Stratocaster

This might be a little long and boring for those that have been at this for a while. But I figured I'd share anyway:

A little background - I only started "serious" cycling this summer. By myself, I've ridden the back roads
of my rural town, a neighboring town, and the nearby park. As much as I enjoy going out and exploring these back roads on my own, it gets a little old. When I go out, I try to push myself - I want to get in better shape and build up my endurance as a cyclist. But cycling is so popular in my area, it seemed like a reasonable step to join others. So a couple of weeks ago I finally joined a (the) local cycling club.
My longest trek had been about 25 miles - and that was this past Wednesday, by myself. It's getting late in the year (read, "it's getting colder in eastern PA) and I thought there would be only a few days of decent cycling weather left until Spring.

So, I noticed on the club website that there were a few group rides scheduled for today (Saturday). There was one advertised as "40 mile C+/B- ride with hills - 10:00 a.m.". They would be travelling some roads I was familiar with - 2300 feet of climbing. Count me in!

It was pretty cold this morning, maybe upper 40's - and me, being a newbie, really didn't know how to dress. I thought it would warm up a bit, so I layered 3 sweat-wicking shirts (2 of them long sleeve) and cycling shorts. Um, it was cold. The rest of the group was bundled up in winter wear. I figured I'd warm up after riding for a while. Eh, not really.

Anyway, the scenery was beautiful. The people in the group were nice - there were 8 of us in all.
Funny, at one point I figured we must be about 15 miles into it. I checked my Cat Eye - ouch! Only about 10 miles! I though I might have bitten off more than I could chew, but I had to continue and get my workout. I wasn't the slowest (no, really!). In fact, I kept up pretty well. We took a break near the half-way mark. It was nice to get into that convenience store to warm up a little and, um, relieve myself.

Most of the roads were back roads in the country, passing by farms and old homes. But there were a couple of fairly well-traveled "highways". I wasn't crazy about that, but we made it. 39.25 miles total by my count.
Right now I'm still recovering. That was quite the workout. I'm glad I went - it was nice to "get involved", meet new people, and enjoy the outdoors and...cycling!

On a side note - I really like my CAAD 10...but as I suspected it might not be the best choice for some of these "longer" rides. My neck was getting a little stiff by the end of the ride. So, I've ordered a Felt Z85. It's a more endurance oriented bike. Should be here in about a week. There's my "+1" of the "N+1".

kbarch

Sounds like a good day!
It's funny that you're getting another bike already - having waited over a year to get my second makes me feel like a model of restraint!
By the way, a lot of us start wearing tights at temperatures we'd be happy to start wearing shorts in early spring, but you might have been more comfortable with fewer shirts and a windbreaker instead.

OldTryGuy

Nicely done. Better biking attire can improve the effort by allowing for ease of movement when pedaling. IMO, worth the $$$$.

Stratocaster

Yeah, it's funny: at the break, I few of the other riders were commenting about how cold their hands were - even with the winter gloves they were wearing. Me, not wearing ANY gloves at all said, "well, my hands actually feel warm...but that's probably because the rest of me feels so cold!".

Later, while at a stop, I commented that I wasn't drafting on them - I was just hoping to catch some body heat from those in front of me.

Lazyass

You can get the bar height and all the contact points the same on either one, assuming you don't want it higher than your saddle. A new bike won't do anything for your neck.

njkayaker

Your bike shop must love you.

People often need to get used to doing long rides regardless of the bike being used.

Pretty much.

Jakedatc

+1 OP almost doubled your highest mileage and in the cold. you neck will get used to going further as you ride more. spend the money on better bike oriented clothes and ride more. you will kick yourself later when you want a different bike than what you think now once you've had some experience.

for 40's i'd do a thin long sleeve baselayer (probably like one you had), winter cycling jacket, tights with windstopper front panels, shoe covers, long finger gloves, helmet liner hat

RollCNY

I find the 40-50° F range to be the hardest to dress for. Slightly warmer, and it's shorts and wind protection. Slightly colder, and it's cover all exposed skin, keep moving, and work hard enough to stay warm. At 40°, I usually overdress and roast. YMMV.

Paul Barnard

Here's something else that may contribute to the neck issues. The cold. I know when I am cold my entire body is more tense. All that tension seems to tie directly into my neck.

Stratocaster

I figure a more relaxed geometry will help. I don't want to keep adjusting the same bike anyway. I want to try some crits next season, so I want the CAAD for that. The new bike will be the one that I load all the "necessities" onto like a pump, an extra water cage, a light, etc.
Plus, I wanted a bike with a compact crank for some steeper hills. The CAAD is 52/36.

I do think you are correct though about not being used to a ride of that length...plus the cold.

Jakedatc

well i'm a skinny ass climber guy so i don't have much personal insulation. yesterday was 48F with little wind. I had what i posted except on top i had long sleeve jersey and vest instead of my jacket. Mostly it comes down to figuring out what works for yourself.

looks like OP is just wanting a new bike and looking for a reason

PepeM

Sounds like a compact to me.

Maelochs

Wish i could afford to buy a new bike after every ride (drools with envy ... 0

2manybikes

And I think, you were drafting the GF.

Jakedatc

Did you see us too Steve? i saw Raul from NBW in his car and waved at us haha

rpenmanparker 

No OP, that WAS your +1. Now that you bought it, it is just part of your N. +1 is always the next one.

2manybikes

Once going north, and once going south on the path. I had no helmet, a baseball cap and a hooded jacket. Test riding a new beater bike.
It's green bike with panniers. I'm sure I looked like a homeless person.

roccobike

Sounds like you had a good ride. I don't ride alone anymore. All my rides are with clubs. IMHO, even the bad rides are better than riding alone.

Stratocaster

50/34

Stratocaster

I know...but the next +1 is likely waaaaay in the future.