ChiefTJS

I'm very well aware that a fifty miler is a nothing ride for a lot of folks here but it was a big goal for me. Did the Rollin to Colon ride here in Nebraska, a charity ride for Colon cancer and as luck would have it there is a town named Colon near Omaha so they could have a cute name for the ride.

I wasn't prepared, having only ridden 25miles at a shot before. Miles 30-40 were pretty rough on me due to a headwind and some long hills. My chain fell off the front sprockets at about mile 45 so I was very lucky to have only the one minor mechanical issue. In the end, I got through it and finished at a pace of above ten miles an hour, again nothing, but pretty good for me.

Next one will be better and the one after that will be better yet. Hope you all had good rides this weekend.

volosong

Don't put yourself down so much. That is a a noble accomplishment for anyone. You are correct in that the next one will be a little bit easier, and so on, (as long as you continue riding and building up your strength and endurance). Your next goal . . . ride a metric century, (62.1 statute/imperial miles). Continue to push yourself and expand your limits ... and ride safe.

p.s. The mechanical is worrisome. A well-maintained - well-adjusted bike should not have mechanicals, (except for flat tires).

cdonges

Well done.

ChiefTJS

I think the chain drop was a freak thing, the bike was recently tuned and runs very smoothly. I'm taking a maintenance class soon so I can keep a better eye on it. Don't mean to sound down in myself, I'm really pumped about the ride, just didn't want to come off like bragging around a group that rides a whole lot.

indyfabz

Being in a bad gear combination can result in chain drop when you shift the front. E.g., largest cog and largest chain ring. If you find yourself there, shift the rear a couple of cogs before shifting the front.

mprelaw

All of us had to crawl before we walked, and walk before we ran. Give yourself credit for an accomplishment that 90% of sedentary people will never even consider trying.

volosong

Aint that the truth. My lady friend's sister is visiting from Wisconsin and asked me how long I rode earlier that day. I said, (paraphrased), "Not too long, just 40 miles." She was in disbelief. That someone could ride that "far". Truth be told, I had planned a metric-century, but got lazy and turned back.

MRT2

Seriously. When I was a kid, anything over 10 miles seemed like a haul. Then again, my parents were extremely sedentary.

I still haven't done 50 miles yet this season, but planning on it before or on my Birthday, which is end of July. Right now, I am enjoying my 20 to 30 mile rides and don't want to burn out too soon. My plan is to do at least one 50 mile ride and one metric century this summer, in addition to my usual 2 hour rides I do a couple of times per week.

bbeasley

Congratulations, big accomplishment! I remember my first 50 miler. For me couch to 50 was much tougher than 50 to 100.

Way to go.

Rollinrock

Congratulations Chief on your first half century. That's farther than I can ride right now. That is however my goal, to ride 50 miles. Just remember, the great thing about riding a bike is that the ony person you are in competition with is yourself. Unless your racing of course

ChiefTJS

Absolutely correct Rollinrock, it's all about riding your own ride. I finished and that was my goal so I count it as a big win and a major milestone for me. Doing a recovery ride in the morning and totally excited to get back on the bike.

stevenlsmith87

awesome!! I am still working up to that myself....so you are not alone!

MikeRides

Congratulations ChiefTJS. Don't set yourself short on completing 50 miles, it's a great milestone. As a matter of fact, that's my current goal to complete by the end of summer. I've done only a couple 30 mile rides and typically ride very slow but I feel improvement in my not too distant future.

ChiefTJS

I did a 12mi ride today as recovery. I was thinking of doing 5 or 6, but was feeling pretty good by that time so I decided to make another trip around the lake. I really couldn't wait to get back on the bike and I really feel great right now. Feeling like a cyclist!!

digibud

It's a big deal for EVERYONE the first time they do it. Alberto Contador celebrated his first 50miler (I'll bet), so yeah...congrats and well done.

TrojanHorse

Yep, I'm late to the party but well done!

Get a chain catcher if you want to cheat and not drop your chain. Sometimes it happens, even with a well adjusted drive train.

ChiefTJS

Thanks to all for the the congrats. I decided to turn the 50 into my first 100mile week, I have 9 more to go and two days to do it. Rode 13.6 today in 94 degree heat, I think I'm addicted. Love it!!