Commuting - Basic training

This Memorial Day I decided to take a very short (14 mile) bike ride around Stone Mountain Park and back home.

This was different from commuting. I had no pack, little traffic, few stop lights, and it was just for fun. I had a great time and returned feeling marvelous. I had lots of hills and pleasant scenery along the way. But the thing that made it really nice was the basic training I've had commuting.

My bicycle commuting has provided a foundation of strength and endurance that allowed me to really enjoy my pleasure ride. I always felt strong, able and fast. It was a really great fringe benefit to my bicycle commuting.

Now I look back at all the miles I put in on the bike at different times while commuting or running an errand and see "money in the bank." :cool:

I know what you mean, Pete. Memorial Day I did 32+ hot miles at an average 15+ mph. 13-15 mph into an unrelenting headwind then 19-21 after I turned around. Ahhh. I NEVER could have done that distance at that speed a few months ago. I just started riding right at the end of October as an overweight, out of shape, couch potato. Around mile 24 or 25 I had to pass 2 popular local watering holes, one of them twice. Do you have any idea the will power and self-discipline I mustered up? A cold draft would have tasted SOOO good right then. I actually logged on and wrote a long description of the ride right after I got home as a reply to the thread Pete started on his Stone Mountain commute. Just as I finished I got one of those "Fatal Error" messages and lost it. I was just too tired to do it again.

Ba-Dg-Er, in February I started recording my trip, ave speed, time, and max. But I got my bike in November. My computer, bought with the bike, now has over 2200 miles.

rainman--Cool on the milage. You keep that up and you going to be the BGOB!!! Allthrough this forum you find examples of people that have been sedintary for years, started riding and actually REVERSE the aging process. CYCLING Rocks!!!! 'course we all know that. anyhoo, A toast to you!! ride long and prosper. Stan

Thanks, Ba-Dg-Er and Stan. I discovered this forum within days after I started commuting, probably while I was researching bikes. I feel certain I would still be riding even if I had not discovered it, but I am very certain that it has made the experience that much more rewarding. People like Ba-Dg-Er, Cambronne, Mike, Jean, Steve, Pat, and others were an inspiration to me and helpful with their advice. Cambronne's blend of experience, humor, and different way of looking at things quickly made him my commuting hero.

Then along came Pete Clark. What can one say about him that we don't already know. Pete and I had a lot of fun firing humor barbs at each other and became good friends in the process. Pete, your philosophical side often leaves me awestruck. I am jealous of the extra endorphin rush that 15 mile commute must provide compared to my 8.7. Just when I am reaching a state of nirvana, I get to work and it goes right out of my head. :)

My newfound love of cycling just increases every time someone new joins the group and shares their experiences whether from years of experience or because they started riding yesterday. Everyone makes a contribution. Isn't it a kick when someone takes the leap, like Cheryl?And of course, Technogirl, Sweetheart of the Commuting Forum, for her dedication to cycling and REALLY different way of looking at things. 'Nuff said. And HogWild, JonR, J.R., Fubar, and others I have gotten to know. Fubar, I think I speak for a lot of people when I say I would be proud to have a son as together as you. You must have great parents to have turned out to be such a fine young man.

OK, I think I have to stop now because I am getting a little verklempt. Ever notice how Pete Clark starts outstanding threads. You da man, Pete.
Regards,
Raymond

Originally posted by RainmanP
Cambronne's blend of experience, humor, and different way of looking at things quickly made him my commuting hero.
Undisputed! :D

His posts are addicting. If he forgets to post someday, I think it will be easy to spot those addicted. I know I will possibly exhibit physical withdrawl symptoms. :cry:

Wow, Pete, another cool thread!
I remember my first 7 miles on my Sagres. A local road warrior rode the last couple miles with me, and I was huffing and puffing so hard, I could hardly talk! Now, 500 miles later, I am riding farther, faster, and feeling a lot better! I still get the old heart rate up, but I don't have to gasp for my next breath!
I don't remember how I happened across this forum, but it has really helped me a lot with my confidence, and answered a lot of questions I have had! And, even though some of my questions probably seemed really basic, everyone has always been really helpful, which encourages guys like me to be more involved in the forums...who knows, I might even be able to help some other newbie!