Hello Everyone

Please be gentle with me I’m a newbie and this is my first post!

Basically I was just looking for some advice, you see I have just started using my Bike on a regular basis, a Team Saracen AWOL 2001 model MTB, as a form of fitness training for pre-season training for my Rugby season which starts in September.

I am a prop forward which is thought to be one of the most demanding positions, and I'm not one of the biggest lads in the world at 5ft 6".

Basically, after taking a look around on your forums, I have noticed that I do, far far less than some people do per day, but I was just looking for some tips and advice on my “training routine”, if that’s what you call it, LOL

I am 17 next month and have just started riding over the past 2-3 weeks on a daily basis, my minimum ride a day is 4 miles with Sunday being my “day of rest”, most of the time I usually do around 5 or 6 miles Monday-Saturday and every now and then maybe once or twice every week or two I go for probably a 15 mile ride from Coventry to around Solihull borough. But it seems to be more when I’m out with other people, like usually 14-15 miles. At current my Bike Computer says that I've done 80 miles since July 21.

Now I know it doesn’t sound particularly much compared to some of you heavy-weights on here, but I would really like you opinions and advice.

I chose cycling because it is Cross-Training instead of going to the weekly Beasting Sessions at the Rugby Club which to be frank will do nothing for you unless it’s a daily activity.
I understand it is around 3.2 miles = 1 Mile of Jogging, but I much prefer Cycling because you can go further out, keeps it interesting.

My usual routes are through-out the suburbs and my local area, but I go on a ride in the country around once or twice a week, which averages out at around 15-17 miles.

Any advice is appreciated…please spare me your ridicules LOL.

Thanks a Bunch

Alex.