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08-22-09, 02:43 PM
Hey!
New to the forum. Have been reading lots of posts the last week or so. Here is my story, let me know how I am doing.
After not riding or really doing any exercise for about 15 years, I decided something needs to be done, as my weight just keeps climbing (44 yrs, 6'1", 250ish). I started to watch the calorie intake, but decided to do something about exercise. I golf a bit, but walking 18 holes (6800 yds), while good to be on the grass, does not really get the heart rate up. I decided to dust off the old Specialized Rockhopper Comp (hardtail and hard front, from about '95). I had some less agressive tires on it, aired them up to max (65 lbs.) and went for a ride.
First ride was 11 days ago and 4.5 miles. Went over the river on a bridge and thought I was going to die on the gradual climb. The tires were OK, but it was a lot of work to keep the bike rolling. Anytime you wanted to coast it would just come to a crawl. I went to the LBS and asked them what to do. He showed me some Specialized Fat Boy slicks that were 26X1.25. They would hold a max of 100 psi. I had them put them on and then had a delay in checking them out.
Second ride 6 days ago (seems like I am not making it a priority to ride in the evenings, get home too late). 10.5 miles on mostly flat trail. Average speed was 10.5, did it in 1 hour. Bike rolled really good on new tires. Cruising speed jumped to around 14-15 (average speed includes breaks). Really like it but the rear shifter was giving me grief. Back to the LBS for a cleaning and new cable.
Third ride today, 24.2 miles average speed 9.5 (kept computer running even when stopped for a break). I was able to keep the rolling speed around 15 on the flats. There was one wicked hill that must have had 150-175' elevation change in 1/2 mile. It did have bike path switchbacks and a couple of spots that were a more gradual grade. I had to stop twice and catch my breath. Thought I was going to make it all the way up, but about 75 yards from the summit there was a little kick that must have been 18% grade. I was all the way down as low as the gears would go (remember old MTB) and I couldn't do it. Almost fell over when I could not get undone from the SPD pedals as the bike was nearly stopped (that was probably funny to watch!). I had to walk it up the last 50 feet and here comes an older guy (gray hair) standing proud and hammering it out! At least he said Hi! as I was walking.
Got home just now and my legs burn a bit. Got a new Specialized helmet last week, that works good to keep the head cool. Have a couple of one color jerseys to move the sweat and some old PI gloves along with my old Shimano MTB shoes. Kind of old school.
Here is the kicker. I have been riding in regular undies and golf shorts. I cannot bring myself to put on my brand new PI bibs. Just seems like I am not a "real" cyclist yet. My butt hurts pretty bad today and I know the shorts would probably help some, but I would be embarrased to be seen by another "cyclist" as I am so out of shape. Any thoughts on that?
I really am encouraged by all the posts on the Clyde/Athena forum. I don't have anyone to ride with so the riding is a bit boring. There is good scenery, however.
Any thoughts on my mileages? Am I pushing too hard too soon? What is a good distance for a daily ride? Does everyone keep the computer running all the time or just when riding?
Thanks for any feedback!
Chris
New to the forum. Have been reading lots of posts the last week or so. Here is my story, let me know how I am doing.
After not riding or really doing any exercise for about 15 years, I decided something needs to be done, as my weight just keeps climbing (44 yrs, 6'1", 250ish). I started to watch the calorie intake, but decided to do something about exercise. I golf a bit, but walking 18 holes (6800 yds), while good to be on the grass, does not really get the heart rate up. I decided to dust off the old Specialized Rockhopper Comp (hardtail and hard front, from about '95). I had some less agressive tires on it, aired them up to max (65 lbs.) and went for a ride.
First ride was 11 days ago and 4.5 miles. Went over the river on a bridge and thought I was going to die on the gradual climb. The tires were OK, but it was a lot of work to keep the bike rolling. Anytime you wanted to coast it would just come to a crawl. I went to the LBS and asked them what to do. He showed me some Specialized Fat Boy slicks that were 26X1.25. They would hold a max of 100 psi. I had them put them on and then had a delay in checking them out.
Second ride 6 days ago (seems like I am not making it a priority to ride in the evenings, get home too late). 10.5 miles on mostly flat trail. Average speed was 10.5, did it in 1 hour. Bike rolled really good on new tires. Cruising speed jumped to around 14-15 (average speed includes breaks). Really like it but the rear shifter was giving me grief. Back to the LBS for a cleaning and new cable.
Third ride today, 24.2 miles average speed 9.5 (kept computer running even when stopped for a break). I was able to keep the rolling speed around 15 on the flats. There was one wicked hill that must have had 150-175' elevation change in 1/2 mile. It did have bike path switchbacks and a couple of spots that were a more gradual grade. I had to stop twice and catch my breath. Thought I was going to make it all the way up, but about 75 yards from the summit there was a little kick that must have been 18% grade. I was all the way down as low as the gears would go (remember old MTB) and I couldn't do it. Almost fell over when I could not get undone from the SPD pedals as the bike was nearly stopped (that was probably funny to watch!). I had to walk it up the last 50 feet and here comes an older guy (gray hair) standing proud and hammering it out! At least he said Hi! as I was walking.
Got home just now and my legs burn a bit. Got a new Specialized helmet last week, that works good to keep the head cool. Have a couple of one color jerseys to move the sweat and some old PI gloves along with my old Shimano MTB shoes. Kind of old school.
Here is the kicker. I have been riding in regular undies and golf shorts. I cannot bring myself to put on my brand new PI bibs. Just seems like I am not a "real" cyclist yet. My butt hurts pretty bad today and I know the shorts would probably help some, but I would be embarrased to be seen by another "cyclist" as I am so out of shape. Any thoughts on that?
I really am encouraged by all the posts on the Clyde/Athena forum. I don't have anyone to ride with so the riding is a bit boring. There is good scenery, however.
Any thoughts on my mileages? Am I pushing too hard too soon? What is a good distance for a daily ride? Does everyone keep the computer running all the time or just when riding?
Thanks for any feedback!
Chris