A couple of firsts....

[rh100]

Hi

Just thought I'd share how I'm getting along

Yesterday, I finally conquered the hill on the way to work on a practice ride, it's only short but steeper than some others round here. really chuffed that I managed it, as I was taking two or three rest stops before I could get to the top. Then went on to do a longer ride than normal, including a bit of on-road riding, got home and the GPS showed about 9.8 mile, so went to the shops and back to get past the 10 mile mark for the first time. Oh, and I got chased by a bloody big dog aswell.

I decided to commute in today, as we wear casual on Friday's, had to stop on the hill this time but I don't mind as it's going to take practice. it's my legs getting tired now where before i was out of breath. Then after work I rode on up to the shops a couple of mile away, then onto the (not so local) LBS and then all the way back home again. A total of about 12 miles in total - with some hills thrown in.

Pavements were full of kids on the way back, so had to use the tiny bike lane which was really unnerving - I know I've got to do it sometime but Friday rush hour wasn't the best choice - but felt very liberating and much quicker - a couple of miles just flew by.

Would be interested to hear of other people's experiences when first going on road - especially in busy areas. I'm lucky that 95% of the short route to work is off road bike lane - but I know if I want to go further distance I will need to get used to normal roads.

Rich

 

[Cubist]

Well done mate, those are some impressive milestones! Once you start riding on the road a bit more often your confidence will grow. There's every chance that you will find longer and more interesting routes and increase your distances almost without thinking. There are two things you could try, either choosing your timing so that you aren't in rush hour, or do a bikeability course. They are designed for adults and give you controlled exposure to traffic, but most importantly equip you with the skills you need.

I've checked, and unfortunately Solihull MBC don't offer the course (typical bloody Solihull!) but this page shows some "near you" links:
http://www.bikeability.org.uk/what_is_bikeability__/bikeability_near_you.php?LAid=96

As for hills, don't let them become your demon. You will find yourself avoiding them and using excuses. When I got back into cycling I was terrified of them. They made me hurt, they made me out of breath, I had to stop and push the bike up them, they made me sweaty, but living where I do I couldn't avoid them unless I wanted to limit my riding to towpaths. A year on and I actually enjoy the challenges. Start off by accepting that you won't be able to ride all of them first go, but set yourself new personal targets and milestones like you appear to have done with the distances. Accept that you will be out of breath, and your legs will be sore, but go for some of them and see whether you can get halfway up before a breather. Then in stead of pushing, rest your legs and start off again in a nice low gear. Next time head for another ten yards before you need a break, and so on.

Most of all, enjoy yourelf. You've done a great deal to change your fitness levels, probably without realising it. The only way is up!

 

[rh100]

Thanks for the link Cubist, it looks like Birmingham do the bikeability course, I'll make enquiries and see what they offer for adults.

I 'sort' of enjoy the hills now, at least when I get the top anyway When I stop I just rest my legs and have a bit of water,then have another go. The bike always feels so much lighter for a short while and then the legs tire again. But the sense of achievement helps to push on. I also find I do a bit better if I've rode a few miles flat first, as I tend to perform better after a few miles after warming the legs up to the point where a short ride out the park leaves me wanting to do more by the time I get home.


Rich

 

[caz]

Hi Rich,

Have a look at these two websites.

http://www.cycletosolihullday.org.uk/rides2009.html There is a cycle to solihull day tomorrow. You could join one of their rides depending on which one is closest to you - either Elmdon or Lyndon and they will guide you on the road to Solihull. If you don't fancy cycling in you could pop in and have a word with them at their stand in the High Street.

The other link http://www.cyclesolihull.org.uk/links.htm is again to do with them but on this page if you scroll down a bit you will see there is a link to "purr-fect peddaling" which provides one-to-one cycling training in Solihull. Again if you go into Solihull tomorrow somebody on the stand may be able to help you. Ask for Stephen Holt, he's one of the organisers.

 

[Banjo]

Congratulations on the progress rh100. I was very nervous amongst road traffic the only answer is to start on quiet roads and build up your confidence and skills as you go along.

I fitted a cateye mirror (about £10 from Halfords) I use it a lot and it avoids the shock of a car creeping up on you unnoticed.

Im sure you have been told about the book "Cyclecraft" its well worth buying or get it from the library as I did.It explains in depth how to ride in traffic ,negotiate roundabouts etc.I will get it out again soon for another read.

Good luck

 

[rh100]

Thanks for the links Caz, sadly real life will stop me getting to the Solihull event tomorrow. However I have bookmarked their site and the one for Purrfect pedalling, training is something I will definitely consider. As for group riding, I think I'm going to wait until I can do the mileage without too many stops first though.

Banjo, good idea about the mirror, saw one on a bike the other day, will have a look at that and the book (my shopping list is getting longer )

 

[Randochap]

Good going! As suggested above, find yourself a less busy road to practice.

Act like other traffic (at least the sane ones) and make your intentions clear. Assume all other motorized traffic (and not a few other cyclists) are out to get you.

Incidentally, bike paths are often statistically more dangerous than the roads.

Here's a group ride video to inspire you.

 

[rh100]

Here's a group ride video to inspire you.

You're all mad my fastest yet is 15mph, looked like fun though

Interesting point about the cycle paths being more dangerous, why is that? inexperienced riders or (more likely) ignorant drivers?

Thanks for the tips Rando

Rich

 

[GrasB]

Cycle paths it's about peds behaviour & no right-of-way at higher speeds. I often use cycle paths on my bike when I'm pottering along at 7 or 8 mph but much over 10mph & peds complete lack of respect for that white line & the cyclists side of it means I've ended up having to do emergency kerb hoping!

Cycle lanes give a false sense of security to both inexperience riders & non-cyclist (or even POB) drivers leading to misunderstandings & aggressive behaviour (eg car drivers blocking the cycle lane to stop you, legally, overtaking them because undertaking is illegal)

 

[Randochap]

What GrasB said.

More cyclists are wiped out at bike path intersections than anywhere else. And, yes, the dog walkers, peds and inexperienced cyclists make most trails almost unusable -- at least in urban areas.

I say that as someone who enjoys in my vicinity one of the best MUP systems to be found.

We may look mad, but we are an experienced group and riding a paceline is one of the best experiences in cycling. That train goes 30-45 kph on the flat. Not bad for us old farts.

 

[BentMikey]

Well done RH100! Very impressive, you're making huge strides of progress.

 

[rh100]

Cycle paths ... peds complete lack of respect for that white line & the cyclists side of it means I've ended up having to do emergency kerb hoping!

Yes, it was a bike 'lane' rather than path, just a line painted a couple of feet off the curb. I had one kid just decide to step into the gutter to walk along side his mates on the pavement, just metres in front of me causing me to swerve (and swear ) Its as if you just don't register on their radar.

Thanks for the advice/tips guys B)

 

[solmisation]

Check out your local council, they may have some info on cycling in the local area. When I started cycling again 4 months ago I picked up a book published by my local council outlining some cycle routes of varying distances and difficulties, but all using some of the quieter roads in my area. Enjoy the cycling

 

[rh100]

Good point Sol'. I did get a map from the council which shows several routes, several of which though are in other parts of the city or using the many canals around here. I think that the best bet is going to be heading out to countryside which isn't too far from me and just start getting used to it