My Mate Mick--He only started riding 6 weeks ago and initially borrowed My OCR which he is now buying. First few rides and he took the bike out on his own for 10 miles at a time. Then a gentle ride with our group for Pie and he still kept up the 10 mile rides twice a week. Then a bit of a slope- Nearly a hill but to him it felt like a mountain. 3% for a mile then an average of 8% for 1 more mile. He survived.

Last week was a 30 miler up North of where we live with a lot of up and down bits. Nothing severe but very tiring.

Well today was milage time. We have a route across the Marshes that is pretty flat and runs down to the coast. One of my early rides 20 years ago and in fact was the ride that got me into enjoying cycling. It is only a 30 miler so extended the ride a bit to a fantastic cafe right on the Seafront. Not exactly a cafe- but the English will know what I mean if I say "Greasy Spoon". Good basic food but mainly all fried---Burgers- hotdogs and Full English Breakfast. Just eggs on Toast for me but all Mick could manage was a Flapjack. The Pie did not look right so I gave it a miss.

We managed just on 14mph on the way out so as Mick was feeling OK- I upped the pace on the way back but only on the flat bits. Got him up to 20mph for about 5 miles into a headwind so that surprised me a bit. I would not let him lead out and I never normally see more than 18mph unless I am going downhill so 20 mph and I must be getting fitter. Came to a good quiet back road and it was time to see how his pedalling stroke is getting on. Slightly slow cadence but far better than it used to be- Saddle could do with going up an inch but that is next week,. Looks like Mick is coming on fine so time to give him his head and lead out. He maintained the 20 mph although I did lead him up the slopes as soon as his pace dropped. I kept the 20mph and at the top he was always right behind me. End of the ride and 41 miles in 2hrs 34 minutes riding. Not bad for a newbie.

So 6 weeks into getting on a bike for the first time in 30 years and he is coming on well. Next week is hills- and I do mean hills. he will climb 2,500 ft on a 30 mile ride and all the climbing will be in 10 miles. So if I get his pressures down to 60 PSI and get the brakes binding a bit-----I should be able to stay with him.

stapfam,

It sounds like you are one heck of a cycling coach! I admire you for promoting cycling with all of your mates.