Training & Nutrition - how much is too much for a beginner?

I am new to road biking and have had a road bike for about 2 weeks now-Ive done a few 30 mile rides with short elevation gains. This was really fun and I even managed to keep up with my experienced cycling friends-I couldnt wait to get out again! Then last wknd my serious cycling 'friends' insisted that I needed do a 43 mile ride which included one section which was 2500 feet elevation gain-pretty much straight up ( via switchback turns) but no flat sections to rest-constant climbing. Then we then came down the same road which required I had to constantly brake but my hands became seriously cramped and still sore the next day . Im in decent physical shape and made the climb up at about the same pace as the others. But all in all to me this was NOT the least bit fun . So Im wondering if a) I'm a wimp? b) this was too much too soon or c) I really dont like road biking because these are the type of challenges that Im supposed to enjoy?

Too much Too soon...your friends may have been trying to get you cramping.

Sounds like you need to work on your descending skills so you're not on the brakes so much. One tip is to brake for turns and get off the brakes the rest of the time. Descend with your hands in the drops, not the hoods. You have better leverage on the brakes from the drops, and better control over the bike. When you're a confident descender, descents are fun.

Some of us think that 2500' foot climbs are fun. It takes a while to work up to them. If you kept up with your friends after only two weeks of riding, you are doing well.

If you're not having fun then do some other kind of ride. Of course you have to try everything to see what's fun.

Yep....too much, too soon, but I can tell you that, if you are wanting to bike at more than just a recreational level, it's about how much pain you can take as much as anything. It ain't easy, and there are times you are gonna want to quit, but can't. But it's a great feeling when you have beaten that urge. I speak from experience. 50 miles and 5000 feet of mountain climbing just last week. I really suffered at nearly 57 years old. But I've been riding nearly 2 years. If you had of tried that with your limited experience, it would likely dang near kill you. At least you would have thought it would. LOL

Go for it.

You are the only person telling you that you "can't".


Don't quit before you try.... if you try, you may as well finish. Take a picture at the top. Put it on the wall.


Never listen to people that offer the easy way out.

People have different ideas of "fun". Those of us who ride a lot generally regard the physical challenge posed by hills etc. as part of that fun.

Your body should give you feedback regarding if it is too much. That is if you chose to listen to it.