Introductions - Greetings from New Hampshire

Greetings from New Hampshire!

I am a novice who is becoming more interested in road cycling for the fun and exercise.

I just bought a 03 Specialized Allez which works well for a beginner like me...and with a price tag of $550, it was a good deal.

I am starting slow because I am out of shape - I have been riding for only four days: 2 miles, 3 mi, 3 mi and 5 mi. Doesn't seem like a lot, but these New Hampshire hills can be a challenge for a novice. Also, I was a sprinter in high school and cycling is quite different for me right now.

Currently, I am evaluating how my body reacts to different gears. With all of these hills and valleys, I really need to get this down. Any suggestions? Also, I am experiencing some pain in my hands - I think I am putting too much weight on my wrists and hands. My bike fits fine. I don't wear gloves...would they help?

29

Alright, another from the Granite State! That makes 4 (I think), myself, moabrider47, WhiteMtnWench, and you! Are you up in the White Mts? Moabrider and I are on the seacoast. To answer your question, gloves will help. Enjoy the terrain!

-Middi-zon

Middi-zon,

I live in Sullivan County. Sorry.

29

WELCOME!

I went to school in Hanover , NH for four years and loved the mountain biking around the area. I miss NH except for the cold....brrrr.. it was too cold for me!

Welcome! I learned to ride a bike on Brown Mountain (a part of the white mtn chain) back when I was a little girl in pig tails. I can not imagine riding those hills today!

Cb: you mentioned the cold winters...every winter, our cabin would get covered in snow. we literally had to tunnel our way out the front door after a big snow storm. fun!

The Allez is great VFM. Welcome to Bike Forums, enjoy your stay!

29,

You really should get some gloves. As you get more experience on the bike, you may decide that the next pair you get should have more or less padding, but just picking up a basic pair for now will help. You mentioned that this was the first time on the bike for you in a while. Because it is a road bike and you haven;t been on one in a while, you will notice some hand/arm/shoulder aches for a few rides until your body becomes used to the crouched over position. As long as your bike is fitted to you properly, these aches should go away. For now, changing positions on the bars frequently will help to alleviate some of it during rides. Good luck!

-Moab (Another New Hampshire native)

Originally posted by Twenty Nine
Greetings from New Hampshire!

Doesn't seem like a lot, but these New Hampshire hills can be a challenge ....... I don't wear gloves...would they help?

29

You are so right about the New Hampshire hills...I'm in Coos County and they seem relentless somedays...but there are some relatively level roads. Look along some of the rivers. I ride along the Connecticut River on those days I want a long easy ride.

I second the recommendation for gloves. Besides, you'll have fun explaining that funny tan spot on the back of your hands.

Anyway...welcome! I'll give a wave and a hello when we pedal past each other on the road!

Thanks Saucy Wench!

I just got back from Pittsburg, NH (stayed at Lopstick cabins). Too bad I didn't bring my bike.

29

Welcome 29 ..........

I too am a newbie. Enjoy the forum.

Mark

Originally posted by Middi-zon
Alright, another from the Granite State! That makes 4 (I think), myself, moabrider47, WhiteMtnWench, and you! Are you up in the White Mts? Moabrider and I are on the seacoast. To answer your question, gloves will help. Enjoy the terrain!

-Middi-zon Don't forget me - I'm from NH too!!!

Twenty Nine,

Welcome to the forum, but more importantly - Welcome to the sport!!! Gloves will definitely help, as well as changing hand positions like moabrider suggested. Start out slowly (which it sounds like your doing), and gradually increase your mileage. Once you get to the point that hills don't seem so much like "work" anymore, you'll enjoy it a lot more!!!

Don't forget to listen to your body too... You need some downtime in between rides, so if your body is sore, leave the bike at home and go walking / hiking / canoeing / kayaking / (insert other favorite activities here)...

Enjoy!!!
-Mike