New to the UK

[Combi]

Hi gang,

I'm an American expatriate living in Nailsea and working in Bristol at least until 2016. Recently from Colorado, I've got about 16 years' experience road cycling at a strong recreational level (Triple Bypass and a couple of 5.5- to 6-hour centuries under my belt).

My fitness declined a bit after moving across the pond as I haven't put in more than 200-300 miles since last June. I'm still getting used to riding on the left, navigating tight(!) country roads, and taking my beloved road bike on some less-than-pristine bike routes (mud on the frame -- egads). Hope to join a local group soon and get some instruction from the kind folks at sustrans.

I'll be looking for advice, insights and opinions on riding in the UK. In return I hope I can offer advice for less experienced riders in areas such as training, nutrition and motivation.

 

[welsh dragon]

Hi. Welcome to the forum from powys. There are plenty of people here who are always willing to help and answer any questions you may have.

 

[Biker Joe]

Hi and a warm to you.

 

[medavidcook]

Hello & Welcome

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

Hi and Combi.

I imagine the conditions are a bit interesting after Colorado, especially as this winter has been so wet up 'til now. For insights into UK riding, the "your ride today" thread may be worth a look. Otherwise, there are lots of helpful people on here if you want to ask anything.

 

[ScotiaLass]

I'm married to an American and we live in Scotland.
He lived all over the states due to being in the Army and then Marines but has lived in Colorado too.
I hope you enjoy your time in the UK!

 

[icky]

Hi combi and must be a shock to the system coming from Colorado to our winter weather although its not been as cold this year as past winters.

 

[Bryony]

Hello and

 

[paul04]

Hello

 

[SteCenturion]

Hi & from GRrrrreat Britain.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

to CC and welcome to the UK, Combi.
If you like a clean bike you have your work cut out here
Road cycling: a Sustrans route might not be ideal

 

[Combi]

Wow -- thanks so much for your warm greetings!

So far the biggest differences I've noticed from Colorado are (a) slightly warmer and much wetter in winter, (b) hills are a lot shorter but generally steeper and (c) narrow roads. In Colorado I was PAMPERED with wide shoulders, clearly marked bike lanes/shoulders and visibility measured in miles (not to mention dry, sunny conditions). The biggest dangers were people in big trucks/SUVs who were mesmerized by their mobiles or who actively sought to intimidate cyclists. Actually, the latter didn't bother me as much since at least they saw me.

Here the roads are narrow and visibility is sometimes blocked by hedgerows -- I've noticed ears are at least as important as eyes. Drivers seem pretty aggressive, but they also seem to be alert (probably from driving narrow roads all the time). And so far I haven't been harassed even after making some bone-headed mistakes.

Again, thanks for your welcome!

 

[Simmer]

Hi

 

[fimm]

Hello and welcome!
I assume "Triple Bypass" is some kind of event?

 

[Combi]

The Triple Bypass is possibly the best-known one-day ride in Colorado -- registration for a few thousand riders is full in less than a day. It's ~120 miles over three mountain passes (hence the name) and stays above 10,000' elevation most of the ride (http://teamevergreen.org/triple). Glorious scenery, but painful at the end. The truly insane (a.k.a. "not me") ride back the day after.