So I know 12 miles is nothing to most of you, but it's WAY further than I'd gone before. Was typically doing 5-ish mile rides, and previous longest was 7. Here's the route:
I'm tired, and knee isn't 100% happy, but I feel pretty good! I need to get another water bottle cage, though. I stopped at a convenience store about halfway to get a drink, and subjected myself to a lot of funny looks and open laughter by a couple of rednecks in a dirty old pickup. Who cares, right? But still.. I'd rather not stop, and so not have to "not care."
Total time was about 1:45, but that included 1) stop to put chain back on when it fell off after a bad downshift (EDIT: Slipped off gears, but didn't come all the way off!), 2) stop to fix seat when it tipped back and had me practically sliding off onto my rear wheel (that one took about 20 minutes - accidentally took seatpost all the way apart! :eek: then 3) stop for drinks. I'm guessing total saddle time was about 1:15.
There were some flat stretches, which I thought would be easier, but discovered they're just different! What's up with this "you have to keep pedaling" thing?? :rolleyes: I'm hoping to do a route like this, but 20-25 miles, by the end of August. Think I can make it?
The BikeForums Team
-adv-
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That's great Becky! Once I started doing rides 12-15 miles I decided that I needed a second water bottle cage too. :p I never got laughed at though, because when I would stop for something I stopped at our local natural foods store, and people there tend to be much nicer. :)
That's a pretty respectable pace too, at least to me. I've really only been able to push my average speed up to around 12 mph on a good day.
As far as thinking you can make a 20-25 mile route; I'm almost positive you'll be able to make it. You'll really be surprised at how fast the mileage will increase as you start riding more and more. :)
solveg
That is so* great, Becky! I'm impressed with all the fixing you did, too! It is amazing when you hit that 10 mile mark, isn't it. It seemed like such a long way before.
What's funny is that when you start to map out routes that are 15 miles long, you start planning rides that seem like they're really long IN A CAR. You think, "I can't possibly ride my bike there...I don't even shop in that area!"
Flats are fun. What I've found is that it takes a bit of effort to work up some speed, but once you're there, it doesn't really take much more effort to maintain a 14 mph speed as it does an 8 mph speed. In fact, it seems easier in some ways. In fact, once you're cruising, you hate to stop pedaling and slow down. But I can't maintain a cadence for 12 miles!
My ride through the park is a lot of lowish roller coaster hills, and now I consider it my easy ride, because I rarely have to pedal!
Anyway, congratulations. Ice that knee.
Oh, and I take 3* bottles with me for any ride. I'm scared of running out. I'll drink 2 and then fill them up again whenever I get a chance.
BeckyW
That's a pretty respectable pace too, at least to me. I've really only been able to push my average speed up to around 12 mph on a good day.
Well, the 20+ mph downhills do help with that! :D Most of my riding time is 10-12 mph, sometimes 14. I try not to dip below 8-9 going uphill - the momentum is too valuable to lose!
epcolt
Great job. You can't get to 25 miles and up without lower mileage rides first. My first ride was 2 miles now I usually do 25 mile evening rides. I use 2 water bottles and a CamelBak when its hot
guybierhaus
Good progress Becky. My wife just started to ride and it took her four separate rides to get to 12 miles total for the 4 rides, with three falls. Apparently have to get her another bike as she insists on what she had as a child 50 years ago. Girls bike with very low step through. When I first ride 10 miles back in June 2005, I took another 2 months before I rode 18 miles and another 3 weeks before I rode 20 miles. Currently my usual ride is a minimum of 20 miles. Average speed still low at 13mph. And thats on a route that is without any "real" hills. I've been getting by with one 27 oz. water bottle.
KingTermite
Superb Becky. :)
Let me ask a question. Do you ride alone or do you have somebody to ride with? When I was starting out I found that my longest ride instantly went up significantly when I rode with somebody else. Chatting while riding took mind of the cycling itself. My longest ride went from 6 miles on ride to 24 miles the next. Just an idea.....
And totally don't worry about those rednecks. I can't stand people like that. My thought process when I see things like that is this: I think about how I am doing something to get fit, and they are going home to drink beer and watch Roseanne reruns. Even if I'm fatter, I know I'll be more fit in no time and able to ride a bike further than they could on their best day.
KingTermite
Just looked at your mapmyride link....that is a pretty hilly area. :eek:
BeckyW
Let me ask a question. Do you ride alone or do you have somebody to ride with? When I was starting out I found that my longest ride instantly went up significantly when I rode with somebody else. Chatting while riding took mind of the cycling itself. My longest ride went from 6 miles on ride to 24 miles the next. Just an idea.....
So far, I ride alone. There's a local group that, according to a local bike forum, gets together a couple times a week for 30-50 mile rides, and I'd love to ride with them, but not yet! :) Maybe in a couple months...
Shubox
Good Job Becky keep up the great work ! :)
DanteB
Great job!!! It’s just one foot in front of the other and the next thing you know you’ve done it. Hearing about ride like yours are more exciting than hearing about great rides by trained riders. You decided to do it and you did. I can’t wait to hear about your next adventure, keep us posted
Tom Stormcrowe
I absolutely think you can, Beckie! Great job, by the way!
I know the first time I did a 7 mile ride, it felt like I'd just won a stage of the Tour de France, inside! You've made great strides and keep it up!
Don't feel afraid to "take a break" either! By the way, next time you have comments from the redneck gallery, remember, you'll likely get the best revenge of all! You'll outlive them, and they won't get any smarter, but you'll get svelter!:DSo I know 12 miles is nothing to most of you, but it's WAY further than I'd gone before. Was typically doing 5-ish mile rides, and previous longest was 7. Here's the route:
I'm tired, and knee isn't 100% happy, but I feel pretty good! I need to get another water bottle cage, though. I stopped at a convenience store about halfway to get a drink, and subjected myself to a lot of funny looks and open laughter by a couple of rednecks in a dirty old pickup. Who cares, right? But still.. I'd rather not stop, and so not have to "not care."
Total time was about 1:45, but that included 1) stop to put chain back on when it fell off after a bad downshift (EDIT: Slipped off gears, but didn't come all the way off!), 2) stop to fix seat when it tipped back and had me practically sliding off onto my rear wheel (that one took about 20 minutes - accidentally took seatpost all the way apart! :eek: then 3) stop for drinks. I'm guessing total saddle time was about 1:15.
There were some flat stretches, which I thought would be easier, but discovered they're just different! What's up with this "you have to keep pedaling" thing?? :rolleyes: I'm hoping to do a route like this, but 20-25 miles, by the end of August. Think I can make it?
neilfein
Great job! Once I hit 10 miles, it only took me a few weeks to hit 50. then a month or two to do 62.5. I'm mapping out a 100mile ride for September... where does it end?
(51)
There are rednecks in NW Arkansas?
Great work! Now try to do that route twice a week, then three times. Before you know it you'll be looking for a 20 mile route.
Terrierman
Yes, I think you can make it. You are doing great, we are proud of you. About rednecks in dirty pickups. My grandmother, (who knew a lot) would have said "consider the source" and then she would have gone on about her business. Which sounds pretty much what you did. I'm still working on being able to avoid rising to bait, sometimes even poorly presented bait.
KingTermite
So far, I ride alone. There's a local group that, according to a local bike forum, gets together a couple times a week for 30-50 mile rides, and I'd love to ride with them, but not yet! :) Maybe in a couple months...
I would suggest hitting your regional forum from the front page and see if you might find a ride partner near you. It's amazing sometimes how we find people in our same boat within a mile or two who are looking for a ride partner.
That's how one of my two ride partners I used to ride with in FL found me.
bigbossman
Used to be my normal rides were 5-10 miles, and an epic one was 20-25. Now, I can knock off 15-20 during my lunch hour, and 25 - 30 mile rides on the weekend are just quick spins I do with my 12 year old daughter and are disappointingly short.
My point is this - keep at it. You will be amazed at how soon the seemingly unobtainable will become the commonplace.
BeckyW
I would suggest hitting your regional forum from the front page and see if you might find a ride partner near you. It's amazing sometimes how we find people in our same boat within a mile or two who are looking for a ride partner.
That's how one of my two ride partners I used to ride with in FL found me.
I've been looking for local people on bikeforums, and not found any... but I posted on a local forum here (http://www.nwacycling.proboards55.com/index.cgi?board=rides&action=display&thread=1185996159), and maybe someone will answer...
Maybe I should post in the regional forum here, too. Thanks KT :)
Terrierman
PM a fellow named doctor j. He is in Fayetteville and is a very nice fellow, we rode the Queen City Century together. He can hook you up with other locals in the Fayetteville area who also ride a lot.
solveg
Is Dr. J the one who was about 7 feet tall? You should tell him to come over here and keep us company!
Terrierman
That's the one but he's no clyde, not by a long shot. Let's just keep this place quiet, and long tall skinnny guy free, whaddya say?
solveg
I thought Clydes could be skinny and tall!
Terrierman
Well, technically I guess you're right. Actually he's posted here a time or two.
And as long as we're getting technical he is doctor j. There is another Dr. J. not the same person.
keithm0
Congratulations, Becky! Well done!!
I suspect the jump from 12 to 25 miles will be much easier than the jump from 0 to 12. Take your time, don't overexert yourself, and you can definitely do it.
Oh, and about the knee: glucosamine is your friend (assuming you're not allergic to shellfish).
Caincando1
Way to go girl!
KingTermite
I've been looking for local people on bikeforums, and not found any... but I posted on a local forum here (http://www.nwacycling.proboards55.com/index.cgi?board=rides&action=display&thread=1185996159), and maybe someone will answer...
Maybe I should post in the regional forum here, too. Thanks KT :)
:beer:
I wish you lived in Tampa area of FL. I'm trying to get my girlfriend riding a bike and her main excuse is nobody to ride with. Although...You'd probably have to ease up for her. ;) I think 12 miles would terrify her!
Sandwarrior
Way to go Becky!:beer: I know that feeling of accomplishment and congratulate you on your achievement. I remember the first time I rode over 5 miles, WOW the feeling was like I had just conquered the world.
Keep it up:D:D:D
JeeperTim
My threashold was 15 miles - once I got over that I just wanted more every ride. You are probably getting close to that threashold for you. I have a knee giving me fits so I'm limited on miles by that right now. I have found that changing how my feet point can help my knee a lot. I tend to ride with my toes pointing out some and that is evidently real bad for my knee - pointing my toes in just a little helps a lot. I just keep forgetting until my knee reminds me. ;)
Those rednecks will be pushing up daisy's from congestive heart failure about the time you are hitting your peak.
The fitness experts will probably not agree with this - but I found too much water on a ride can slow me down and wear me out. When I get dry and want a drink, I get just about one big swallow. I swish it around in my mouth to wet everything good then swallow. At the end of the ride I drink a lot.
bigbossman
The fitness experts will probably not agree with this - but I found too much water on a ride can slow me down and wear me out. When I get dry and want a drink, I get just about one big swallow. I swish it around in my mouth to wet everything good then swallow. At the end of the ride I drink a lot.
You can get away with that approach to hydration for 15 mile rides. Not for 50 or 100.
fc_
Congrats, Becky!
Looking forward to your 20 mile ride report! Then your 25 mile ride report! Then, oh you get the picture, don't you? :D You can do it! I know you can!
:beer:
Wogsterca
So I know 12 miles is nothing to most of you, but it's WAY further than I'd gone before. Was typically doing 5-ish mile rides, and previous longest was 7. Here's the route:
I'm tired, and knee isn't 100% happy, but I feel pretty good! I need to get another water bottle cage, though. I stopped at a convenience store about halfway to get a drink, and subjected myself to a lot of funny looks and open laughter by a couple of rednecks in a dirty old pickup. Who cares, right? But still.. I'd rather not stop, and so not have to "not care."
Total time was about 1:45, but that included 1) stop to put chain back on when it fell off after a bad downshift (EDIT: Slipped off gears, but didn't come all the way off!), 2) stop to fix seat when it tipped back and had me practically sliding off onto my rear wheel (that one took about 20 minutes - accidentally took seatpost all the way apart! :eek: then 3) stop for drinks. I'm guessing total saddle time was about 1:15.
There were some flat stretches, which I thought would be easier, but discovered they're just different! What's up with this "you have to keep pedaling" thing?? :rolleyes: I'm hoping to do a route like this, but 20-25 miles, by the end of August. Think I can make it?
Congrats!!!! Remember the journey of 1000 miles begins with the first pedal stroke.
As for the rednecks, you get the last laugh in a few years when gas is $16/Gallon and the rednecks can't afford gas anymore, and your looking at riding the 15 miles to work, as a "short" ride. A big :p to the rednecks when you get your Athena Emeritus certificate!
There are flats and there are flats, I have seen flat sections that actually only appear flat, they actually have a slight rise to them. My worst hill, is one that goes about 100m and rises about 1m, it's somehow worse then another one that rises 15m over 300m (I have no idea why)!
JoeMetal
There are flats and there are flats, I have seen flat sections that actually only appear flat, they actually have a slight rise to them. My worst hill, is one that goes about 100m and rises about 1m, it's somehow worse then another one that rises 15m over 300m (I have no idea why)!
There's one "hill" near me that I used to ride a lot that I never realized was a hill for about weeks. It's about a mile and half long and probably goes up 20m. I always found it hard to keep up a good speed and always had to downshift. That hill still really kills me. I'd take climing up 10% grade over that thing; At least then I know what I'm in for. :p
HandsomeRyan
I'm hoping to do a route like this, but 20-25 miles, by the end of August. Think I can make it?
i think you can do it. just keep riding and try to go a little farther/faster/better each time.
brodie
way to go becky. keep on pedaling girl.
coasting
Congratulations. I was so excited when I first did 15 miles after only ever doing 5 mile rides before, I kept telling everybody and most of them didn't care but I told them anyway!
I think now you have reached mid teen miles you would be surprised how far you can ride. I found that this distance was a watershed. It was hard getting to it but when you are fit enough to get to this distance your body can just keep going without really noticing, and I found I could ride further sooner. I found out accidentally by getting lost and going further, but I suggest you do a circuit round your home and see how many times you can go round. This way you won't get stranded going too far and you will be pleasantly surprised. After I did 15 I tried to increase to 20 and accidentally did 30. Then a while later I tried to do 30 and did 50 etc. I look forward to accidentally doing a century.
By the way, how do you save your route on mapmyride without signing up to the website?
BeckyW
I did sign up... I think you have to make an account to save routes.
I'm hoping the 20-30-50 mile rides go just like you described!
JoeMetal
Congratulations. I was so excited when I first did 15 miles after only ever doing 5 mile rides before, I kept telling everybody and most of them didn't care but I told them anyway!
I think now you have reached mid teen miles you would be surprised how far you can ride. I found that this distance was a watershed. It was hard getting to it but when you are fit enough to get to this distance your body can just keep going without really noticing, and I found I could ride further sooner. I found out accidentally by getting lost and going further, but I suggest you do a circuit round your home and see how many times you can go round. This way you won't get stranded going too far and you will be pleasantly surprised. After I did 15 I tried to increase to 20 and accidentally did 30. Then a while later I tried to do 30 and did 50 etc. I look forward to accidentally doing a century.
By the way, how do you save your route on mapmyride without signing up to the website?
Doing loops around wasn't a good idea for me. I would always stop before I had really reached my limit. What I do now is plan out a route that is right about at my limit and I'll have shorter and longer options that I can decide on as I'm going. That way if I'm really tired I can take the shorter route, or if I'm feeling like Superman I can take the longer ride.
The Historian
That's great Becky! Once I started doing rides 12-15 miles I decided that I needed a second water bottle cage too. :p I never got laughed at though, because when I would stop for something I stopped at our local natural foods store, and people there tend to be much nicer. :)
That, and because you are a man. Unfortunately women are routinely subjected to abuse, particularly large women.
The Historian
So I know 12 miles is nothing to most of you, but it's WAY further than I'd gone before. Was typically doing 5-ish mile rides, and previous longest was 7. Here's the route:
I'm tired, and knee isn't 100% happy, but I feel pretty good! I need to get another water bottle cage, though. I stopped at a convenience store about halfway to get a drink, and subjected myself to a lot of funny looks and open laughter by a couple of rednecks in a dirty old pickup. Who cares, right? But still.. I'd rather not stop, and so not have to "not care."
Total time was about 1:45, but that included 1) stop to put chain back on when it fell off after a bad downshift (EDIT: Slipped off gears, but didn't come all the way off!), 2) stop to fix seat when it tipped back and had me practically sliding off onto my rear wheel (that one took about 20 minutes - accidentally took seatpost all the way apart! :eek: then 3) stop for drinks. I'm guessing total saddle time was about 1:15.
There were some flat stretches, which I thought would be easier, but discovered they're just different! What's up with this "you have to keep pedaling" thing?? :rolleyes: I'm hoping to do a route like this, but 20-25 miles, by the end of August. Think I can make it?
Easily, if you want to do it badly enough. And I think you want to. Go for it!
dahoss2002
Congrats Becky!!!!! If you are ever in Shreveport =Bossier, I'll ride with you..
neilfein
Congrats Becky!!!!! If you are ever in Shreveport =Bossier, I'll ride with you..
Same for NJ, if you're ever here.
The Historian
Congrats Becky!!!!! If you are ever in Shreveport =Bossier, I'll ride with you..
If you visit SE PA, I'm there!
Rosie8
Wow Becky, that's terrific. You're really improving quickly. Take care of your knee and remember to rest up enough if you start feeling too tired.
BeckyW
It's a bit unrealistic, but I have this fantasy of riding all over the country just to meet people and ride together... :D
Dahoss, I don't get down to Louisiana very often, but I do go to Little Rock every few months. If you want to meet there sometime, let me know. I've heard they've got a nice ride along the river, then across the river on a MUP bridge, then through a park on the other side... I'm going down next weekend and plan to do at least part of it while I'm there. If it's not 95+ degrees outside.
The Historian
It's a bit unrealistic, but I have this fantasy of riding all over the country just to meet people and ride together... :D
I, and most of the world, thought it unrealistic that a 385 pound, middle aged man could lose 142 pounds and teach himself to ride a bike. Most folks think it unrealistic that someone who couldn't walk a city block without stopping could ride 69 miles or commute 34 miles a day in the summer heat. Make it happen, Becky. If you want to make it happen, you will.
UtRacerDad
I, and most of the world, thought it unrealistic that a 385 pound, middle aged man could lose 142 pounds and teach himself to ride a bike. Most folks think it unrealistic that someone who couldn't walk a city block without stopping could ride 69 miles or commute 34 miles a day in the summer heat. Make it happen, Becky. If you want to make it happen, you will.
I absolutely and whole heartedly agree with that. :) anyone can get on a bike that wants to and ride, the only thing that stops them is there own fears and frustrations. I have people look at me and say "You ride you bike to work ??", they figure a overweight middle aged man doesn't want to exercise, just sit around and watch TV. Personally I would rather be on my bike that watching TV :D.
DanteB
I, and most of the world, thought it unrealistic that a 385 pound, middle aged man could lose 142 pounds and teach himself to ride a bike. Most folks think it unrealistic that someone who couldn't walk a city block without stopping could ride 69 miles or commute 34 miles a day in the summer heat. Make it happen, Becky. If you want to make it happen, you will.
I also agree with that. I'm 6', 225# and 55 years old, when I tell people what kind of riding I do they just stand there with their mouth open. I do double and triple centuries and it was an overnight thing to get there. I started at 285# and just riding because I enjoyed it. Then as the weight started to come off I started to go farther. The next thing I knew I was doing centuries. Then someone talked me into doing a double and the rest is history. Becky it doesn't matter how far you ride as long as your enjoying it. Keep up the good work!!!! If you're in California drop me a line, I would be honored to ride with you.
Terrierman
I, and most of the world, thought it unrealistic that a 385 pound, middle aged man could lose 142 pounds and teach himself to ride a bike. Most folks think it unrealistic that someone who couldn't walk a city block without stopping could ride 69 miles or commute 34 miles a day in the summer heat. Make it happen, Becky. If you want to make it happen, you will.
+1,000,000. You control this part of your life. We all do what we really want, protestations otherwise notwithstanding.
BeckyW
This is all making my eyes well up a little... you guys are the best.
Tom Stormcrowe
Becky, if you ever have reason to visit Lafayette, Indiana, not only will the wife and I ride with you, you can also couch surf at our place! No motel needed!