Completed another 2-lap ride earlier this afternoon after dropping my saddle 1/4-1/2 inch.

My rear-end did not get as uncomfortable today, but I did still notice my left hand start tingling about 1/3 of the way through the 2nd lap.

Total ride time today, 58:28. First lap, 29:13, second lap, 29:14. Average speed over 13.1 miles, 13.4 mph.

First climb, 2:23. Second climb, 2:25.

I spent this entire ride in the little chain ring (34-tooth) but really worked through the cassette (12-32) to try and maintain my cadence.

On the steeper downhills, I allowed myself to coast instead of trying to push my speed.

I still maxed out at just better than 30 mph on my one long descent and better than 20 mph on several shorter descents.

That's the plan, regardless of how long it takes.

No red lights. Two lane country roads with only three stop signs that may or may not make me come to a complete stop. Two stop signs have a clear view for well over 1/4 mile to check for oncoming traffic. The other requires me to slow considerably to ensure nothing is coming, and then has a very slight ascent for 3/4 mile.

I don't understand what you mean by "fifth gear" rider. Honestly, I still don't know how to articulate what gear I am using at any time.

True. I'm just using the numbers from the Garmin Connect app. Just to allow me to keep track of my progress.

I'll try to explain. The ratio or number is unimportant, so I put it in quotes. The point is as you get stronger, you will notice that you can ride for longer in higher gears. In effect, you graduate out of certain gears. Three years ago, I cruised along and spent most of my time in a certain gear, lets call it 3. After awhile, I graduated to the next gear (lets call it 4). Now I spend an awful lot of time in the next gear (I'll call it 5).

So you dropped like 7 minutes over 13 miles. Sounds like the first ride was limited by pain and did not reflect your real capability. Before long, you'll stop seeing dramatic time drops. The important thing is just to keep riding.

Brookhaven
 

Hello, From Brookhaven

Welcome from another old guy, also in the southeast and another newbie. Enjoy your rides. Push within comfortable limits. Hope you reach your goals.

Howdy!

Thank you.

I don't know if the first day was a bad day or the second day was a good day - probably some of each.

Haven't been riding outside due to schedule, weather and darkness.

I invested in a Zwift Ride for a Christmas present to myself. It got here four days ago. I put it together the evening it got here and I've rode it at least 30 minutes every day since. I like it considerably more than the stationary bicycle at the gym.

One advantage of living this far south is it is almost never too cold or icy out to ride. Flip side of that is lots of days in the 90s when the sun will bake you. Give a little, take a little I guess.

Welcome, from SE Wisconsin. Sounds like you're really put some work in.

Keep at it, but do allow yourself rest days where you don't push as hard, so your muscles can recover. Just as important, prioritize good sleep!

Enjoy your stay.