Seeing Improvement!
Discussion
So, I don't get out on my road bike half as much as I'd like but I've found a decentish route, just under 10 miles, that incorporates the 3 biggest local hills I can think of.
I've had 3 goes in the last week or so and am well pleased to start seeing some improvements, and also that the cramp in my right foot seems to be getting less, with a bit of work...
With that in mind:
Nearly 6 mins off my previous time
Pointless post, but I'm chuffed. Especially as that was after 5hrs sleep, a 5am start and a 12hr shift today...
I've had 3 goes in the last week or so and am well pleased to start seeing some improvements, and also that the cramp in my right foot seems to be getting less, with a bit of work...
With that in mind:
Nearly 6 mins off my previous time
Pointless post, but I'm chuffed. Especially as that was after 5hrs sleep, a 5am start and a 12hr shift today...Try upping your average cadence to about 90-100rpm, it'll take less out of your legs and should help you go a fair bit faster. It'll feel a bit strange pedalling that fast all the time but stick with it.
I remember my first few months on the road bike, went from having to stop halfway on my 4 mile commute for a breather to doing a 75 mile hilly ride at 19mph average, keep it up!
I remember my first few months on the road bike, went from having to stop halfway on my 4 mile commute for a breather to doing a 75 mile hilly ride at 19mph average, keep it up!
well done on the improvement, I have knocked about 20min off my 25 mile return cycle to work, but the hills are still my pain (and I have 1650ft of total ascent)
what software and HRM are you using, I have been looking for one,
I would prefer a watch based one as i have tried to enter the london marathon and would like to use it for running in case I am lucky (or unlucky to get a place)
what software and HRM are you using, I have been looking for one,
I would prefer a watch based one as i have tried to enter the london marathon and would like to use it for running in case I am lucky (or unlucky to get a place)
mchammer89 said:
Try upping your average cadence to about 90-100rpm, it'll take less out of your legs and should help you go a fair bit faster. It'll feel a bit strange pedalling that fast all the time but stick with it.
I remember my first few months on the road bike, went from having to stop halfway on my 4 mile commute for a breather to doing a 75 mile hilly ride at 19mph average, keep it up!
I looked back at some previous rides, different route, and my cadence was more in the 85rpm range then. Will give what you suggest a try, although I was trying to ride in a bigger gear the last few times, particularly yesterday...I remember my first few months on the road bike, went from having to stop halfway on my 4 mile commute for a breather to doing a 75 mile hilly ride at 19mph average, keep it up!
swerni said:
You're brave cycling near Stockley park.
Not exactly the quietest or picturesque place you can ride.
We've got out UK HQ there.
Well done on the improvements.
Ps max cadence on you first ride of 191, you sure that's right?
Yeah, it's an... interesting ride TBH, not exactly traffic free! It's a confidence builder though, and is helping me get used to being clipped in and not panicking about getting my foot out when things stop suddenly. Plus it's a good loop that incorporates some hills, of which there aren't that many locally. As for the max cadence, I'm sure I just fudged a gear change of something, think the indexing needs a tweak. I also noted that my max HR was 157 yesterday, but know for a fact I saw over 160 on the Garmin whilst out...Not exactly the quietest or picturesque place you can ride.
We've got out UK HQ there.
Well done on the improvements.
Ps max cadence on you first ride of 191, you sure that's right?
Edited by swerni on Tuesday 2nd August 04:46
a boardman said:
well done on the improvement, I have knocked about 20min off my 25 mile return cycle to work, but the hills are still my pain (and I have 1650ft of total ascent)
what software and HRM are you using, I have been looking for one,
I would prefer a watch based one as i have tried to enter the london marathon and would like to use it for running in case I am lucky (or unlucky to get a place)
That's quite some time to knock off!what software and HRM are you using, I have been looking for one,
I would prefer a watch based one as i have tried to enter the london marathon and would like to use it for running in case I am lucky (or unlucky to get a place)
I'm just using a Garmin Edge 500 bundle. The HRM and cadence sensor came with it. I'm pretty happy with it tbh, although the new 800 looks nice.
Appreciate all the comments chaps, I'm loving riding the Boardman I must admit and finally feel 'at one' with it... On the drops draughting a car on the hill near my mums last night, and even bunny hopping a couple of bigger bumps elsewhere
Johnny said:
Just got back from another go, not quite as quick, but not far off...
ETA - That was racing against the Virtual Partner thing on the Garmin.
Good job but..... don't obsess over beating your PBs every time you go out. ETA - That was racing against the Virtual Partner thing on the Garmin.
If you do you'll only maintain your motivation for as long as you make improvements.
You're improvement increments will become smaller and smaller, you'll have a bad day and you'll get demoralised.
My advice: (not that i'm qualified to give advice) would be to vary the route you take, don't compare average speeds and PBs in the short term, look at the improvements you make from month to month etc.
NitroNick said:
Good job but..... don't obsess over beating your PBs every time you go out.
If you do you'll only maintain your motivation for as long as you make improvements.
You're improvement increments will become smaller and smaller, you'll have a bad day and you'll get demoralised.
My advice: (not that i'm qualified to give advice) would be to vary the route you take, don't compare average speeds and PBs in the short term, look at the improvements you make from month to month etc.
Better yet, dont compare it for months. Average commute time the first time I looked : 45mins. Average commute time the next time I looked : 38mins! Not a long distance but a pretty serious hillIf you do you'll only maintain your motivation for as long as you make improvements.
You're improvement increments will become smaller and smaller, you'll have a bad day and you'll get demoralised.
My advice: (not that i'm qualified to give advice) would be to vary the route you take, don't compare average speeds and PBs in the short term, look at the improvements you make from month to month etc.
shouldbworking said:
NitroNick said:
Good job but..... don't obsess over beating your PBs every time you go out.
If you do you'll only maintain your motivation for as long as you make improvements.
You're improvement increments will become smaller and smaller, you'll have a bad day and you'll get demoralised.
My advice: (not that i'm qualified to give advice) would be to vary the route you take, don't compare average speeds and PBs in the short term, look at the improvements you make from month to month etc.
Better yet, dont compare it for months. Average commute time the first time I looked : 45mins. Average commute time the next time I looked : 38mins! Not a long distance but a pretty serious hillIf you do you'll only maintain your motivation for as long as you make improvements.
You're improvement increments will become smaller and smaller, you'll have a bad day and you'll get demoralised.
My advice: (not that i'm qualified to give advice) would be to vary the route you take, don't compare average speeds and PBs in the short term, look at the improvements you make from month to month etc.
Then ride for a PB once a fortnight or so.
Thanks for that post!
I've got into riding regularly and now do a 'hilly' 10 each weekend. It's taking me 45 minutes at the moment. I do at least climb the hills now; 2 months ago, I stopped for a breather at leastthree times!
I'm going to upgrade to 700c wheels from the mountain bike road slicks, and put a pair of 'bull' bars instead of the flats I've got.
When I was 40 to 45 I used to do 'evening 10' time trials every week with a local club in Crawley West Sussex. I got down to 22-50 something one very quick night when everyone just flew. I had a decent time trial bike then.
But now, 20 years later (I'm 64) and working on regaining mobility after breaking a patella tendon a year ago, 45 minutes is OK by me. But I'm not finished yet!
Your post encourages me to keep at it!
I've got into riding regularly and now do a 'hilly' 10 each weekend. It's taking me 45 minutes at the moment. I do at least climb the hills now; 2 months ago, I stopped for a breather at leastthree times!
I'm going to upgrade to 700c wheels from the mountain bike road slicks, and put a pair of 'bull' bars instead of the flats I've got.
When I was 40 to 45 I used to do 'evening 10' time trials every week with a local club in Crawley West Sussex. I got down to 22-50 something one very quick night when everyone just flew. I had a decent time trial bike then.
But now, 20 years later (I'm 64) and working on regaining mobility after breaking a patella tendon a year ago, 45 minutes is OK by me. But I'm not finished yet!
Your post encourages me to keep at it!
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