When is a Noob Not a Noob

[Voyley]

A local bike group have put a few posts on Facebook launching regular rides for begginers and intermediates, I was wondering where i fit in and that got me to asking am I a noob anymore.

To clarify, I have been riding for just under a year, totting up 1300 miles and participating in a sportive and trails rides, I am yet to join or ride as part of a club or group as I want to get my averages up from 16mph to about 18mph; then join a group and upgrade stock wheels to get over the 20mph level.

I just wondered if there was a scale people had in mind in terms of where to bracket themselves as a cyclist and when a Noob becomes, well, not a Noob anymore!

 

[sidevalve]

Depends on YOUR definition really IMHO. You never stop learning. You seem to be thinking more in the fitness levels and that's fine but as a cyclist once you can ride it's really just a long learning curve, after all there are no exams etc.

 

[snorri]

There is no definition of the word 'noob'
Some groups may see you as a noob, others will see you as an experienced cyclist. You will just have to approach the group and ask if you fall into the category of rider they are looking to include and encourage. Also, the answers to your questions will give you a feeling for the group, letting you decide if they are the sort of organisation you would wish to become associated with.
Make an approach to the group, they won't bite!
Good luck.

 

[welsh dragon]

What do you think you are? Do you think you're a newbie, or experienced? That is the only question you should be asking yourself., and only you can answer that question.

 

[vickster]

The CTC would probably see you as a noob (indeed barely a cluster of cells), most around here would have been riding for 50 years

I'll never be able to average 18mph, let alone 20mph so that's me done for!

 

[ufkacbln]

When someone asks a question and you can answer it from experience!

 

[Rob3rt]

A good indication is when you stop asking daft questions like this one...

 

[Crackle]

A good indication is when you stop asking daft questions like this one...

Harsh but fair

 

[uclown2002]

You don't say how far you ride for your 16mph average.
Bear in mind also for a decent length ride there is a huge difference between 16 and 18 mph average. Similarly jumping from 18 to 20mph.

 

[NorvernRob]

You don't say how far you ride for your 16mph average.
Bear in mind also for a decent length ride there is a huge difference between 16 and 18 mph average. Similarly jumping from 18 to 20mph.

...And is it flat or hilly! I averaged 17.4mph over 103 miles in Lincolnshire, I'm lucky to average 15mph over 50 miles in the Peak District.

 

[screenman]

Why waste part of your life trying to get quicker when you can join almost any club in the country now, and then get quicker.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

You're not a noob but...

 

[cyberknight]

Newb = beginner
Noob = should know better , aka Leroy Jenkins .

 

[Voyley]

Thanks for the responses everyone some really good advice in all of the posts - I'm going to join a club a couple
Of my friends have joined and see how I get on. In Answer to some of the questions (should have been more specific) I bought my bike to cycle to work which is 20 bumpy miles each way and I gauge my pace from that. Clearly it's a lot faster if I cycle on flatter runs and a lot slower over the mountains of South Wales where I live.

 

[JasonHolder]

get my averages up from 16mph to about 18mph; then join a group and upgrade stock wheels to get over the 20mph level

Newbies say that^
Beginners ride with the slow group, pull at the front if you want the extra workout and have the capacity for it to be meaningful to your progression, and then change groups when they have ridden in a bunch, and can ride in close environments with other people safely.

1300miles a year is nothing frankly, you get faster as a beginner by riding miles. Speaking from VERY recent experience and doing your total mileage in a month, after 2 of those high mileage months, i attempted the 100miles in 5hrs challenge and pulled 1 1/2 hours above 20mph average before netting a fly In the eye and abandoning. Started TTing now. Good luck with your progress