lencar27

Hi all.
First time poster. I am getting my first road bike next week a defy4. I am just wondering would anyone know how long it would take me to be able to cycle 25-30 miles comfortably. I would be able to train 3-4 times per week. Also what other sports would compliment cycling. Its time to start getting fit. im 34 and have dine no real exercise in about 15 years I weight about 14 stone.
thank you.

linnefaulk

There are so many factors. The bike, your endurance, your commitment. You would be better of just trying to get time in the saddle rather than planning on miles. You'll get there but it will take time and it won't be easy.

knobster

Yeah, too hard to say. It's like saying, how long would it take me to be able to run a half marathon. Too difficult to spell out.

For me, when I first started, it took me probably a couple months of riding only on the weekend to be able to ride 25 miles. I wasn't in bad shape, but I wasn't in shape either. The most difficult was adjusting to the saddle and my stamina with the cardio.

mcmoose

Hi Lencar,

Welcome to BF! Although you're 4 pounds short of qualifying, you should fine some good advice (and encouragement) in the Clydesdales/Athenas sub-forum. Quite a few of the folks there got into (or back into) cycling to get into shape.

My own experience (and I too was a bit short of the C/A weight qualifier) was that I found it much easier to go longer distances if I was cycling with a group. On my own, I'd ride 15-16 miles and feel like I was done. But with a group, you ride that far, stop for a short break, then do another 15-16 miles. I've heard it said (and have to agree), "If you want to go fast, ride alone; if you want to ride far, ride with a group." I'd add the caveat that, if you find the right group, they'll make you ride faster too (when they're actually moving, that is).

As for when you'll feel comfortable riding 25-30, I'd also add "Never, if you don't have a decent saddle." Sadly, the definition of "decent" varies from person to person. A little butt discomfort is expected for new/returning riders. But outright pain (or numbness) just isn't right. Likewise, pain in the knees or shoulders (or numbness in the hands) may indicate that you bike doesn't fit you. If any of these symptoms strike, a trip back to your bike shop is in order.

Good luck and have fun!

Vexxer

2/ 1/2 weeks is how long it took me in a Giant Escape 3... on a Defy 4, you will probably be able to do it faster, though it will really depend on how hilly the route is and how well you pace yourself. I am 37, and had been sitting on my butt for 20 years, and was a heavy smoker until a year ago. Just yesterday I did 50 miles for the first time, 9 weeks after riding for the first time.

MRT2

Don't know how fit, or unfit you are, so hard to say. Some folks are up to that distance in a couple of weeks, others have to work up to it over weeks, or months.

25 to 30 miles is a very doable distance. It is only 2 hours in the saddle at a slow to moderate pace. Even if you start off very unfit, I would imagine you could work up to it within a few weeks to at most a couple of months if you ride, say, every other day for an hour to an hour and a half per ride. When I was your age, I remember riding that distance seemed like a challenge, and I only did that distance maybe once or twice a year. Not any more. though I am 48, almost 49, and somewhat heavier than OP, 25 to 30 miles is a kind of benchmark I try to hit early in the season, then go from there. This summer, I have been doing more back to back rides of 30 miles or more. I hope by the end of the summer to do a kind of "tour" of 4 to maybe 6 days consecutive of 40 to 50 miles per day. Don't know if I will get there this season, but it is something I am shooting for.

As to what other exercises compliment cycling, I would say just about anything. Weight lifting, Pilates, yoga all come to mind as non aerobic activities that will work your body in ways cycling doesn't. Running, swimming, rowing, eliptical machine, and spinning (for bad weather days or for working on something like climbing or high cadence) are all beneficial and complimentary aerobic activities.