Originally Posted by
xlDooM
you're killing me
12mph is too fast for you. I can't even imagine how out of shape you must be if you can't ride 3 miles on the first attempt. My guess is you went to max heart rate rightaway, and your body panicked. 12mph in low wind conditions is about 130W of power output on a mountainbike. Walking briskly is about 100W, so you should aim for that until you feel good about it. That means no more than 10mph, less if there is wind (even a sidewind slows you down).
Ride safely without distractions (dedicated bike path if you can) until you are absolutely at home in the saddle. You can die easily in traffic if you can't panick stop without going over the bars.
Good luck!
I dont feel 12MPH is to fast though....
Im over 6'5
230 now (lost 10 pounds or gained it back idk its been 1 week).
Probally paniaced and went to fast since i tend to freak out easily
so i should go less then 10mph?
I do but theres no bike paths in my town and i am sure i can die in traffic
Originally Posted by
tarwheel
Keep at it and don't worry about your average speed. Fitness takes time and requires changes in lifestyle and diet, but you'll be glad that you did it. There are all sorts of cyclists who struggled when they first started and got fit enough over time to ride centuries and increase their speed.
Thanks