NFields

This is for the non-racer, non-elite athlete, regularly, everyday Joe who has a job, wife and kids. How many miles did it take over several years until your engine arrived? By this I mean, how long did it take to get to where you could hang with the "A" group on club rides, ride at your best pace, and climb without blowing up? I have about 3000 miles in the last 2 years and feel about half way there.

Thanks,
NFields

Danielle

I have 7000 in the last year, and ride with the A group and local racers in my area. I started riding road July of last year.

dr_cantalope

In December I finished chemotherapy for cancer. In March I bought a a bike to get into shape (first time on a bike since about the age of 12). And come the first Sunday in August I am leading an "A" group ride for my local bike club. It's all about putting your mind to it.

The Octopus 

Amen. Bought first road bike in May 2004. Qualified for RAAM in September 2005. Hang (most of the time, although any mistakes and I'm off the back!) the with the crazy-fast racers in their training ride, which draws a few pros from time-to-time.

All that said, I've got no kids and Mrs. Octopus is super-supportive of all my riding (she rides with me whenever she can, and the new tandem has certainly helped out in that department!). Change either one of those variables and the equation would swiftly come out of balance....

anfieldmx5

i think this is a great thread. as some of you know i'm the noobie that quit smoking a month ago and have been riding for 2 weeks. Just finished a 30 mile ride in the hot sun today and i feel great,except for some pain in my left wrist. I hope to be up there soon.
I would like to hear other peoples experiences, esp. ex-smokers. This is a great forum and i am glad everyone has been so helpfull so far.
j.

Machka 

Speaking as the "average Jane" who has two jobs, attends University, and tries to maintain a life outside of cycling ....

I have covered 65042.15 miles (104675.19 kms) in the last 16 years .... and I STILL cannot hang with the "A" group on club rides, and climb without blowing up.

jjmolyet

Congrats, the worse is over for you. I am an ex-smoker(pack a day for about 10 years) you have picked the right way to get in shape. I didn't plan on this but I hate cigarettes, I have no urge to smoke and NOW I am irritated when I am around smokers. I believe cycling did this, I have worked so hard and have been commited to cycyling for so long now, I would never jeopardize my cycling for another smoke. I am more interested in what I can do to enhance my cycling, not sabotage it. Keep strong, and stay away from the situation where you loved to smoke, for me it was around the breakroom bull$%^$ing with co-workers, and BEER, the two go too well together! I switched to other adult beverages for awhile, but now I can have a beer with no problem. Didn't mean to be your coach, but I am so happy being a non-smoker, I get a thrill when others do the same! Kudos to you!

Bobby Lex

In my experience, there are "A" groups, and then there are "A" groups. Even among the same riders sometimes the rides are crazy-fast, and sometimes almost sedate. Weather conditions, especially strong winds can make a big difference, too.

But I've always heard that the general rule of thumb is that it takes 3 years to develop your "cycling legs".

IMO, you can get by with 3 rides a week; one endurance ride (2+ hours), 1 sprint interval ride (1+ hour), and 1 hill ride or LT ride (1+ hour), for a total of about 6 hours and 100--125 miles per week.

Bob