Okay, I need some help?

[haye13]

Right Hi everyone,

I need some advice. In 2014 I bought my first ever road bike ( Viking race - not amazing but I was still at school ). That year was my best for cycling, I was out every week and could tell over the months how much better I had become.

2015 meant I was in my final year of GCSE's and under a lot of pressure so cycling was put on the back burner. After completing my GCSE's I had around 3 months worth of free time, I went out on my bike now and again but nothing compared to the previous year. I then started an apprenticeship and again cycling got put aside whilst I got settled in.

Skip to this year and at Christmas I got some rollers, I want to make this my best year yet so I am looking for some advice on how I can do this, what's my next step?

And if there was someone who would like to stay in touch with me to see how I'm getting on that would be greatly appreciated.

Many Thanks
Nathan

 

[Citius]

Skip to this year and at Christmas I got some rollers, I want to make this my best year yet so I am looking for some advice on how I can do this, what's my next step?

Join a club - start racing.

 

[haye13]

Join a club - start racing.

Did I mention I have asthma

 

[0lonerider]

The sky ride site have a local section for local events, group rides and riders looking for buddy's ect

 

[Citius]

Did I mention I have asthma

No you didn't. Although I know several racers with asthma...

 

[mjr]

Can you commute? If it's not far then it'll mean cycling won't take extra time if you're busy.

Cycling day trips and tours to see interesting stuff on your days off?

 

[night cycler]

I found that what works best for me is having a monthly target. My target is the same (100 miles) each month. It is just achievable for me without making me too uncomfortable, but still requires an element of effort. I know that I would be “copping out” of riding on cold days if I did not have this little target to motivate me. Don’t set yourself a target that is so difficult that it will make you lose interest.

I find that having a Velo cycle computer is a good motivator too. It ensures I complete the mileage I have set out to do on any given ride. I also prefer to ride alternate days, not every day.

This is just what suites me. Other riders will have different methods. However you decide to ride & train etc, try to keep it a fun thing.

 

[screenman]

No you didn't. Although I know several racers with asthma...

And I know several more, along with rugby players, runners, swimmers etc.

Just take the doctors advice.

 

[haye13]

The sky ride site have a local section for local events, group rides and riders looking for buddy's ect

I'll have a look thank's

 

[haye13]

I found that what works best for me is having a monthly target. My target is the same (100 miles) each month. It is just achievable for me without making me too uncomfortable, but still requires an element of effort. I know that I would be “copping out” of riding on cold days if I did not have this little target to motivate me. Don’t set yourself a target that is so difficult that it will make you lose interest.

I find that having a Velo cycle computer is a good motivator too. It ensures I complete the mileage I have set out to do on any given ride. I also prefer to ride alternate days, not every day.

This is just what suites me. Other riders will have different methods. However you decide to ride & train etc, try to keep it a fun thing.

Great idea, I use an app to track my distance etc but I am thinking about getting a computer to go on my bike.

 

[screenman]

I would suggest like Citius did, join a club.

 

[bozmandb9]

Great idea, I use an app to track my distance etc but I am thinking about getting a computer to go on my bike.

I'd say go for it. Clearly you're young, and maybe have some great competitive years ahead of you. In fact, you certainly have great years of competition ahead, if nothing else, you can compete with yourself. So I'd encourage the tech route. Get a GPS computer, so you can track everything you do, and compare ride with ride, month with month, year by year. Ideally integrate heart rate and cadence as well, so you can also look at your effort level, and get your cadence right.

Other than that, find local rides (don't have to join a club, one of my local rides is a Local Bike Shop ride), and/ or find local people to ride with. Don't be afraid to chat to people on the road (especially if you see guys of your age). Find your local velodrome, and see if you can ride there on open nights, or see if they have a youth club where you can learn bike handling.

Finally, look at joining British Cycling or CTC. This will give you access to insurance, a race licence, plus advice, and information on loads of events/ races etc.

And keep at it, good luck!

 

[Yellow Saddle]

Get a training plan.

 

[cyberknight]

I would suggest like Citius did, join a club.

Seconded, theres more to clubs than just racing .The more experienced riders can share a lot of information,motivation and inspiration.

As for asthma its difficult to say without knowing how severe you are and were not your doctor so we can only offer anecdotal advice, mine is ....
When i did martial arts aguy joined the club and needed an inhaler a few times each lesson and eventually he managed to do each class without it at all.

 

[mjr]

Equally, there's more to cycling than racing!