exmechanic89

Ok, perhaps my goals were a bit lofty, lol. My point though was that simply riding distances like 50 miles or centuries doesnt mean much in terms of fitness if not done very quickly - that's the hard part. I have fast rides and I have slow rides, but if I were really aiming to get into great shape I'd really turn it up. And if the OP wants to really get into cycling shape I think he should shoot for high goals.

Btw I agree with the hill climbing suggestions, as well. Getting to the point of climbing hills powerfully and quickly isnt easy but it sure gets you in great shape, imo. Oh and the time trial suggestions are good, too!

SHBR

No injuries.

Slow rides are better than no rides.

Rowan

Doesn't it go, Cat 5, Cat 4, Cat 3, Cat 2, Cat 1? Then Pro? They are benchmarks that measure against others.

Or maybe look at club champ, state champ, national champ, and world champ. Each represents a pinnacle, and they exist for all age groups.

If the OP is asking about benchmarks, he needs to do some research and decide what branch of the sport he wants to pursue. Then the benchmarks mentioned might be more relevant.

By the way, posts by @Heathpack and her progression through several branches of the sport, as well as her analyses and how she has articulated it all, are worth searching for.

caloso

Only if the OP is interested in racing, which I don't think was stated.

Rowan

If that is the case, then any other milestone suggested in this thread is irrelevant. Even W/kg is irrelevant unless racing is contemplated.

CliffordK

You could target annual mileage. Commuting or otherwise.

Say 6,000 miles in a year.

znomit

When your co-workers tell you they're worried about your health because you're so skinny.

bikecrate

Crush every rider on your local MUP.

Doge

Trackstand

Doge

+1

Even if it is not USA Cycling sanctioned racing a "milestone" is a competitive measure. But the value of any milestone is as good as it helps you "beat" the other ones.

Doge

No hands track stand

Doge

No hands on rollers, stopping on rollers, jumping off rollers and back on while clipped in.
It is all going to be some skill, some little thing that is not universally accepted as being better than something else.
Which is fine. But it is winning at racing the milestones are accepted by multiple people. That makes them more valuable.

The harder they are to achieve, the amount by which they are near-achieved, or over-achieved and the more people that try to achieve them, the more valuable they are.

Racing is the best place to be measured.

redlude97

I think pinning on a number even if you get pulled in a Cat 5 race is a milestone. A lot of people can talk a big game but can't actually back it up.

Doge

Well it is also a time investment. There are many reasons people don't race.
Me....risk, time and I know how good I'm not, but I'm not looking for milestones for me in cycling.

woodcraft

I look at average speed,

so I hate it that climbing rides show lower mph aves..

caloso

Pinning on a number is a milestone.

kbarch

Yes, pinning a number on is an important step, but a DNF is rather ignominious for a milestone. So if it's milestones you're after, don't make a crit your first race. Look for a circuit race, or better yet, a time trial.

kbarch

Ooh! That brings to mind a really good milestone: complete an HC climb non-stop.

For some, even attempting one would be a milestone, as most of us would have to make a special trip just to get to the start. Kinda like pinning a number on: anyone can do it, but it's not something one does without some serious thought and preparation.

redlude97

Sure I just meant people shouldn't be afraid to pin on a number if they think they aren't fast enough. We have an tues crit series here that has a beginner race before the cat 5 that is for first timers where you get pointers from other racers and they encourage anyone to try before you enter the cat 5 race.

Elvir

Lol, I had that conversation with my boss. He called me into his office and asked me to close the door..

Seattle Forrest

For me, it's tough roads I've driven on, usually on the way to a hike. And mountain passes.

thehammerdog

Bike cost more than car.
Track stand at stop sign
Seated climbing and blow by the fellas out of the saddle
You ride an old school 8 speed with down tube shifters yet smoke people half your age

DGlenday

There are 2 "gold standards" for cyclists ... IMHO:

25 miles in an hour

And

100 miles in 5 hours.

There's some debate about whether these achievements should be with our without drafting, but that's another conversation. Either way, I'd say you've "arrived" when you've met either of those goals.