LDB

Last night I bought a really nice 1974 Raleigh International. I rode it this morning. I managed just over 1 mile, half of it straight into a 22mph headwind. Boy, did that make it tougher pedaling. I'm about 5'8 and 235 and haven't ridden for almost 30 years. I am not active at all so it's going to be a slow progression. I like how the bike rides. It is really a nice bike. I'm going to change the pedals out for plain pedals. I'm not sure what else, if anything, I may eventually want to do with it.

I really enjoy Zig Ziglar. One of his quotes I like is when he took up jogging. He said when he started he managed one block. The next day he was pleased because he was able to manage one block and one mailbox. I'll just be trying to add mailboxes too.

chefisaac

You are on the right track my friend. I was like you when I started. Could go about a mile and it felt like 20 miles. lol. But as the days progressed, so did I and the miles went up and up. Finished last year with almost 6,000 miles.

Whats cool about bicycling is how much you can see and do on wheels. So lovely!

10 Wheels

LBD,

That wind was tough today. Actually 22-27 with gust to 34 mph.

Just take it easy.

Someday soon I hope the wind slows down a bit.

jsigone

1st ride always sucks but it gets better from there. Got pics of your new bike?

TrojanHorse

Don't expect too much right away and try to have fun with it - the rest will come.

Congrats on your purchase.

downtube42

Do
It
Again

plumberroy

I have been back on a bike for a little over a month after a few years away. I am up to 3-4 miles daily and 8-10 on a weekend ride . There is a ramp to get to my local path I ride , a month ago that hill kicked my butt on a geared bike in low as I could get . I have been riding up it on a single speed the last week. I to still have a long ways to go, but I am seeing gains.
I am 5'11" and #300+ My goal is the fact my back and legs don't hurt when I ride.

WonderMonkey

LDB -> You have the right attitude. One more mailbox. I also like Zig Ziglar, do you read/listen to John Maxwell or any others?

LDB

No, I'm not familiar with John Maxwell. It's been a while since I've had a dose of Zigler but I think he's right on the money and definitely enjoy what he has to say.

Neil_B

Welcome, and congratulations on the ride!

tpy2010

Pretty soon, you'll be looking at 3-5 mikes as a mere warm up! Keep on spinning!

Dave P

Awesome.

N3M0

Hang in there, I know where you're coming from. My first ride was 1 week ago today, a "simple" 1.2 mile loop around my neighborhood with some pretty intense inclines. My first ride took me 10 minutes and I had to walk the bike up 2 hills. Fast forward to 1 week later, I shaved 2:30 off of my time, no longer need to walk the bike up any inclines and am less dead when I finish. I still can't do 2 laps yet, those inclines are killer, but I hope to get there by the end of the month.

Yo Spiff

You've got to start somewhere. On to the next mailbox!

A question, however... You rode for the first time in decades this weekend but you have 180 posts on a cycling forum. I'm slightly confused.

rumrunn6

OP I was thinking the same thing after climbing just 2 flights of staits last night. ugh not only am I a clyde and over 50 but I haven't been on the bike since we lost the good weather. Looking to change jobs to within bike commuting distance. Feel good man, you are light years ahead of me.

LDB

I have 180 posts because I joined a few years ago when I was considering a folding bike, then dropped the idea and was away a while. I came back with questions and participation before getting my current bike.

Today I rode a 1.1 mile loop around the neighborhood with only about 15-16mph wind to deal with. I didn't feel quite as rubbery afterward and enjoyed it. Tomorrow I'll try to add another mailbox.

Yo Spiff

OIC. Welcome back!

Pamestique 

I remember many years ago the first time I did 10 miles. I had carefully laid out the route and planned it for months. It as killer but I was so proud... now I won't even bother with my road bike for anything less than 30...

It's all a matter of perspective and attitude. Measure by improvements and don't think about what you could or should be doing... just get out and ride, pushing alittle each time. Its a good idea to set a goal. Maybe set out a 5 mile route you work up to and then 10 miles etc. And don't think your size and weight is a deterent (in fact you aren't that big)... I am about the same and have done many centuries and several mountain bike endurance rides. Any deterents you have are solely in your head...

BTW I know its too soon, but think about carrying the proper tools with you to change a flat, and water. Also make sure that bike was recently tuned and that the tires are not worn out etc. Just little things like that can be a real improvement.

digibud

many of us been there done that. My first ride in years was less than 2 miles. That was two year and half years ago and last summer I did a 130 mi ride. Push yourself as hard as you can as often as you can while still having a good time....

LDB

Here's, hopefully, a photo of my bike.

Dave P

Man, that's a beautiful bike. I LOVE the chrome!!

LDB

Thanks. It is definitely a nice looking bike, especially considering it is almost 40 years old.

moochems 

A trainer can present an opportunity to pedal at resistance levels less than what is required to pedal the local roads. For those just beginning, or otherwise unable to pedal the local roads, a trainer may be advantageous in that regard. Of course through persitance you will make considerable gains quickly if you are just beginning.

On a related note, I got passed by a jogger the other day. Although I was pacing behind my father (whom almost never rides a bicycle) I couldn't help but feel slow too. Slow or not, I still had angood time.

Erwin8r

Ditto! And great job on riding and seeking encouragement from fellow clydes! One crank rotation at a time!

LDB

Well, I bought another bike, a Specialized Crossroads. It has much lower gearing than the Raleigh so even in the ferocious headwind we've had lately I can get a gear I can manage comfortably. I've added a few more mailboxes each day and averaging about 8mph overall, slow I know and laughable to some probably but in line with my hero the tortoise. I'm still really out of shape but I see slight progress every day. As Zig advises, one more mailbox.