stapfam

My first ride was 28 miles. A group I was with decided to take their kids out for a ride and it finished with one adult for every kid on a quiet flat backroad ride for a Cup of tea and biscuits at a cafe 14 miles from home. I did not feel any pain or stiff muscles or anything on that ride till about 10 miles out and then the Butt pain started.

The kids were aged from 8 to 11 so you can guess the pace we went at-- Yep thats right- we were struggling to keep up with the kids.

Mind you- that 28 miles were painfull the next day and I was not the only one. Barring 2 of the other parents that pointed out to me that I should join them on a Sunday morning ride with them. That was the start of my cycling experience.

That first ride they took me on was only about 30 miles with a few hills. First hill and I was walking halfway up- well it was a 10% hill for a mile. Second hill and I was walking sooner. 3rd hill was a gentle 3% for 2 miles and I walked most of the way. If you want to ride round here you have to have hills.

Within 1 month I was able to cycle those same hills so things will improve pretty quickly but then they took me offroad and that was a different story. Took me 2 years before I got a bike with low enough gearing to be able to get up the first hill so there is more to cycling than your fitness- the bike plays a part aswell.