and make gradual increases.
JumboBeef said:
Generally, OK(ish). My worry is my bikemuscles will have seized up through lack of use over the years. Visions of getting to the Abbey..............and having to call my wife to come and collect me
If your fitish then go for it. If its pretty flat you should be ok. Your going to get sore legs and backside anyway. Its not when your riding you will feel it, the day after you will be walking like a elephant has slipped you a finger :-) TBH might be worth getting some cycle shorts.
You soon get used to it - Go out and enjoy.
Just a few pointers to the OP - if you're unsure of your fitness levels, always check for wind direction first. It's much nicer to have the homeward leg with the tailwind. Plus, make sure your bike setup is correct - i.e. position - saddle height, handlebar height. Might be an idea to get an experienced biker to critique your position on the bike. A decent setup will make things so much more enjoyable.
Oh and one more thing - a nice high cadence. 90/95 rpm. Keep those legs nice and supple.
Oh and one more thing - a nice high cadence. 90/95 rpm. Keep those legs nice and supple.
JumboBeef said:
I have just ordered a nice new shiny push bike (hybrid). The last time I rode was 32 years ago....!
Put some stabalisers on first. Avoid roads. Anything smaller than a Jack Russell won't affect your pace should it get caught in your chain.Failing that you fail the above and bike regardless. Either you will get where you're going and wonder WTF you were posting about, or you will die in the attempt. Either way, the human race will be better off.
HTH
mcelliott said:
Just a few pointers to the OP - if you're unsure of your fitness levels, always check for wind direction first. It's much nicer to have the homeward leg with the tailwind. Plus, make sure your bike setup is correct - i.e. position - saddle height, handlebar height. Might be an idea to get an experienced biker to critique your position on the bike. A decent setup will make things so much more enjoyable.
I'm getting the bike from a well respected local bike shop who will do all those things for me when I pick it up (plus have it back at 6 weeks for a service).
Well, got the bike yesterday....
...and went for my first ride today. I managed a total of 3.2 miles in 25 minutes The first mile of cycling in 32 years was uphill though. I now ache. Everything hurts. Legs. Back. Bum. 
I do have some loose padded cycling shorts, top and helmet.
The bike shop set the bike up for me, but do those handlebars look low to you? Or is it just that my back doesn't bend like it used to?
Today I have learned that 1/ 25mph is a terrifying speed downhill and 2/ keep your mouth closed on said downhill section, otherwise you collect flies.
Tell me it gets easier...!
...and went for my first ride today. I managed a total of 3.2 miles in 25 minutes
The first mile of cycling in 32 years was uphill though. I now ache. Everything hurts. Legs. Back. Bum. I do have some loose padded cycling shorts, top and helmet.
The bike shop set the bike up for me, but do those handlebars look low to you? Or is it just that my back doesn't bend like it used to?
Today I have learned that 1/ 25mph is a terrifying speed downhill and 2/ keep your mouth closed on said downhill section, otherwise you collect flies.
Tell me it gets easier...!
Edited by JumboBeef on Tuesday 10th September 16:50
JumboBeef said:
Well, got the bike yesterday....
...and went for my first ride today. I managed a total of 3.2 miles in 25 minutes The first mile of cycling in 32 years was uphill though. I now ache. Everything hurts. Legs. Back. Bum.
I do have some loose padded cycling shorts, top and helmet.
The bike shop set the bike up for me, but do those handlebars look low to you? Or is it just that my back doesn't bend like it used to?
Today I have learned that 1/ 25mph is a terrifying speed downhill and 2/ keep your mouth closed on said downhill section, otherwise you collect flies.
Tell me it gets easier...!
Interesting bike mate, will do well on our s...and went for my first ride today. I managed a total of 3.2 miles in 25 minutes
The first mile of cycling in 32 years was uphill though. I now ache. Everything hurts. Legs. Back. Bum. I do have some loose padded cycling shorts, top and helmet.
The bike shop set the bike up for me, but do those handlebars look low to you? Or is it just that my back doesn't bend like it used to?
Today I have learned that 1/ 25mph is a terrifying speed downhill and 2/ keep your mouth closed on said downhill section, otherwise you collect flies.
Tell me it gets easier...!
Edited by JumboBeef on Tuesday 10th September 16:50
t roads!!! Having snapped a frame and ruined a wheel from our lovely B roads this week Im back to driving!!OP: Come over to Pedal Powered , its not that bad in there (some worse than others.....)
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