Show us your.......newbie progress! [4 Sep 2012 - 4 Oct 2014]

[Nomadski]

When I go out riding with our lass, I just sit behind her and let her go at her own pace, have quite quickly got her up to 25 miles, does take us 2.5 hours though, but I do get a cup of coffee and a biscuit half way round.

Be honest, you just want her to do all the hard work!

Re the rain, you can only get so wet, the biggest pain is getting all your kit dry if you are commuting.

For me, the biggest pain would be having to take the saddle off and turn the bike upside down to drain the bottom bracket of water!

Had a little pop up to Evans to get a chain checker tool. Found chain has passed the 50% mark, but not yet 75% which would have said me buying a new chain right now....if I hadn't already ordered one last night! Ah well, going to need it sometime.

Got 2 PB's which was surprising.

http://app.strava.com/activities/73386626#

#4milesislessthanmyfirstrideayearagolol

 

[Nigelnaturist]

@Nomadski
Not surprised after all those miles on Sunday. Suppose another tool to buy.

Edit cheaper to buy a new chain twice, but then my bike is cheap.

 

[Hill Wimp]

Well after passing 8,000 miles in total the other day, I am still behind Mo today having just passed 5,000 mile, Well done Mo on getting passed 5,000 miles before me. The best part of todays ride was managing to do a local clubs TT in under 30 mins (26:32 8.1 miles @ 18.3mph), I am still a long way down the list though.
To those that have joined in recent weeks I don't ride an expensive bike, it cost £300 in 2008, but I didn't start seriously till June 2012 and I really didn't know much apart from what I had from my youth. The bike has had quite a bit spent on it mainly tyres chains cassettes as they have worn out, saddle, bars and stem (the last two because I stripped a thread in the old stem, and the new was a different size for the bars) the new bars are also better position wise, as I say its still a cheap bike compared with some, but I can now turn in avg speeds that are as good as some on much more expensive bikes.
So when you hear so much about equipment, its not the main factor, just get out ride as often as you feel you can, to improve put some effort in (doesn't have to be every ride), and you will look back and think it's been a difficult lerning curve but the rewards both health wise and the ability to go where you want under your own steam is one of the best feelings about cycling I think.

Guys can I leave the thread now.

Well said that man and no you can't leave. Where would us newbies be without you grounding sense and careful explanations of confusing things likes gears and chains etc. When we get bashed on the pro site for trying to inject a sense of humour ( don't do it, they don't have one) we need a safe haven to retreat to. Your tips and threads are priceless to us that need them.

How about you being called the Ultra Newbie, or Newbie with knowledge or The Wise Newbie ?

 

[RWright]

I got my CC one year alert today. Y'all have put up with me for a year. I know, it probably seems like forever.

The forums here and this thread in particular have been a great aid in getting me through a year that has been very beneficial for me. A year ago my weight was much higher than I realized and my blood pressure was crazy high, they wanted to put me in the hospital until my BP was somewhat under control. I would not agree to that but I knew it was time to make some changes. In the past year I have got my blood pressure back to reasonable levels and am in much better shape now. I am now just taking an aspirin and one other pill daily, down from about 4 different medications about a year ago. I hope to even get off the other pill eventually. I have also lost 4 stone 9 lbs. since last August. I hope to lose more too.

I started logging some rides about a year ago as well. I started out averaging 10 to 12 mph and was doing around 10 miles most of the time. I had done some riding about a year before that but had stopped as soon as the weather started getting cool. The forums here really helped motivate me when the cool weather rolled around this past year. Another big motivation was seeing the progress of others that had started a little before and about the same time as I had. There were a lot of times I probably would not have gotten out if I had not seen them going out in even colder and wetter conditions. It was tough some days but unless I was coming down with a cold or something, I almost always felt better after I rode, well besides cold fingers when I chose the wrong glove for the ride, and almost making my nose raw from having to blow it so much when I was riding out in the cold. Maybe I will buy some softer paper towels this year.

Right now I have no current goals other than keep doing what I have been doing until maybe the end of this year. Just getting miles in on the bike and a little walking and a little free weight lifting to keep the upper body toned. I am starting to explore some condition programs for riding faster and longer but that is not an immediate priority, it may never be but I know how I am. Just riding will increase your speed and stamina so I am going to go with that plan for a little while longer. I think I can put up solo rides of about 15 mph over reasonable elevations about any time I want to now so I am happy with that, just going to ride and enjoy the scenery mostly for now but I do know I will get the urge to see what I can do now and then. I feel sure I will do some faster pace rides and longer distances along the way too, whenever I feel like it will be fun.

Just wanted to tell everyone thanks for the motivation and help during my first year here.

 

[BrianEvesham]

Yeah we are all coming up to one year then, my trophy awarded today as well.

 

[Nomadski]

I got my CC one year alert today. Y'all have put up with me for a year. I know, it probably seems like forever.

The forums here and this thread in particular have been a great aid in getting me through a year that has been very beneficial for me. A year ago my weight was much higher than I realized and my blood pressure was crazy high, they wanted to put me in the hospital until my BP was somewhat under control. I would not agree to that but I knew it was time to make some changes. In the past year I have got my blood pressure back to reasonable levels and am in much better shape now. I am now just taking an aspirin and one other pill daily, down from about 4 different medications about a year ago. I hope to even get off the other pill eventually. I have also lost 4 stone 9 lbs. since last August. I hope to lose more too.

I started logging some rides about a year ago as well. I started out averaging 10 to 12 mph and was doing around 10 miles most of the time. I had done some riding about a year before that but had stopped as soon as the weather started getting cool. The forums here really helped motivate me when the cool weather rolled around this past year. Another big motivation was seeing the progress of others that had started a little before and about the same time as I had. There were a lot of times I probably would not have gotten out if I had not seen them going out in even colder and wetter conditions. It was tough some days but unless I was coming down with a cold or something, I almost always felt better after I rode, well besides cold fingers when I chose the wrong glove for the ride, and almost making my nose raw from having to blow it so much when I was riding out in the cold. Maybe I will buy some softer paper towels this year.

Right now I have no current goals other than keep doing what I have been doing until maybe the end of this year. Just getting miles in on the bike and a little walking and a little free weight lifting to keep the upper body toned. I am starting to explore some condition programs for riding faster and longer but that is not an immediate priority, it may never be but I know how I am. Just riding will increase your speed and stamina so I am going to go with that plan for a little while longer. I think I can put up solo rides of about 15 mph over reasonable elevations about any time I want to now so I am happy with that, just going to ride and enjoy the scenery mostly for now but I do know I will get the urge to see what I can do now and then. I feel sure I will do some faster pace rides and longer distances along the way too, whenever I feel like it will be fun.

Just wanted to tell everyone thanks for the motivation and help during my first year here.

Great story @RWright and I'm sure a lot of people in this thread will relate to different parts of it. As I bet some of the newblood newbies coming in will get some inspiration from it too. Its never about how far or how fast in this thread, which is what makes it so good, its about getting out and doing it, for whatever reasons you have. May be general fitness, health recovery, entertainment, or training for more serious events, all good and valid reasons for going out on your bike, and wether its 5 miles @10mph or 50 miles @18mph its all good.

I certainly appreciate your comments about motivation from this thread, its normally guilt that sweeps over me when I read about @Nigelnaturist or @Mo1959 going out when its crazy cold! Have been out there myself last winter, at least with the knowledge I'm not alone in doing it!

My wife has high BP so this is another little feather in the hat for getting the idea of cycling round to her. It is working, but finding it very difficult to find not too expensive bikes which have 14"/35cm frames (she is only 5ft tall).

 

[Nigelnaturist]

Yeah we are all coming up to one year then, my trophy awarded today as well.

And look at what you have lost in weight Brian, well done I remember when first got under 20st how happy you seemed to be, and likewise @RWright, both incredible testimony to what cycling can do for you, I had different goals to get to and maintain an avg 15mph, (which at some points seemed ever so far away) so I could take my camera kit out, it never really happened, cycling sort of took over.
Like Rocky said the inspiration in this thread alone helped me, one of the most enjoyable things was watching @Mo1959 creep up on me on mycyclinglog and not being able to do a dam thing about it, another amazing achievement.
We all get bouts of what am I doing especially if you are doing high mileages, the one thing I found is it's ok to take some time out (not to long though), I have always come back stronger and fitter for the rest.
Those of us that have been in this thread from the outset can all relate to the improvements its made to our health, and the damage to our pockets.
I can't forget Chris (@Supersuperleeds) I am not sure at which you came in, but the mileage you do is outstanding, one of the highest in the whole of CC.
And not forgetting all those that signed up and have complete events (be it for a charity or your own goals), there have been some amazing (life changing ) stories over this last year.
However one person seems to missing James (@Typhon) who created this thread, unless I have missed something.

So to all the newbies that have joined this thread, just ride what you have, your own direction will take you where you need to go in cycling, dont get hung up on kit (though padded shorts are a must have), it's the cycling thats important.
Sorry to rabbit on.

 

[Nigelnaturist]

Great story @RWright and I'm sure a lot of people in this thread will relate to different parts of it. As I bet some of the newblood newbies coming in will get some inspiration from it too. Its never about how far or how fast in this thread, which is what makes it so good, its about getting out and doing it, for whatever reasons you have. May be general fitness, health recovery, entertainment, or training for more serious events, all good and valid reasons for going out on your bike, and wether its 5 miles @10mph or 50 miles @18mph its all good.

I certainly appreciate your comments about motivation from this thread, its normally guilt that sweeps over me when I read about @Nigelnaturist or @Mo1959 going out when its crazy cold! Have been out there myself last winter, at least with the knowledge I'm not alone in doing it!

My wife has high BP so this is another little feather in the hat for getting the idea of cycling round to her. It is working, but finding it very difficult to find not too expensive bikes which have 14"/35cm frames (she is only 5ft tall).

Forgot about that.
I wish my O.H. would, but alas she has no interest at all, though she has stopped taking the mick, after the winter about being a fair weather cyclist, neoprene over shoes this year I think, I got some of the Aldi overshoes, so if ever gets as cold as last year, hopefully my feet wont be quite the blocks of ice they were last.

 

[Supersuperleeds]

And look at what you have lost in weight Brian, well done I remember when first got under 20st how happy you seemed to be, and likewise @RWright, both incredible testimony to what cycling can do for you, I had different goals to get to and maintain an avg 15mph, (which at some points seemed ever so far away) so I could take my camera kit out, it never really happened, cycling sort of took over.
Like Rocky said the inspiration in this thread alone helped me, one of the most enjoyable things was watching @Mo1959 creep up on me on mycyclinglog and not being able to do a dam thing about it, another amazing achievement.
We all get bouts of what am I doing especially if you are doing high mileages, the one thing I found is it's ok to take some time out (not to long though), I have always come back stronger and fitter for the rest.
Those of us that have been in this thread from the outset can all relate to the improvements its made to our health, and the damage to our pockets.
I can't forget Chris (@Supersuperleeds) I am not sure at which you came in, but the mileage you do is outstanding, one of the highest in the whole of CC.
And not forgetting all those that signed up and have complete events (be it for a charity or your own goals), there have been some amazing (life changing ) stories over this last year.
However one person seems to missing James (@Typhon) who created this thread, unless I have missed something.

So to all the newbies that have joined this thread, just ride what you have, your own direction will take you where you need to go in cycling, dont get hung up on kit (though padded shorts are a must have), it's the cycling thats important.
Sorry to rabbit on.

Cheers Nigel. My first logged ride on mycyclelog is 24th November last year, so I guess I joined around then. I may do high mileage, but compared to a lot on here, the rides are pretty flat. Joining this place and particularly this thread has really kept me going.

 

[fivepence]

A trip out into the unknown this evening , not even been on these roads by car so didn't know what to expect, ended up baulking at some of the hills due to their grade and length and stopping for a break, tho i ll be back in next day or so to properly conquer

http://www.strava.com/activities/73415124

 

[eevvee]

I have not yet reached the 1 year milestone (is that the correct word?) but I too find much inspiration in the posts/rides of Nigel, Mo, Nomadski et al. A great thread which I enjoy following.

My first attempt at a 50 mile ride tomorrow.......

 

[Nigelnaturist]

A trip out into the unknown this evening , not even been on these roads by car so didn't know what to expect, ended up baulking at some of the hills due to their grade and length and stopping for a break, tho i ll be back in next day or so to properly conquer

http://www.strava.com/activities/73415124

There are a few in it right enough, a good avg considering the terrain.

I have not yet reached the 1 year milestone (is that the correct word?) but I too find much inspiration in the posts/rides of Nigel, Mo, Nomadski et al. A great thread which I enjoy following.

My first attempt at a 50 mile ride tomorrow.......

All the best, just take it steady and hope to hear about it tomorrow.
@Supersuperleeds
The flat has its problems over distances, you have to constantly work at it, at least with a bit of climbing you do get some respite.

 

[BrianEvesham]

And look at what you have lost in weight Brian, well done I remember when first got under 20st how happy you seemed to be

Cheers Nigel, I am still very happy having lost three and a half stone in a year!
I don't get out as much as I would like at the moment as its our busiest time of the year and school holidays as well.

Bring on the next year fellow Newbies!

 

[JoeyB]

When I go out riding with our lass, I just sit behind her and let her go at her own pace, have quite quickly got her up to 25 miles, does take us 2.5 hours though, but I do get a cup of coffee and a biscuit half way round.

Yep I put her at the front for most of the ride but when the wind picked up a little i got her to tuck in behind me. I also benefitted from a cooked breakfast and coffee on the seafront half way round. Always good!

 

[fivepence]

There are a few in it right enough, a good avg considering the terrain.

Yeah speedwise it wasn't so bad , been a bit guilty of too many flatish kilometers lately.
A weekend in the hills and have a pop at the CAT3 at Mow Cop which just off the route in prep for the Tour ride Stoke on Trent on Sep 1 is needed.