Cycling to keep fit - is this enough?
Discussion
I've just taken up cycling in an attempt to lose a bit of weight and gain a bit of muscle before I get too old (I just turned 44). I always loved running and enjoyed cycling but since a knee op killed the running off I'm back to cycling.
I've got a quality full suspension mountain bike which has lockable front forks and what seems like a gazillion gears.
I lock these on road uphills because it seems to make life easier.
I've just traced my Tues&Thurs morning route at 6.5miles which takes me about 40mins.
My route on Sunday was about 12miles, I think Saturdays route was about the same but I can't trace it because it was over a few field footpaths and cycle route paths - and bloody hard work too!
I'm hoping I will be able to ramp up the miles at the weekend to 15-20 by mid Feb. The morning route is difficult to extend but I'll aim to continue with 40mins rather than worrying about the mileage and maybe pick out harder sections to do.
Is this the right attitude or should I be pushing harder.
I've got a quality full suspension mountain bike which has lockable front forks and what seems like a gazillion gears.
I lock these on road uphills because it seems to make life easier.
I've just traced my Tues&Thurs morning route at 6.5miles which takes me about 40mins.
My route on Sunday was about 12miles, I think Saturdays route was about the same but I can't trace it because it was over a few field footpaths and cycle route paths - and bloody hard work too!
I'm hoping I will be able to ramp up the miles at the weekend to 15-20 by mid Feb. The morning route is difficult to extend but I'll aim to continue with 40mins rather than worrying about the mileage and maybe pick out harder sections to do.
Is this the right attitude or should I be pushing harder.
The thing about losing weight and getting fit on a bike is it's such an efficient machine. Where you might have been pushing out 100 calories a mile running you'd have to be riding a road bike at about 15 mph to push out 50 calories per mile. So you have to go further to get the same effect. It's also easy to be lazy on a bike but difficult to be lazy on a run. The rides you are doing are probably burning less than 500 calories - even a 25 mile ride will only burn about 1250 (less than half a pound of fat). The up side is as far as fitness is concerned I think it's easier to get quite fit on a bike compared with running but you may not lose a lot of weight - Because it's essentially a non weight bearing activity, us ordinary (older and overweight) mortals can keep up the activity longer (both duration and number of sessions) before injury or fatigue occurs when compared with running.
I think any fitness/weight loss programme depends on whether you enjoy the activity. If you get a buzz out of mountain biking, you'll do it more and consequently benefit more. If you wanted to push for maximum fitness benefits, road biking would probably be better as you can push so much harder. I do both but for a fitness session the road bike is a no brainer as there is less faff with washing maintenance etc. However when it's raining it always seems more sensible to mountain bike (maybe because you'll get wet anyway).
Getting out with a bunch of mates will make it more likely that you'll turn out and introduce an element of competition. Look out for a challenge event which you could enter and aim for. Get a computer you'll have a better record of your activity and ones with a heart rate monitor aren't that expensive and can be helpful if numbers motivate you.
Depending on terrain (I live in the Pennines) 10mph is a respectable average speed for a mountain biker riding off road.
T
I think any fitness/weight loss programme depends on whether you enjoy the activity. If you get a buzz out of mountain biking, you'll do it more and consequently benefit more. If you wanted to push for maximum fitness benefits, road biking would probably be better as you can push so much harder. I do both but for a fitness session the road bike is a no brainer as there is less faff with washing maintenance etc. However when it's raining it always seems more sensible to mountain bike (maybe because you'll get wet anyway).
Getting out with a bunch of mates will make it more likely that you'll turn out and introduce an element of competition. Look out for a challenge event which you could enter and aim for. Get a computer you'll have a better record of your activity and ones with a heart rate monitor aren't that expensive and can be helpful if numbers motivate you.
Depending on terrain (I live in the Pennines) 10mph is a respectable average speed for a mountain biker riding off road.
T
Thanks for all that oddman, I really appreciate it.
I'm amazed at how few calories you burn off on a bike. I should have added this exercise was more about creating and holding muscle. My knee problem needs good leg muscles to support the knee or I have problems with it dislocating, the muscle is difficult to maintain with a normal office job so the cycling is an attempt to resolve that. I'm on a diet to loose the weight so any help the cycling gives is a bonus really.
I know a bunch of guys who go out on Thursday evenings but until I've got a reasonable level of fitness I won't be joining them as they'll probably kill me. I'm reasonably motivated to keep this up and really enjoy it - well, not particularly in this horrible weather but generally I do - and my target is to look decent enough in a pair of shorts on a holiday booked for the end of March.
I'm not a real tubber, but even at 6ft 2in, 14st 6lb is too much for me and I'm hoping to get it down to 13st 7lb by end March.
I'd not thought of a computer. I'll have a look for one unless someone can recommend one for me.
I'm amazed at how few calories you burn off on a bike. I should have added this exercise was more about creating and holding muscle. My knee problem needs good leg muscles to support the knee or I have problems with it dislocating, the muscle is difficult to maintain with a normal office job so the cycling is an attempt to resolve that. I'm on a diet to loose the weight so any help the cycling gives is a bonus really.
I know a bunch of guys who go out on Thursday evenings but until I've got a reasonable level of fitness I won't be joining them as they'll probably kill me. I'm reasonably motivated to keep this up and really enjoy it - well, not particularly in this horrible weather but generally I do - and my target is to look decent enough in a pair of shorts on a holiday booked for the end of March.
I'm not a real tubber, but even at 6ft 2in, 14st 6lb is too much for me and I'm hoping to get it down to 13st 7lb by end March.
I'd not thought of a computer. I'll have a look for one unless someone can recommend one for me.
barreti said:
I'm not a real tubber, but even at 6ft 2in, 14st 6lb is too much for me and I'm hoping to get it down to 13st 7lb by end March.
Forget about your weight and concentrate on your fitness and stabilising your knee.
You may even gain weight if you keep up and extend the cycling combined with healthy eating.
I'm the same height as you but have a good 3st in weight on you. Yes, I could be (a lot!) slimmer but since getting back into cycling again about 6 months ago the fitness has come on really well.
I try to go twice a week for about 2 - 3 hrs a time. Burn about 1800 calories this time of the yr, maybe 2200 cals tops if a harder ride. The rides I do are pretty tough and hilly and muddy.
The same rides in the summer can burn up to 3000 cals. Started to loose too much weight and so put more carbs into my diet (but then I went to NY, had XMAs, hurt knee and back etc and dropped to once a week cycling and out half a stone on).
The same rides in the summer can burn up to 3000 cals. Started to loose too much weight and so put more carbs into my diet (but then I went to NY, had XMAs, hurt knee and back etc and dropped to once a week cycling and out half a stone on).
Hi
I took up cycling again 3 years ago as my weight had reached 17st and I'm also 6'2". I was 33 years old then.
Now I cycle about 20 miles every Sunday morning with my friends. The trick I've found is to plan your route to include some serious climbs. The trouble with cycling is that its all too easy to make your route as flat as possible and avoid the climbs. The climbs are what make you fit and build muscle in your legs and to a certain extent your upper body.
Now I'm 16st, but I feel so much fitter than before.
Note - Before attempting the climbs, make sure you've ridden a couple of miles of flattish ground in order to warm your legs up.
I took up cycling again 3 years ago as my weight had reached 17st and I'm also 6'2". I was 33 years old then.
Now I cycle about 20 miles every Sunday morning with my friends. The trick I've found is to plan your route to include some serious climbs. The trouble with cycling is that its all too easy to make your route as flat as possible and avoid the climbs. The climbs are what make you fit and build muscle in your legs and to a certain extent your upper body.
Now I'm 16st, but I feel so much fitter than before.
Note - Before attempting the climbs, make sure you've ridden a couple of miles of flattish ground in order to warm your legs up.
barreti said:
Thanks for all that oddman, I really appreciate it.
You're welcome
barreti said:
My knee problem needs good leg muscles to support the knee or I have problems with it dislocating
This sounds a bit worrying.
Bikes need to be properly set up for you to avoid knee problems. You shouldn't have any rocking of your pelvis (saddle too high) or knees bowing outwards (too low). An experienced friend or your local bike shop should be able to check it out. If you get any knee pain stop and get the bike checked out.
A lot of people think clipless pedals cause knee problems but I think that's because the bike's not set up right. If clipless pedals have enough 'float' you shouldn't have a problem if the bike and pedals are properly set up for you.
Cycling will help strengthen the muscles around the knee (the knee has nothing stabilsing it except muscle) but this might take time. Might be worth seeing a physio for some knee exercises to stabilise the joint.
Some weight-loss info that might help you:
Muscle weighs more than fat. If you lose fat and gain an equivalent amount of muscle, your weight will go up. But it's good to have muscle because even at rest, muscle burns a lot more energy than fat. So, the more muscle you have, the higher your resting metabolism, and the more you can eat without gaining weight. Plus, muscles give you strength.
You lose approximately one pound for every 3,500 calories you burn. If you take in 1,000 less calories than you burn per day, then you should lose 2lbs per week. Of course, this can be offset by muscle gain.
Biking is good exercise--find some hills and off-road tracks and mix it up. Flat, paved ground doesn't allow you to burn much energy, but you can put the bike in a lower gear and try to improve your times to keep your heart rate up, that will definitely help. I hear rowing is good, too. Running burns a lot of energy, but it is hard on your knees.
Besides building strength in your legs, you want to maintain or increase flexibility as well. Do yoga or other stretching exercises, and stick with them. Build up slowly, the strength will come. Injuries really set you back, so take your time. Slow and steady.
Stretch before and after you exercise. It will really help you avoid injury. Read up on the proper stretches, take your time, and do them properly. Warm yourself up.
Heart rate monitors really work--get one. If you keep your heart rate at 65 to 75 percent of your maximum heart rate (220-your age(44)=176), so you want to be at 65 to 75 percent of 176), you will be burning fat and strengthening your heart. Do it for at least half an hour when you exercise.
Give yourself a month to get used to the exercise regimen. Then start setting higher goals.
Check your diet. You want the right amounts of carbs, proteins, etc., in the right portions, at the right times. You have to control all three factors, proportions, portions, and when during the day you put various things in your body. Avoid sugar highs, try to only eat complex carbs...eat fresh fruit, veggies, lean meats, and whole grains. I also try not to eat after 7pm, and I try to go to bed a little hungry so my digestive system burns through whatever is in me while I sleep.
Keep a log of weight, distance, etc. It will be fantastic to see the results in a couple of months, and really help to motivate you further. Also, to build up muscle quickly, start doing pushups every morning and night. It only hurts for about a week, and in a few weeks you will go from being only able to do 20 to 50. Just do them religiously, until you collapse. Best way to see if you have done enough is to rest for 30 seconds then try to do more!
Oh, and drink lots of water while exercising. Best of luck.
Muscle weighs more than fat. If you lose fat and gain an equivalent amount of muscle, your weight will go up. But it's good to have muscle because even at rest, muscle burns a lot more energy than fat. So, the more muscle you have, the higher your resting metabolism, and the more you can eat without gaining weight. Plus, muscles give you strength.
You lose approximately one pound for every 3,500 calories you burn. If you take in 1,000 less calories than you burn per day, then you should lose 2lbs per week. Of course, this can be offset by muscle gain.
Biking is good exercise--find some hills and off-road tracks and mix it up. Flat, paved ground doesn't allow you to burn much energy, but you can put the bike in a lower gear and try to improve your times to keep your heart rate up, that will definitely help. I hear rowing is good, too. Running burns a lot of energy, but it is hard on your knees.
Besides building strength in your legs, you want to maintain or increase flexibility as well. Do yoga or other stretching exercises, and stick with them. Build up slowly, the strength will come. Injuries really set you back, so take your time. Slow and steady.
Stretch before and after you exercise. It will really help you avoid injury. Read up on the proper stretches, take your time, and do them properly. Warm yourself up.
Heart rate monitors really work--get one. If you keep your heart rate at 65 to 75 percent of your maximum heart rate (220-your age(44)=176), so you want to be at 65 to 75 percent of 176), you will be burning fat and strengthening your heart. Do it for at least half an hour when you exercise.
Give yourself a month to get used to the exercise regimen. Then start setting higher goals.
Check your diet. You want the right amounts of carbs, proteins, etc., in the right portions, at the right times. You have to control all three factors, proportions, portions, and when during the day you put various things in your body. Avoid sugar highs, try to only eat complex carbs...eat fresh fruit, veggies, lean meats, and whole grains. I also try not to eat after 7pm, and I try to go to bed a little hungry so my digestive system burns through whatever is in me while I sleep.
Keep a log of weight, distance, etc. It will be fantastic to see the results in a couple of months, and really help to motivate you further. Also, to build up muscle quickly, start doing pushups every morning and night. It only hurts for about a week, and in a few weeks you will go from being only able to do 20 to 50. Just do them religiously, until you collapse. Best way to see if you have done enough is to rest for 30 seconds then try to do more!
Oh, and drink lots of water while exercising. Best of luck.
Edited by orgasmicliving!! on Thursday 11th January 07:28
Some excellent advice on here!
Like people have said before, make sure your rides are on udnulating terrain, aim for long hils, short hills etc but keep it fun! the more you ride the fitter you will become but you do have to keep pushing yourself.
Also, try and get out with people who are faster than you. yes, the first ride will probably be a killer, but if they're decent people they should realise this and wait for you / slow the pace down until you can keep up better...
As for the knees, ive had cruciate ligament damage before and cycling is a good exercise for strengthening the joint. To get the right position for your feet, firstly sit on a bench or something where your legs can dangle down without touching the floor or anything else. Make a note of the angle where your feet naturally dangle, i.e. straight or slightly outwards etc. Then set up your pedals / cleats (if you have spds) to match this angle, this will reduce strain on the joint.
To strengthen the leg further, again sit on something where your feet arent touching the floor. Then turn your foot outwards but keep your knee straight and raise and lower your leg(like the leg extension exercise in the gym). After a few reps of this, turn the foot inwards and repeat. Add weights to the ankle for more resistance. This exercise will improve the mucles running down the side of the knee joint.
Have fun!
Like people have said before, make sure your rides are on udnulating terrain, aim for long hils, short hills etc but keep it fun! the more you ride the fitter you will become but you do have to keep pushing yourself.
Also, try and get out with people who are faster than you. yes, the first ride will probably be a killer, but if they're decent people they should realise this and wait for you / slow the pace down until you can keep up better...
As for the knees, ive had cruciate ligament damage before and cycling is a good exercise for strengthening the joint. To get the right position for your feet, firstly sit on a bench or something where your legs can dangle down without touching the floor or anything else. Make a note of the angle where your feet naturally dangle, i.e. straight or slightly outwards etc. Then set up your pedals / cleats (if you have spds) to match this angle, this will reduce strain on the joint.
To strengthen the leg further, again sit on something where your feet arent touching the floor. Then turn your foot outwards but keep your knee straight and raise and lower your leg(like the leg extension exercise in the gym). After a few reps of this, turn the foot inwards and repeat. Add weights to the ankle for more resistance. This exercise will improve the mucles running down the side of the knee joint.
Have fun!
Fantastic advice chaps, thank you very much.
I'll be on the look out for a computer with heart rate monitor now and see how I'm getting on.
Should I be aiming to keep up an average speed or average heart rate?
Well guessed abarthchris. Its a 10yr old, basketball induced, anterior cruciate ligament injury. Well, ripped apart really so nothing there now, hence the dislocation issues.
Your tips are excellent and I will certainly be taking your advice on setting up my feet on the pedals.
I've not come across that particular exercise for the knee either so I'll give it a shot.
The good news is that so far I've lost 5lbs in a fortnight but more importantly I seem to be losing my belly which was one of the requisites of this exercise and diet regime and I will be going to the gym shortly to start working on the rowing machine which I know will help enormously.
I'm enjoying the bike very much. Not particularly on the very dark and windy mornings we've been having but nontheless I'm enjoying it and have been out for the last 2 weeks on Tues, Thurs, Sat & Sun.
I've also just taken the bike carrier from the garage rafters and attached it to the LandRover for the first time in about 3 years and am looking forward to finding somewhere to go this weekend.
Man, doesn't your arse hurt when you first start this malarky! Anyone remember the advert from about 10years ago where the guy buys his son a bike and comments on the seat, the last shot was him looking out of the window at his son going down the road and commenting "I was right about that saddle though"
IanB
I'll be on the look out for a computer with heart rate monitor now and see how I'm getting on.
Should I be aiming to keep up an average speed or average heart rate?
Well guessed abarthchris. Its a 10yr old, basketball induced, anterior cruciate ligament injury. Well, ripped apart really so nothing there now, hence the dislocation issues.
Your tips are excellent and I will certainly be taking your advice on setting up my feet on the pedals.
I've not come across that particular exercise for the knee either so I'll give it a shot.
The good news is that so far I've lost 5lbs in a fortnight but more importantly I seem to be losing my belly which was one of the requisites of this exercise and diet regime and I will be going to the gym shortly to start working on the rowing machine which I know will help enormously.
I'm enjoying the bike very much. Not particularly on the very dark and windy mornings we've been having but nontheless I'm enjoying it and have been out for the last 2 weeks on Tues, Thurs, Sat & Sun.
I've also just taken the bike carrier from the garage rafters and attached it to the LandRover for the first time in about 3 years and am looking forward to finding somewhere to go this weekend.
Man, doesn't your arse hurt when you first start this malarky! Anyone remember the advert from about 10years ago where the guy buys his son a bike and comments on the seat, the last shot was him looking out of the window at his son going down the road and commenting "I was right about that saddle though"
IanB
Average heart rate. Or, more accurately, you want to keep your heart rate "in the zone".
I don't know much about ACL recovery, but my understanding of tendon and ligament injuries is that you really have to focus on building up the surrounding/supporting musculature.
Any good bicycle seat won't be comfortable at first. Those that are will create problem with your soft tissue in the long term. Just adjust it to the most comfortable position you can and ride regularly for a month. If the seat is good, you won't feel it after a month.
Make stretching/yoga a part of your routine as well. That really helped me. Sounds like you are doing great!
I don't know much about ACL recovery, but my understanding of tendon and ligament injuries is that you really have to focus on building up the surrounding/supporting musculature.
Any good bicycle seat won't be comfortable at first. Those that are will create problem with your soft tissue in the long term. Just adjust it to the most comfortable position you can and ride regularly for a month. If the seat is good, you won't feel it after a month.
Make stretching/yoga a part of your routine as well. That really helped me. Sounds like you are doing great!
barreti said:
I'll be on the look out for a computer with heart rate monitor now and see how I'm getting on.
I'm enjoying the bike very much. Not particularly on the very dark and windy mornings we've been having but nontheless I'm enjoying it and have been out for the last 2 weeks on Tues, Thurs, Sat & Sun.
Man, doesn't your arse hurt when you first start this malarky! Anyone remember the advert from about 10years ago where the guy buys his son a bike and comments on the seat, the last shot was him looking out of the window at his son going down the road and commenting "I was right about that saddle though"
I'm enjoying the bike very much. Not particularly on the very dark and windy mornings we've been having but nontheless I'm enjoying it and have been out for the last 2 weeks on Tues, Thurs, Sat & Sun.
Man, doesn't your arse hurt when you first start this malarky! Anyone remember the advert from about 10years ago where the guy buys his son a bike and comments on the seat, the last shot was him looking out of the window at his son going down the road and commenting "I was right about that saddle though"
You can get heart monitors from about £15 on ebay (and sometimes in the shops).
Have you got decent lights. I have got Light and Motion HIDs. The rrp is £425 but I paid half that on ebay. They make night cycling amazing (and safer).
10 yrs ago !! Think that add was about 20 yrs ago or more????
barreti said:
Man, doesn't your arse hurt when you first start this malarky! Anyone remember the advert from about 10years ago where the guy buys his son a bike and comments on the seat, the last shot was him looking out of the window at his son going down the road and commenting "I was right about that saddle though
You'll be surprised at how small a comfortable saddle is. The big ones with loads of padding don't 'sit' you on the right bones. You sit on your 'ischial tuberosities' these are the two bony protruberances which sit either side of the midline between your a*se and your 'nads (and have probably been the bits that are getting tender). As you get better you'll be bearing less weight on your backside as when you're pedalling some of your weight is taken by your legs and when you're not pedalling you'll be hovering shifting your weight around. Most decent bikes aren't sold with terrible saddles any more and you can probaly afford to wait until you're sure the one you have isn't right (ie anything other than you 'sit bones' being tender.
This is the most comfortable saddle I've ever used
Looks a bit small doesn't it?
My previous favourite was this
and this
is what seems to be the favourite of the testers and some of my mates.
Don't be tempted to get a tractor seat. I've always found the best mountain bike saddles are roadie saddles (with a bit of kevlar here and ther to keep them tidy). I'm over 6ft and 13 stone so don't think that small saddles are only for Italian whippets.
One last thing make sure the central area is cut away or has very soft padding - don't want to batter the pudendal nerve
T
Edited by oddman on Sunday 14th January 09:45
excellent posts!
Ive just started a bit of cycling, although my view is that any is better than none.
Compared to some of the posts Im doing very little. Although I do enjoy it a lot.
2 x or 3 x a week cycle to work 10 mins each way and get a good puff up.
sunday a ride for about an hour hour and half in the forests/downs and get a good puff up as well.
Found a roof carrier for the car excellent (Thule Stand up carrier on roof rack for the weekend)to get to the forests and different areas to make it interesting and the reflective jacket and lights for the night ride home from work. Sunday ride is normally with a friend but not allways.
Im keen to lose a bit of the belly and to tone up a bit but agree that some other form of exercise is important to really help. (5'11) 180cm 14.3kg.
At the end of the day, you have to enjoy it and even a small bit is better than none. And boy do you feel good afterwards. The ride to and from work gets me buzzing and is the highlight of my day!
Ive just started a bit of cycling, although my view is that any is better than none.
Compared to some of the posts Im doing very little. Although I do enjoy it a lot.
2 x or 3 x a week cycle to work 10 mins each way and get a good puff up.
sunday a ride for about an hour hour and half in the forests/downs and get a good puff up as well.
Found a roof carrier for the car excellent (Thule Stand up carrier on roof rack for the weekend)to get to the forests and different areas to make it interesting and the reflective jacket and lights for the night ride home from work. Sunday ride is normally with a friend but not allways.
Im keen to lose a bit of the belly and to tone up a bit but agree that some other form of exercise is important to really help. (5'11) 180cm 14.3kg.
At the end of the day, you have to enjoy it and even a small bit is better than none. And boy do you feel good afterwards. The ride to and from work gets me buzzing and is the highlight of my day!
oddman said:
barreti said:
Man, doesn't your arse hurt when you first start this malarky! Anyone remember the advert from about 10years ago where the guy buys his son a bike and comments on the seat, the last shot was him looking out of the window at his son going down the road and commenting "I was right about that saddle though
You'll be surprised at how small a comfortable saddle is.
My previous favourite was this
Best. Saddle. Ever. IMHO
I have these on all my bikes, and have always used them - used 'bedded in' simply the most comfortable saddles I have ever used.
This is the version I use on my main bike - gotta have carbon
Edited by Neil_Bolton on Monday 15th January 10:12
Hi guys, here with a quick update.
I'm still cycling. I was absolutely bursting to get on the bike tonight after a week off due to sickness. Some sort of virus that infected half of my team!
Anyway, I did 20 miles tonight. That's the furthest I've been. It was a mixture of road, tow path and field. I've started looking for a bit of a challenge when I go out and hills don't frighten me anymore, although the one I did for just the second time tonight made me want to cry (again)!
I now use my old morning run of 6.5miles as a quick sprint when I haven't really got the time to go out. I do that in about 35mins now. I look for circuits of about 10-12 miles if I can and this takes up to an hour, which I do 3 times a week.
My arse has forgiven me and stopped torturing me after about the 2nd week and although I'm shattered now its a good feeling.
My knee is holding up OK, I dislocated it last week but it was nothing to do with the cycling, and its held up really well tonight without so much as a twinge.
So, anybody thinking about getting out there on your bike - Do It!
It's great fun, it doesn't make you feel like you are just one more step from dying, it hurts for just about the first fortnight and you make rapid progress if you keep pushing yourself. I now overtake other cyclists!
And I've lost 1st 2lb since Jan by cycling and sensible eating and my trousers hang off me at the waist. I should have done this years ago
I'm still cycling. I was absolutely bursting to get on the bike tonight after a week off due to sickness. Some sort of virus that infected half of my team!
Anyway, I did 20 miles tonight. That's the furthest I've been. It was a mixture of road, tow path and field. I've started looking for a bit of a challenge when I go out and hills don't frighten me anymore, although the one I did for just the second time tonight made me want to cry (again)!
I now use my old morning run of 6.5miles as a quick sprint when I haven't really got the time to go out. I do that in about 35mins now. I look for circuits of about 10-12 miles if I can and this takes up to an hour, which I do 3 times a week.
My arse has forgiven me and stopped torturing me after about the 2nd week and although I'm shattered now its a good feeling.
My knee is holding up OK, I dislocated it last week but it was nothing to do with the cycling, and its held up really well tonight without so much as a twinge.
So, anybody thinking about getting out there on your bike - Do It!
It's great fun, it doesn't make you feel like you are just one more step from dying, it hurts for just about the first fortnight and you make rapid progress if you keep pushing yourself. I now overtake other cyclists!
And I've lost 1st 2lb since Jan by cycling and sensible eating and my trousers hang off me at the waist. I should have done this years ago
Brilliant mate, good story!
Must admit, I've been a bit lax over winter, but its coming back to me now. My ride to work fills me with energy for the day, and doing those little stints daily means you can get greater enjoyment on your proper rides at the weekend.
If your looking to push yourself a little bit further, perhaps try riding some more technical mountainbike trails? (Apologies if I sound patronising, but I know nothing about where or what you ride currently!)
Its good, you really work your whole body, and its also very phsycological aswell - I ride a XC bike and a DH bike, and the buzz you get on some proper, steep, difficult trails is hard to beat.
Also, starts to become less about ultimate distance, but how hard you push yourself over harder terrain.
I like the mix, flattish, easy sprints during the week to work, couple of bridleway style rides on an evening ( to a nice pub, cant have it all bad) then on the weekend muller myself down some mountains in a blaze of muddy glory.
Sounds like your enjoying it though, certainly a bit of inspiration for me to go for a burn after work tonight.
Must admit, I've been a bit lax over winter, but its coming back to me now. My ride to work fills me with energy for the day, and doing those little stints daily means you can get greater enjoyment on your proper rides at the weekend.
If your looking to push yourself a little bit further, perhaps try riding some more technical mountainbike trails? (Apologies if I sound patronising, but I know nothing about where or what you ride currently!)
Its good, you really work your whole body, and its also very phsycological aswell - I ride a XC bike and a DH bike, and the buzz you get on some proper, steep, difficult trails is hard to beat.
Also, starts to become less about ultimate distance, but how hard you push yourself over harder terrain.
I like the mix, flattish, easy sprints during the week to work, couple of bridleway style rides on an evening ( to a nice pub, cant have it all bad) then on the weekend muller myself down some mountains in a blaze of muddy glory.
Sounds like your enjoying it though, certainly a bit of inspiration for me to go for a burn after work tonight.
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