Originally Posted by
Elvo
If you are averaging 20+ on 30 mile mountains, you probably have a VAM of 1200+ and will most likely be KOM on Strava and will be very successful in racing. For example, Ben King did this segment at a measly 19 mph:
Strava Segment | GMR to Baldy
Not even... 1) I ride in the hills not mountains. Most of the hills range from 100m to 0.5miles at the very longest. I rarely ever drop more than 2 gears and on alot I just stand up and stay in the same gear 2) I start and finish at the same elevation. 3) I ride 20 + or - not 20+. I did a true climb of about 1500ft a few weeks ago in Idaho. Higher elevation and no downhill segments - my speed dropped below 10mph on some stretches. I try to avoid delusion when possible
Originally Posted by
Yankeetowner
-Ride with 2-3 groups and also solo and you won't be limping your way back for long.
Depending on your other training (crossfit, etc.) and your diet, your weight will probably drop despite your gain in leg muscle. I am approximately your height (6'2 1/2") and before cycling I was 190-200 and not "fat". After cycling my weight has dropped to 170-175, and I've increased my caloric intake to avoid dropping below 170.
You should have no problems meeting your goals.
Getting more group rides will be difficult but I will try for more days solo. I spend a lot of necessary hours in my study hole at the library and try to practice soccer with my 4yo (the two things that take priority fam and school).
I am down from about 240 lbs already and have noticed a high % of that loss in my legs. I was sustaining that 240lbs while running 4mi 4x/wk at 7-8mph which is not fast but solid for a 240lber. I would love to get to a point where I am struggling to keep up with my caloric demands. I haven't seen that since I was a bachelor. Again good advice, thank you