Tough time cycling ATM

[mjr]

Find a group with a Tail End Charlie that knows what they're doing. If that was meant to be a tailender then losing the group is a pretty basic error on their part.

 

[Fonze]

I have some really good rides, then other days it's just not there.
The freedom and escapism is why I go and I get an adrenaline rush and sense of well being by just cycling for the love of it ..
I ride on ave. 40-50 miles daily, but I'll take a day off, and work dictates I spend few weeks away and can't cycle.
I miss it a lot, and reflect back, but to be honest I'm not someone that thinks times and distances are important to me anyway as it's just the love of cycling the reason I do it.

 

[biggs682]

It's not about the speed you know , so find another club and go out to enjoy rather than to take part

 

[cyberknight]

It's not about the speed you know , so find another club and go out to enjoy rather than to take part

Indeed,I used to go out with the fast group and get dropped every week 10-15 miles from home not enjoying getting left for dead in their pursuit for a good average.To be fair I really don't have the time or energy to train enough so I dropped back down to the next group and have more fun and still get the miles in.

 

[gbb]

Is it a state of mind that's needed 'regarding getting dropped ? Don't worry about getting dropped.

Personally never done group rides but if I were in Doobiesis situation, I'd use the group as long as I could hang on then happily tail off when I've reached my limit...let em go and happily make my own way from there. Use them to gain what you need. If you explained that's what would happen until you gained the speed or fitness you need, I'm sure they would be more than happy to oblige.

 

[Pumpkin]

But with my saddle not right, my feet went numb and I just couldn't feel that I was putting all the effort I could into it.

A visit to your LBS for a bike fit will solve your problems with your saddle.

 

[Heltor Chasca]

A visit to your LBS for a bike fit will solve your problems with your saddle.

There are some good YouTube bike fit videos too. I found one of my cleats was slightly too far forward, so I moved it, and after long rides my numb foot was super comfortable.

Another fun way to increase distance and speed without the formality of a torturous training programme is to join an Audax event. They are very casual, courteous and I guarantee there will always be riders behind you.

 

[damj]

Unfortunately there are members of any groups or clubs who have certain a mentality. I personally haven't yet joined a club, but I may do some day. Strangely I've become to like (tolerate) hills in recent months, I used to hate them on my hybrid. I've got a decent starter road bike now. Like yourself cycling about four years. About once a week I challenge myself to a one route which involves nothing but hills some decent climbs and exhilarating descents. I love doing this now. Especially the drop back home an 8 mile descent. It's these rides (no more than an hour) on my own which are improving my strength and speed.
If your seat hasn't been an issue before might it have moved slightly, or possibly just the extra effort you're putting in to keep up. That should get better on its own or have a tweak with your alan key. Personally I'd be tempted to find another club if you're not enjoying this one. Any how good luck.

 

[Vapin' Joe]

Computers were in some ways the worst thing to happen to cycling (And I used them myself for years). People were no longer content to just enjoy a nice ride in the countryside with a group of like minded individuals where everyone looked after each other, but started to become obsessed with the utterly meaningless pursuit of average and max speeds and distances. If you want to measure your performance pin a number on and do it against riders of real ability.

 

[screenman]

I am sure that most clubs have many different ride outs each week, I know every club I have been a member of over the last 47 years has.

I often find on this type of subject there are many experts giving advice who have never been a club member but are just imagining what it might be like.

 

[adamhearn]

@Doobiesis It does sound as though you have not found a club that suits you.

Fitting in can be really difficult due to ability, expectations and desires. Sounds to me like you want to improve your cycling and sought out companionship as a potential solution. If you are looking to improve (speed, stamina) then stick with it and don't worry about coming in last. Assuming the rest of group don't start sending "last one buys the coffee" jokes/banter your way then all's well. If you're just after better motivation to continue cycling then perhaps another club would be the way to go as staying will likely only erode your confidence further.

I've abstained from the club scene for the very reason you've described though I miss sharing the experience, catching up and not to mention that often the mileage is higher compared to a solo ride. Moving to a new area by myself and only seeing uber keen groups out and about means it's solo or nothing these days.

 

[Doobiesis]

Just a small update. I have spoken at length to the guy who runs the rides. He's advised I get a turbo and join their Wednesday night circuit to improve. He was very supportive and told me I'm better than I give myself credit for. Am getting a turbo on Friday and hopefully will be able to achieve better speeds in the next few weeks.

 

[byegad]

Another solution is to ditch any kind of speed measurement and ride at your own pace, stop to enjoy the view if you want and push on when you feel like it.
I ditched the bike computers years ago and now have no idea how slow I go. but every single time I get out on the bike I enjoy myself.

 

[adamhearn]

Sounds like it's a one-sided adjustment (you fit in to what they do).

I personally wouldn't spend money on a turbo trainer... roads and hills around you are free and if you're struggling on the hills then training on said hills is really the only way to recognise and appreciate the improvements you make. When I started out I couldn't do hills at all (not as though I'm much better now after not being on the bike much) and I found if I kept doing the smaller hills again and again my technique and capability improved. I could then attempt the larger hills and so on.

 

[screenman]

Turbo is a great idea, I had my best racing seasons after winters of turbo sessions.

I have never cycled to just to see the views like others on here, not saying they are wrong just different.