romos31

Hello all,

I recently just bought my first road bike (specialized dolce) and I am in love. I have been cycling a total of 13.5 miles every day as my bike commute to work. I want to start expanding into riding around as I live in one of the most beautiful, diverse, bike friendly cities (Tucson, AZ). I would eventually love to ride up to 50 miles in one day (on a weekend sometime) but need some tips. Any questions on how to do this? I am scared to do it solo and haven't been able to find a group ride that accommodates my schedule.

Also, I am looking to keep weight off. I recently became a vegan (best decision of my life) back in October and feel great. I am worried that weight may start creeping up so I am trying to figure out a good way to keep it off. Figured with my bike commute of over 10 miles a day, that should help.

Thanks everyone!

-M

Big Lebowski

What are your fears about riding solo?

jon c. 

Welcome to BF. I graduated from the U of A in 83, but haven't been back to visit since about 87. I imagine Tucson is quite a bit larger now. I started riding again about a year and a half ago having not ridden at all since the 70s (I rode a Yamaha 500 when I lived in Tucson). I wasn't more than a few pound overweight when I started riding, but promptly dropped 15 to 20 pounds and have kept it off. Wasn't why I started riding, but I'm not complaining about that outcome.

I mostly ride alone and usually do about 35 miles, but when I have time I do 50. No reason to fear riding alone. Carry a spare tube and tire tools just in case. Otherwise, there isn't much that can go wrong if your bike is in decent shape. And if it's at all warm out, bring two water bottles. One won't cut in hot weather and doing the last 15 miles without water can be tough.

romos31

I'm worried about being in a situation I won't be able to figure out. I guess I should try and locate a bike class for things that may come up on a long ride. Or some websites. Being a single female opens my eyes up and I take safety very seriously.

romos31

Thank you, Jon C! I guess reassurance is what I need. My bike is in great shape and I have spare tubes and tools. Thanks for the reply!

BigJeff

Just eat a healthy breakfast of eggs, bacon, toast and butter for breakfast before a big ride.

Real riders eat 3 types of animal per meal. If you want to clean it up, go kosher.




Forgive my surliness, I had Pho' for lunch.... and I'm not sure what animal the tripe was from.... but it was uncooked (as expected) tasted AWESOME!!!!!!

dartfrogger

I have a friend who lives in Tucson and rides with a group of women called Team Soul Cycling. I know nothing about the group, but it might be something you could check out.

redcon1

I visited Tucson for business in December and rather than golf, I rented a road bike from Probike Tucson (great guys) and did a 56-mile loop they suggested, which included the Saguaro National Park loop. Awesome scenery and the weather in December was ideal for cycling. You are right about Tucson being bike-friendly... as I rode through the city I marvelled at the bike lanes on almost every street, and drivers that were aware and courteous to me as a cyclist.

So, find a group if you want some friends and motivation but don't hesistate to get out there and just ride!!

romos31

Thanks guys! I'm feeling more confident about riding solo

Bob Ross

You should look up GABA (Greater Arizona Bicycle...uh...Association, I think), they have a big presence in Tucson and can hook you up with group rides and like-minded cyclists.

dstrong 

It's one thing to have the stuff and another to know how to use it. Your local bike should should have an Intro to Bike Maintenance type class where they'll teach you how to change and/or fix a tube and make small adjustments to your bike. Knowing you can handle most on-road repair situations will make you more confident on your solo rides. Also...having a cell phone for emergencies is good.

Latif

I had some of the same fears as you when I recently started riding in August and I do ride solo a lot.I didn't have a flat for the first 4 months and felt like it's not going to happen to me till the day I had 2 flats. I had watched a you tube video about changing flats especially on the back and it really helped me get through it out on the road with night coming. As far as 50 miles, I started off thinking 5-10 would be great then found 20 just fine, tried 30 and except for sore buns did fine. Done one 50 so far and thinking about centuries now. Just add a bit to your ride length each week and you'll meet your goal and likely much more.
Although I haven't switched to fully vegan I've been primarily a vegatarian guy with occasional fish and chicken for a good number of years. Since starting this cycling thing I found a vegan triathalete guy, Brendan Brazier, who has a line of plant based supplement products, Vega,and who has written extensively about vegan nutrition for endurance athletes. His approach resonates well with me and I've been using his complete shake formula for my post ride smoothie.
Good luck!

atallen223

I just graduated from ASU, so you know my feelings about Tucson. If you want good riding go up to Phoenix

If you could swing a nodrop ride on the weekends it'd be the best bet for you IMO. They will help you find good routes around the area, and I believe it is much safer I think.