First bike ride since my racer over 30 years ago

[Andyfromdonny]

good afternoon all
First time out today on a bike for a long time. My how the bikes have changed, they are not called racers anymore....
Just purchased a second hand bike to see how I get on before committing to a larger investment
- Just curious what is a reasonable distance to start at and to aim towards over the next few months....I have just done 25km so may feel some after effects tomorrow.
As a relative newcomer what is an reccomended average speed ?

Also just realised I went out without a puncture repair kit....is this a must and what else do you guys and gals tend to take with you

Thanks in advance

Andy

 

[steve50]

Firstly welcome to the forums.
Distance and speed is unimportant, how much you enjoy riding your bike is far more important. Take it easy, build up your bike fitness gradually, distance and speed will come along naturally. Its easier imo to carry a new inner tube as it is not always feasible to repair a puncture at the side of the road (night time, raining etc) far easier to change the tube and repair the puncture in the comfort of your own home. A good mini pump is handy to have, a couple of cable ties, a couple of quid for the coffee break / sandwich or cake stop. water bottle with drink of your choice and perhaps a lightweight waterproof jacket.

 

[RoubaixCube]

Distance/Speed are irrelevant, what matters most is that you enjoy the ride.

as for what i always leave the house with then i take my bike out... Bike pump (some take CO2 inflation kit to save space etc etc) at least one spare innertube ALWAYS, basic puncture repair kit & first aid kit which has plasters bandages & other assorted bits and bobs that one might need just incase myself or someone else takes a tumble.

The first aid kit that i have is this 57 peice one bought from Amazon but i have supplemented it with a AA Ultimate First Aid Kit because the 57 peice seemed a little light.

First aid kits are optional but its nice to be able to patch yourself up if you or somebody else takes a tumble because cycling while bleeding out from ouchies is never a fun experience.

 

[13 rider]

As others have said speed comes with fitness just enjoy putting in some miles.
I like you restarted cycling 18 months ago following a similar time gap .my first ride was 6 miles . I have since cycled over 5000 miles and regularly ride 50 plus miles . Bike fitness comes reasonably quickly . Just ride a distance that Dosn't exhaust you and slowly increase that distance . Spare tube is and a few tool tyre levers are a must if you don't won't to be pushing the bike home .
Biggest tip someone gave me is not to try and turn to big a gear your better off in a lower gear and spin your legs quicker .
Enjoy and keep us updated

 

[Kajjal]

Just take it easy and build up your distances gradually. Average speed will increase as you get fitter. Hills are the best way to gain fitness.

 

[mjr]

I take at least tyre levers, self adhesive patch and mini floor pump unless I'm OK if I have to walk home (so usually only to the village shop). Normally, I also carry an inner tube, multi tool, wrench, chain tool and magic link, puncture canister and hand wipes.

 

[Karlt]

Speed totally depends on terrain. You might manage around or even north of 20mph on perfectly flat roads in still conditions, and then find yourself averaging at around 12 the first time you take the bike into the Peak/Dartmoor/Dales/whatever.

 

[Dogtrousers]

Speed totally depends on terrain. You might manage around or even north of 20mph on perfectly flat roads in still conditions, and then find yourself averaging at around 12 the first time you take the bike into the Peak/Dartmoor/Dales/whatever.

Or you could be like me and manage 12mph on perfectly flat roads in still conditions. And ... er ... something less in hilly areas.

As the the OP's request for a recommended speed. I'd recommend 10mph, because it makes any calculations you may want to do easier. The other speed I'd recommend is 20km/h for the same reason. Averaging any strange numbers means it's much harder to work out estimated times for distances. I don't recommend that

 

[Racing roadkill]

Welcome along. I hope you're finding that riding is an enjoyable experience so far. As far as speeds are concerned, just aim for a speed, that you feel safe and confident with. The fitter and more experienced you get, the faster this will get. As far as kit to carry, is concerned, I'd always advise carrying a spare inner tube, and a pump, a charged phone, and some money. Anything else is very much up to you. Don't worry about 'Cadence' ( the speed at which you turn the pedals). Choose a gear and speed, which allows you to make the progress you want to be making, without putting stress on your joints. Some people find a bigger gear / lower pedal speed is more comfortable / works for them, some prefer 'gerbiling' ( not the Urban dictionary definition, but low gear, high pedal speed ). Get the bike fitted to you by a Local bike shop, it will be the best money you can spend to begin with. Enjoy your cycling, the distances / speed will come with time / practice.

 

[Alberto Balsam]

Personally, I wouldn't get hung up on a speed 'number' just splodge round at what feels comfortable for you. Mostly though; enjoy yourself.

 

[Andyfromdonny]

Thank you all for the replies
2nd run out today and did the same route so I can look to see what my normal pace is like. I'll probably do this for a few more runs.the good news is no after effects from Sunday and in fact took me 10 minutes less in what seemed windier conditions, although I did not set out to do this it just felt more comfortable so as you say technique and speed will come.

Happy cycling all