tonphil1960

Hi all, I am getting back into riding after a 25 year break, I am 6'3" 195# so weight is not my problem, too many years smoking and the last ten years not doing physical work have left me with very little endurance.
How many miles should one start with, what kind of schedule should I follow as far as increasing my time and miles.
I have a Trek 7100, love it so far. I did 5 miles last weekend, could have maybe doubled it but had to get somewhere, no trouble doing the 5, (I know it's nothing) Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks Tony

Bolo Grubb

Take it slow and keep it fun

Increase your distance slowly, maybe 10% a week. Right now do not worry about speed, just ride. Get in alot of base miles.

Ride down to your local library and see what they have for books on cycling. THey can be a big help. Continue to post and read hear but know that many (like me) don't have a clue as to what we are talking about

Radworld

Tony...

I'm in relatively the same boat in getting back to biking and starting reading these boards. The consensus I have heard is staying out time vs distance. But the main thing to keep doing is keep riding. If you only have time for a five mile ride...take it. In starting out grab any oppurtunity to get out on the bike. I don't know where you live but I made a decision to bike anywhere in town for errands. My confidence has been coming back more and more each day. I know I passed a marker today. It was thunderstorming and blowing. Some vey wild weather...which I love. My wife stood next to me and said. "I bet you love this storm!" and I replied

"Yeah but I'm not going to be able to get on on the bike..."

Good luck to you on your rides.

Smoothie104

When I made my comeback, I did 1000 miles in the little ring only. I had problems with tendonitis in my patellar tendon, It would flare up if I tried to push a bigger gear. I rode my base miles in the fall and winter, it was not as much fun as drilling it all the time, but now I can hammer a several times a week, with no pain whatsoever, as long as I stretch my hamstrings a little.

tonphil1960

Thanks guys, yeah I am going to try to at least get out 3 times a week and just get some miles under my belt. Thanks

Tony

John M

Welcome to the fourm Tony. I was in the same boat as you in April. I started out with 5 mi and worked my way back up to where I am now. 20 - 25 Tue/Thu and 30 - 35 Sat/Sun. It is all I have time for, but it works for me. Most of all enjoy your time and take at least one day off else your quads will hate you

tonphil1960

Hi John and thanks, Yeah that's what I had in mind too. tues and thurs and more on sat. Don't know if it's late in the year to get where I want to be my winter. I want to get up to at least 50 miles before it gets too cold to ride. That's 50 fairly level miles to be sure.

Thanks Tony

Bop Bop

Tonphil,

I'm in the same boat. Hadn't ridden since I was a kid, brought an EZ Sport last summer, rode for a while then put it away. Got back on it about 3 months ago and know I'm hooked.

I'm mid 50's, 5'8", 210 and out of shape (sorry ladies!). I started by riding around the block a few times a couple of times a week. I'm now up to 15 miles twice a week on Saturday and Sunday. Can't ride more as I live in AZ, day time temps this time of year average 110, night time mid 90's. Once the heat breaks in late September I'll add at least one night to begin with.

Set weekly goals, each one doesn't have to be to far past the last, maybe just a block or two, pretty soon you'll have the distance your looking for. One thing I can tell you it's a great feeling riding past a former goal you may have struggled to get to a week or two ago. Now your passing it as if it means nothing and not even breathing hard.

Good luck, enjoy yourself!