Newbie..... Sevenoaks, Kent

[Louie]

Hi all......

I've just joined the cycling community after a 36 year absence! Did my first ride on the new bike yesterday and managed to clock up 21km. Not a great deal I know, but I was pleased. Even though my legs nearly gave way when I tried to run up the stairs on my return!
Hope I can keep it going..... The bike wasn't cheap and I would hate to thing that I wasted the money.

Louie

 

[ianrauk]

Hi Louie,

Welcome to Cycle Chat..

I'm not a million miles away from yourself.
21KM is a great start
When I took up cycling again 8 years ago after a 20 year break, it was all I could do to do 3km's.

 

[Hill Wimp]

pretty close to you too. There's some great cycling around you and some great advice on here too.

Its all about the ride, not the rider, bike or kit. Just get out there, keep pedalling, look at what's around you the miles will fly past.

 

[Louie]

Thanks for the welcomes! I'll be looking through the forums for advice on all kinds of things pretty soon. (I've actually started already!)
Yes it's a nice area to cycle in, but bloody hills everywhere too!!

 

[Hill Wimp]

Thanks for the welcomes! I'll be looking through the forums for advice on all kinds of things pretty soon. (I've actually started already!)
Yes it's a nice area to cycle in, but bloody hills everywhere too!!

When you get you mileage up head down through Dunks Green, West Peckham, Hadlow, East Peckham and to the flatlands around Yalding and Marden. They are all fantastic areas to cycle and if I can manage the hills anyone can its just pace.

 

[Louie]

What kind of mileage would you knock up on a run out like that?

 

[ianrauk]

Indeed, try out the Cafe in Yalding, very cyclist friendly.

 

[Louie]

Sounds great! But I've definitely picked the wrong time of year to start I think!

 

[ianrauk]

Sounds great! But I've definitely picked the wrong time of year to start I think!

Far from it.
Dress correctly and cycling in the autumn and winter is great.
It rains far less then you think.

 

[Hill Wimp]

What kind of mileage would you knock up on a run out like that?

From where I am in West Malling about 50-60 but stretch it out towards Tenterden and Rye and its around 100 miles round trip.

Great cycling roads.

 

[i hate hills]

Welcome mate.

 

[Louie]

Well, I certainly look forward to feeling confident enough to plan a 50 - 60 mile ride! For the moment though I'd best stick to considerably smaller distances. I think I've woken up a few muscles that have been dormant for far too long. They're not happy right now!

 

[ianrauk]

It takes a while for your body to get used to the exercise. But keep it up. Push that little bit faster and further and you will surprise yourself at how quickly your body reacts.

Keep cycling. 'Smiles not miles' as the saying goes.

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

Hi Louie and .

Well done getting back into cycling. The first ride after a long break is always going to be hard so 21km is decent going.

It will get better the more you ride. Have fun.

 

[Biker Joe]

Hi and
Don't worry. You'll get the muscles into shape. You have to take it easy at first but, bit by bit, it all comes together.
You'll be fine. Remember to do some stretches after the ride it really helps.