Sangetsu

A problem I have always had when riding is that I cannot ride slow. Whenever I am riding on flat ground, I am always riding at the edge of my ability, trying to keep as high an average pace as I can. When I am climbing, I always try to use as high a gear as I can. And on descents, I am always trying to see how fast I can go. On Thursday, I hit 79.5 kph, which may not sound fast, except that it was on a folder with 20" wheels.

20 years ago I was racing, competing in America and Europe. It seems the competitive streak I developed then has not gone away.

At the moment, I am preparing for a very long, cross-country tour. I need to cover an average of 100km per day, but the pace needn't be fast. But once I get warmed up on my training rides, I just can't seem to go slow.

On the positive side, my fitness is increasing by leaps and bounds, each week there is a measurable improvement, and I am dropping 1kg of weight per week.

Anyone else here can't go slow?

02Giant 

Yea, slow is a four letter word.

Doctor Morbius

Since you raced competitively some years back then you already know that busting your arse every ride is counterproductive. So why do it?

rgconner

Dear Penthouse...

Milton Keynes

I've found that I often need to pace myself on long rides and not go all out all the time. Nothing with being competitive, just the feeling that I need to go fast.

mstateglfr 

My problem is that i drop anyone im riding with. Cant help it, im just too good and apparently lack the ability to ride at any pace besides balls out fast.
Its a real problem.


Oh, and my other issue is that i constantly dunk in pickup basketball games at the gym. Heck, I could be playing PIG with my youngest kid and all i do is dunk. I cant help it, it cant possibly be stopped. Im too competitive apparently.

But is any of this really me fault?
Maybe its my riding partner's faults for being so slow. They should just get better.
Maybe its the middle aged ball player's faults for not being able to defend like Dikembe.
Maybe its my 6yo's fault for not being tall enough to match my dunks. If she were better, i wouldnt totally dominate every game of PIG.

Yeah, i know you mean- its a burden to be this great and not have the ability to change. Ironic really- being so good but not having ability.


Tips for going slower-
- ride in easy gearing. Spinning at 100rpm in 34/28 will tire you out and you will go 10mph.
- loosen your brakes. You will ride more cautiously. I bet you will somehow manage to find a way to ride slower even though you swear you cant!
- tighten your brakes. Opposite of the last, yet same result. Cant go fast with a bunch of resistance!
- just dont ride so fast. Despite saying it cant be done, it can be done.

gregf83 

If you never go slow you're likely never going fast (downhill doesn't count).

SHBR

Ride with my wife. (top speed 20km/hr, downhill)

Oddly enough she usually makes most of the green lights.

Its like an accountant told me years ago, might as well enjoy the scenery, were not going anywhere today.

RunForTheHills

As long as it doesn't affect your workout the next day, it doesn't sound like a problem. I run also and running hard every day will break you down fast.

TimothyH

Buy a single speed or fixed gear bike with low gearing.

tagaproject6

Do you want to get a "cool story, bro"? Because, this is how you get a "cool story, bro!".

Sangetsu

"Slow" is as relative a word as "fast". I'm by no means a fast rider, but whenever I go for a ride, I start pushing myself.

ThermionicScott 

I think that's pretty common -- the endorphins just don't flow as freely when pootling around. Are you touring solo, or with other folks? If you're going to be by yourself, might as well keep winding it up, and then you'll have extra time left over for the beer stops and putting up your tent.

MarcusT

I have the same problem. When I realize I am pushing it. I lift up my head and start to appreciate the views, notice something particular or even stop for a drink of water instead of doing it on the fly. It took me a long time to not do it at 100%, now I only do it about half the time

MBurke

I have this same issue.......I guess I can do all out when I'm by myself...but I make it point to ride with others that are not out to do that kind of riding.
I ride with my wife and do a group ride once a week. You have to go Slow to go Fast.

Stratocaster

I'm in. Not sure how fast I'm going, but I'm going hard. But I realize I'm out there to get in shape, so why not get a good workout?

rydabent

Reads like a troll post for "fast riders". No matter what Im faster than you boast.

So---------you are going to do a cross country ride. If you get up early, ride balls out to your destination, you will miss scenery, and be able to set around the camp and watch ant hills longer.

Milton Keynes

One issue I seem to have too is that when I'm riding solo, which is most of the time, I don't take very many or very long breaks. I find it difficult to sit down for 10 minutes and rest when I could be riding. It's different when I'm riding with others since I tend to let them determine when we stop and for how long. But on my own I don't stop often or for long.

When I do a century ride coming up in a couple of weeks, I'll be riding with friends and there will be plenty of SAG stops, so I'll likely get lots of rest breaks.

unterhausen

If all you want to do is lose weight, that's fine. If you are actually training, and want to go fast, then a mix of high intensity and low intensity makes a lot more sense. I am pretty sure I over-trained this year, it's counterproductive.

Hoopdriver

I imagine that, after a few days of your long trip, you will figure things out.

Maelochs

Sangetsu, no need to worry .... as time progresses you will find that even though you push just as hard, you will ride more slowly.

Just the other day I passed a guy panhandling holding a sign which read, "My life doesn't suck." It was really rough on him---all the other panhandlers had crappy lives, while this guy had a good income, had had a happy childhood, finished school and got a degree, was smart and clever and well-spoken and healthy ... my heart went out to him.

mcours2006

You could wear a HRM and set it to beep when your HR gets above a preset level, if you really need help slowing down.

Retro Grouch 

I don't understand the problem. If that's what it takes for you to have fun - why not?

rubiksoval

If you train enough, at some point you'll be forced to go slow.

MarcusT

Maybe you should have posted this on the touring thread. Seems that many do not understand what a cross country tour means.