Fifty Plus (50+) - Your “Just keep riding” advice pays off . . .

(I rode 300 miles alone on my new bike in October.)

The LBS told me about a Ladies Develpmnt Clinic run by a woman who has done some racing. The 28-mile route is mostly flat with 1 short and 1 long hill. He encouraged me to join their Monday recovery pace ride, C* 13-14 mph avgs.

So, two days ago, I finally got my courage up and joined them. Six other women in their 30’s & 40’s. We left at 10 AM, 40 degrees, windy, sunny. Shortly, the “coach” came along side me, and began complimenting my form, my spin(?), my flexibility, said I looked like a natural. The ride was terrific! Even the killer hill that everyone had me terrified of wasn’t so bad (I did want to strip my layers off though, I got so hot!)

When we got back to the parking lot, the leader invited me to join them on their Wednesday ride. I asked, “What’s the difference?” Her answer “Same route, faster B* pace. You’re ready!” GULP! I am??

With a knot in my stomach, I showed up this morning. There were only 3 of us now. We took off at a noticeably quicker pace, but I was determined to keep up. She was so impressed with my cadence, saying people work so hard to get that. I tried to gear up, but my legs would burn. She coached me on pace lines, umm..drafting . . it was awesome. We pretty much maintained 16-17mph (they slowed when I needed to) , 15.4 avg spd after 28 miles.

This is very exciting! Is it okay to be proud of yourself?

They ride all year, and that is now my plan too!

Again, I end with a thank you to the friendly people here.
I couldn’t have done this without you :love:

(I rode 300 miles alone on my new bike in October.)

The LBS told me about a Ladies Develpmnt Clinic run by a woman who has done some racing. The 28-mile route is mostly flat with 1 short and 1 long hill. He encouraged me to join their Monday recovery pace ride, C* 13-14 mph avgs.

So, two days ago, I finally got my courage up and joined them. Six other women in their 30’s & 40’s. We left at 10 AM, 40 degrees, windy, sunny. Shortly, the “coach” came along side me, and began complimenting my form, my spin(?), my flexibility, said I looked like a natural. The ride was terrific! Even the killer hill that everyone had me terrified of wasn’t so bad (I did want to strip my layers off though, I got so hot!)

When we got back to the parking lot, the leader invited me to join them on their Wednesday ride. I asked, “What’s the difference?” Her answer “Same route, faster B* pace. You’re ready!” GULP! I am??

With a knot in my stomach, I showed up this morning. There were only 3 of us now. We took off at a noticeably quicker pace, but I was determined to keep up. She was so impressed with my cadence, saying people work so hard to get that. I tried to gear up, but my legs would burn. She coached me on pace lines, umm..drafting . . it was awesome. We pretty much maintained 16-17mph (they slowed when I needed to) , 15.4 avg spd after 28 miles.

This is very exciting! Is it okay to be proud of yourself?

They ride all year, and that is now my plan too!

Again, I end with a thank you to the friendly people here.
I couldn’t have done this without you :love:

Yes you could have, but moral support is always nice. Congrats on your accomplishments so far. I'm sure you'll be posting some really impressive numbers next year.

Good for you! I'd love to find such a group.

(I rode 300 miles alone on my new bike in October.)

The LBS told me about a Ladies Develpmnt Clinic run by a woman who has done some racing. The 28-mile route is mostly flat with 1 short and 1 long hill. He encouraged me to join their Monday recovery pace ride, C* 13-14 mph avgs.

So, two days ago, I finally got my courage up and joined them. Six other women in their 30’s & 40’s. We left at 10 AM, 40 degrees, windy, sunny. Shortly, the “coach” came along side me, and began complimenting my form, my spin(?), my flexibility, said I looked like a natural. The ride was terrific! Even the killer hill that everyone had me terrified of wasn’t so bad (I did want to strip my layers off though, I got so hot!)

When we got back to the parking lot, the leader invited me to join them on their Wednesday ride. I asked, “What’s the difference?” Her answer “Same route, faster B* pace. You’re ready!” GULP! I am??

With a knot in my stomach, I showed up this morning. There were only 3 of us now. We took off at a noticeably quicker pace, but I was determined to keep up. She was so impressed with my cadence, saying people work so hard to get that. I tried to gear up, but my legs would burn. She coached me on pace lines, umm..drafting . . it was awesome. We pretty much maintained 16-17mph (they slowed when I needed to) , 15.4 avg spd after 28 miles.

This is very exciting! Is it okay to be proud of yourself?

They ride all year, and that is now my plan too!

Again, I end with a thank you to the friendly people here.
I couldn’t have done this without you :love:

Yes, you should be VERY proud! It is OK here to be proud, to brag and to tell us all about your progress, we actually do that all the time!

I think you may be hooked, enjoy the group and the riding!

Some people have a need to push themselves to the next level, what ever that may be, and will strive to excel. I think you are may be one of those. Good luck, enjoy the ride and keep posting results and questions.:thumb:

Good job! Before you know it you'll be cruising up the hills and loving every minute of it.

I already hate you.

This is great. You appear to have a good coach, one that encourages and tells you what you're doing right.

One thing that will take some pressure off the hills is to note that you will always go up hills faster in a group than you will on your own. This is because of a wonderful drug that your body produces on its own, called adrenaline. It will kick in when needed; apprehension helps to create it. So when the group approaches the hard part, you will find that it's easier than you thought because the adrenaline suddenly increases your strength. It's even more effective when you know you're being watched. It's an interesting phenomenon, so watch for it.

L.

Great story - ride on! Revel in your improvements.

When riding hard, always put safety first. Especially when with a group. There's no bigger setback than a hard crash from a small mistake above 18mph. Especially in a paceline. but otherwise ..... Speed Thrills!

I agree with A.J.'s assessment. You may be a serious enthusiast in the making. I predict a century by next September. Or sooner.

Way to go! :thumb:

Great story. Group riding can be very motivating. That motivation will help you improve faster than you might on your own. As you go faster and ride closer just remember to stay within your bike handing skills and avoid others who don't - be safe and don't get hurt.

Sounds like you have found a new dimension to cycling - enjoy!

I already hate you.

BAAH!!!!! lol! coffee almost spurt out my mouth!!

I still love you xo

Riding with younger people can only lead to bad things...:). Seriously, enjoy your accomplishments but don't forget to back off a little occasionally and just enjoy the cruise.

I agree with A.J.'s assessment. You may be a serious enthusiast in the making. I predict a century by next September. Or sooner.

I was also invited in Sept 2011 to Bike MS, a 2 day 150 or 175 mile charity ride. A goal?? I'm a little overwhelmed just thinking about it:
http://bikepae.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Bike/PAEBikeEvents?fr_id=16131&pg=entry

We will be reading about your racing exploits soon. Good going.

I was also invited in Sept 2011 to Bike MS, a 2 day 150 or 175 mile charity ride. A goal?? I'm a little overwhelmed just thinking about it:
http://bikepae.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Bike/PAEBikeEvents?fr_id=16131&pg=entry

I know how this goes...

Soon enough, you'll be trading your comfortable cotton clothing for bizarre, fitted synthetics.

When someone fashionable walks by, you'll think to yourself, "that outfit would be better with reflective stripes."

While walking with a group of your girlfriends next summer, a handsome shirtless man will ride by with all heads turning. You will blurt out, unexpectedly, "did you see that compact carbon crankset?"

What follows is the well-documented downward spiral...

You'll notice that you no longer mind the smell of your own body odor.

Mysteriously exotic bikes will appear and take up residence in your house.

The change of seasons will be marked by your charting available sunlight hours for riding...


Just surrender, you're becoming a serious cyclist...

Enjoy the ride.

PG

I was also invited in Sept 2011 to Bike MS, a 2 day 150 or 175 mile charity ride. A goal?? I'm a little overwhelmed just thinking about it:
http://bikepae.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Bike/PAEBikeEvents?fr_id=16131&pg=entry

I'd take the invitation and sign right up now. Goals and targets are great, and it sounds like you've enjoyed and succeeded in progress so far. A couple of 75 mile days or 88 mile days, when you've got all day to do them in, shouldn't be a stretch in 10 months time considering your ramp up so far.

As a lapsed runner, I recollect the truism - if you can do 5 kms comfortably you can do a marathon - all it takes is a bit more failure of the imagination;)

Cool. Very, very cool.

Way to go, Bare Feet. You have every reason to be proud. Keep it up!

About riding and miles...... quantity has a quality all its own. Your 300 miles of solo cycling have made you comfortable on the bike and riding comes "naturally". I am glad to hear that you made the "B" group so soon. It ought to be fun.

By the way, feeling proud of your accomplishments is just fine, laudible even. This is even the appropriate venue to talk about your accomplishments. I think I speak for most of the group, we love to hear it. Good work!

We will all be proud of your for you! Great Effort! You just get determined for the next level of riding. Whenever I get proud I fall over, wouldn't wish that on anyone.

Bike Forum 50+ is a great crew, great find.

I think I had you worried when I mentioned the "Girl" racers and riding with your head between the knees.

It may have been in jest- but I think you had better think about it--and at the rate you are going--make it shortly.

Sounds as though you have got in with a crowd that are going to assist you in your riding skills. Just don't listen to them when they start talking about double centuries. Well not untill next spring at least.

And that all year riding-- Tights and a warmer long sleeve are on the cards.

Congrats on your quick ramp up and finding what seems to be a fantastic group to ride with! I agree - go ahead and sign up for the ride next September!

Way to go.
Makes me think I should get out today, instead of sitting here reading about cycling.
Finding the right layers for strenuous winter exercise is a bit of a challenge.
Too many, and you get wet with sweat, then get cold.
Too few, and you never warm up.
Like Goldilocks, in the story of the three bears, you need to find the combination that is "Just right".