qcpmsame 

No I didn't ride a crit or anything like that, a corner in my cycling fitness. We had a mild winter here, (not going to rub that in to you in the plains, midwest and eastern seaboard,) so I didn't lose time and fitness to weather. The last few weeks I have noticed that my rides have gotten faster and our mole-hills don't bring a twinge of fear like they used to. Even the weeks of gusty winds we have had haven't stopped my riding or slowed me as much as it used to. I think that a base is beginning to be built, hopefully, it will become even better as the season gets in to full swing here. The bike fit and its set-up seem to be just in a groove for me, everything feels right on the bike while I am riding, regardless of if I am just spinning on a flat straight or climbing. Please don't wake me up if I am dreaming.

I cannot say thank you enough to all of the 50+ gang here, the encouragement and support have helped me to keep riding and to overcome the problems I have. I hope each of you can get this rare feeling, I know how low I have felt at times and how great things feel right now when I am riding. Now if the winter will just let go and the warm weather can set in so the season can begin in earnest.

Bill

freedomrider1

WOW That is a great report Bill.

DougG

I know the feeling, Bill. I hope it stays with you for a long time!

Biker395 

Sweet. It takes a long time to build to that base level of conditioning, and the good news is that it sticks around. Keep it up!

msujmccorm

That's great to hear, it gives us newbies hope.
I think I will be in your area for the 4th of July. Maybe we can get together for a ride? It's my birthday and I am thinking of trying to ride my age (52). I think our winter is still here. I did the 30 mile charity ride Saturday and froze for the first 5-10 miles.

RonH

Glad to hear it Bill. Now you have no excuse for not joining in on some of the rides down this way.

az_cyclist

Good job, Bill! Doesnt it feel great to achieve a new level of fitness?

jppe

It's funny how the "science" of fitness works isn't it? I noticed the same thing but it is certainly more of an evolution than an immediate overnight change. It's not something you can "take a pill for" one night and wake up the next day with a step change in endurance, power, etc. On second thought maybe I should ask the Spanish doctor to see if there IS a pill. Seriously I prefer the tried and true method like you're doing.

I kept telling myself while I was suffering out riding in the winter and averaging 2-3 mph slower than I thought I should be averagaing I would be rewarded at some point. It's really great when you can see some advances here in there. Keep it going.

climberguy

That's great to hear, Bill, especially in light of things you've been through and things you still have to deal with. It's an inspiration to those of us not there yet. Thanks.

Dave

Dudelsack 

Well now you tell us.

Many folks are finding their legs this time of year. It's a nice feeling, and great that Bill has found favor with the cycling gods. In a personal communication I had advised him to sacrifice a small goat. I bet that helped.

For me, I wonder if the 8 million dollars I've spent on Androgel is finally kicking in.

John_V 

That sounds awesome, Bill! Congrats on starting to see an improvement in your riding and hoping that you continue to improve from where you are at now.

Now, if only that would be my case. Since the doctor changed my leukemia medication, last month, I have been seeing my progress go in the other direction. The new med is causing some serious anemia that is causing me to breath harder with each ride. My 1.5 mile warmup distance is now around 6-8 miles and I still have problems getting my respirations under control, at times. And my legs are not getting enough oxygen since my red cell and hemoglobin counts are really low, and by the time I end a ride, my legs feel like cement blocks. That has never happened before, even on 100K+ rides. He changed the dosage, on Thursday, to a lower dose but the pharmacy screwed up and sent the wrong dosage, so now I don't start the new dosage until Wednesday. I'm hoping that I don't have to wait a month to see any improvements.

Rick@OCRR

Good training miles qcpmsame, it always pays off. Yes, it does take awhile to build the base, and there is no magic involved, but it is very rewarding when the plan comes together and what used to cause suffering is now easy! Congratulations!

Rick / OCRR

North Coast Joe

That's great, Bill! I thought I've felt the same way recently, but after careful evaluation it's slightly different. For a while there I thought the fitness level was going up and yadda, yadda.

It turns out that it's just so much more pleasant cycling in the recent sunny, 70 degree weather than it was during the Winter here in Northern Ohio. I started cycling almost daily last November.... I never believed you folks that someday cycling would be a pleasant experience. I was almost convinced that cycling was supposed to be like riding out a storm while tied to the masthead!

Glad you're feeling your oats, fella'!

NOS88

Thanks for sharing that, Bill.

qcpmsame 

Thanks everyone, no magic pill, sorry Dudel, it is simply mileage and diet. I was frightened so badly when I was diagnosed with the Renal Failure I just went in to things whole hawg, very strict diet and I ride every day it is possible. I guess that is a simple "Magic Pill", if you will.

John_V, I'm sorry your medication is not working for you, please be careful with yourself, that is pretty scarry. Please keep us posted on how you are doing, I will have you in my prayers for strength and healing, keep riding when it is safe to do so.

Bill

Mort Canard

Bill,
Good to hear that you are making progress on both the health and fitness fronts. It's a great feeling when you see your moving averages bump up to new levels every now and then.

John,
Here's hoping that the new meds will allow you to get back on track with your riding. Keep the leukemia at bay and stay well.

Randy Bosma

Sounds like a sack of dudel if ya ask me....

JimF22003

Consider the corner turned! It seems like all spring has been fits and starts for me. I finally get into a groove, and then the weather, or work sets me back, and I feel like I'm starting all over again.

I had two months of prime summer riding taken away with illness last year. I really appreciate the encouragement you gave me through that rough time.

Like I say every year, this year it's gonna be different

Rowan

Bill, one of the real pleasures of these forums is reading your posts, and even better when you can report such positive progress with your riding.

I and Machka hope that the improved cycling fitness translates into improve overall health.

I often think that the increased blood flow to our organs resulting from exercise helps increase the recovery and rebuilding process. Just make sure you get the rest you need.

Bikey Mikey

How I missed this thread, I'm unsure. Good job Bill. You are an inspiration as are so many on this forum.

billydonn

On form just in time for the Giro. Smart.

qcpmsame 

Again, thanks very much, the encouragement I receive here is what keeps me motivated to ride better and more. I added two more hills with a slight adjustment to my route this afternoon and didn't mind at all. I believe I may go riding tomorrow, too.

Bill

Dudelsack 

Love conquers all, but a good bike ride works wonders too.

Dan Burkhart 

Good stuff Bill. Keep it up..

jdon

Great to hear Bill. My mother, brother and sister all have kidney disease so I am aware of the effects on lifestyle. Funny how sickness encourages good health. Keep smiling!