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How far should I go on first few rides... coach potato, 52 no health issues,

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How far should I go on first few rides... coach potato, 52 no health issues,

Old 06-06-15, 08:14 AM
  #26  
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Originally Posted by runabout

Thanks much for any tips on the first 5 or so rides on the pretty bike!
Lotus Excelle?? What year? So, we have another classic/vintage 50+er? You need to post some pics.

I am continually rearranging my classics fleet, my newest bike and one I ride the most is an '88 Cannondale Criterium Series I built from a frameset. In another 6 weeks the '77 Colnago Super will be in my shop.
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Old 06-06-15, 10:15 AM
  #27  
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I started riding at age 71 two years after a 43 year hiatus. Congratulations! I use a figure of 2.4:1 cycling to riding for calories burned. You can use that for a rough idea keeping in mind there will be some adjustment to the pedaling and the seat. I'd figure long enough to get the hang of it and feeling comfortable with it. Don't shoot for PRs early or the bike will be Craig's List fodder in a month. For me it's a way of life; I keep fit, slow the aging process, and most important leave all the stress and worries at home while I ride.

Just get out and ride. Rich
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Old 06-06-15, 12:56 PM
  #28  
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When I started riding again after years of inactivity and growing medical problems, I chose bike commuting as my gateway drug. My commute was only 3 miles, some slight hills (very slight, like 1/2 mile at 4%). I'd get home dripping with sweat, heart pounding, gasping for breath, exhausted, after groveling for the last mile in 24 x 24 (mountain bike, smallest chain ring). Did that every day. Took a couple months before riding home was no longer a challenge. Let your body tell you how far to go. Meaning, your heart rate and your legs. Seriously, 2 flat slow miles would not be an unreasonable ride for the first weeks. Don't be macho. Remember you are learning how to control the bike and navigate traffic at the same time, and when you are tired, your coordination and concentration is hampered. Pics of bike?

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Old 06-06-15, 03:55 PM
  #29  
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As previously stated, listen to your body and pay attention. Usually beginning riders THINK their legs are in shape only to find that high repitions and poor technique can put a significant strain on your legs....especially with the over 50 riders. Sore calf, quads and hams are likely but not necessarily a problem. Inflame a tendon on your outer knee and you may be down for awhile. Tendons and ligaments take much longer to heal. So how far can you ride? As far as you are comfortable. If you start feeling inflammation on your early rides SHUTDOWN. Call for a ride back or walk back if you are close enough.
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Old 06-06-15, 04:12 PM
  #30  
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Originally Posted by runabout
I just bought a bike and will pick it up next weekend.

I am 52 and have been a couch slug - ok desk chair slug, for the past 3 years. Before that I was a window cleaner for 3 years and was toned and 20lbs lighter.

I have NO clue how far is reasonable to go on my first ride.

I know I will be saddle sore for sure _ buying bike shorts before then... but I have no idea if the first few times out I should shoot for 3 miles, 7 miles, 10 - more ???

Any one have a suggestion? I know everyone is different, but I really have no clue if 3 miles is a blip that is just too short to bother with or if 10 miles is kinda long or what...

I have no clue what my speed will be, aside from pretty slow... bought a Lotus Excelle and boy are those tires skinny... I was a bit wobbly on the test ride and nervous about turning, so my first few rides I want to focus on just becoming one with the Lotus and getting solid on the basics... and comfortable in handling it.

I want to have a set distance, so that I don't flashback to being 13 on my brand new 10 speed and get confused and ride too far pumped on youthful memories and then be destroyed by it when I have to make the return and live through the next few days.

Thanks much for any tips on the first 5 or so rides on the pretty bike!
The one thing I noticed from your post...you wrote, "I want to have a set distance..." I recommend you ride (based on your self-description) you ride 10 miles, but only if that bike fits you. If the bike does not really fit you, you will know five miles out and can turn it around.
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Old 06-06-15, 09:23 PM
  #31  
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Thanks everyone! I unexpectedly was able to pick up my bike tonight, so very excited to get it a week early!

As my goal in asking the question was to get some input on how to prevent shredding myself, I've no desire to hurt myself or prove anything with distance or time.

My plan is to do a few rides for 5 minutes out and 5 minutes back then up that to about 8 minutes each way and hopefully that will enable me to still be able to walk and sit during the first few weeks in the saddle!

Thanks for all the advice... hoping to pick up some bike shorts in the next few days and a pair of gloves...

Really appreciate the stories you shared and together, it helped me focus on time, not distance.

Thanks again and thanks for teaching me the terms mash and spin!
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Old 06-06-15, 10:04 PM
  #32  
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Ride around the block . . . 4 days in a row. Then take a day off.
Next 4 or 5 rides go around the block twice . . .
Gradually increase your distance and listen to your body; yes your bike handling will improve; yes your butt may get a bit sore.
Pedal on!
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Old 06-07-15, 12:35 AM
  #33  
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Originally Posted by zonatandem
Ride around the block . . . 4 days in a row. Then take a day off.
Next 4 or 5 rides go around the block twice . . .
Gradually increase your distance and listen to your body; yes your bike handling will improve; yes your butt may get a bit sore.
Pedal on!
Rudy/zonatandem
^^^^^ This.
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Old 06-07-15, 09:54 AM
  #34  
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All good advice for you. Good luck, and enjoy the rides

Not only are you working on your fitness, you're also learning how to handle your new bike and how to ride safely in traffic.

Keep posting your progress, and post some pictures.
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Old 06-09-15, 07:56 PM
  #35  
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I believe it is a 1987.
I am not yet a "biker" but I am hooked on older bikes now.
I bought a 2008 Trek 3900 to ride for a while until I get my legs in basic shape and get over saddle soreness and start feeling more comfy on slick nickel wide tires...

Then I decided I wanted commuter tires on the Trek... spotted a Univega Rover 100 that had brand new commuter tires on it and figured for the price of 2 new tires from the shop I could have a whole bike. Stopped at the park on the way home to take her for another spin and simply did not want to get off. Univega frame is heavier than the Trek, doesn't appear to be triple butted - but I am just learning the lingo and what it means... but I DID NOT want to get off of it. So not sure if it was the tires, the seat, the placement of the handle bars or some combo of those 3 or what...
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Old 06-09-15, 08:21 PM
  #36  
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So, I did about 5 whole minutes on the bike and then got off. Next day I went to do another 5 minutes and found that my tailbone was pretty sore - I had a nasty fall down about 12 concrete steps when I was in 8th grade, boom boom boom on my tailbone... cracked it and she has never been quite the same... so I only did about 2 minutes and got off... today I got on a Univega rover with commuter tires and did not want to get off but did as soon as my thigh muscles started to feel tight.

taking it slow and easy, slow and easy, but the Univega is going to tempt me to over do it... so much fun to ride.

Thanks for all the input!
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Old 06-09-15, 08:51 PM
  #37  
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So, I did about 5 whole minutes on the bike and then got off. Next day I went to do another 5 minutes and found that my tailbone was pretty sore - I had a nasty fall down about 12 concrete steps when I was in 8th grade, boom boom boom on my tailbone... cracked it and she has never been quite the same... so I only did about 2 minutes and got off... today I got on a Univega rover with commuter tires and did not want to get off but did as soon as my thigh muscles started to feel tight. taking it slow and easy, slow and easy, but the Univega is going to tempt me to over do it... so much fun to ride.Thanks for all the input!
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Old 06-09-15, 08:54 PM
  #38  
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My first ride ride was six miles on a coaster bike. When I got home and got off the bike, my legs were shaking so bad I had a hard time walking back to the house! I drove a minivan then and the next day, I could barely lift my leg up high enough to get in. I suppose you could say I overdid it.
Anyway, I agree with the previous posters, don't worry about miles, just get out there and pedal but NEVER FORGET: The number of miles you've ridden OUT, is the same number you're going to need to PEDAL BACK, so don't get carried away. Good luck and have fun!
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Old 06-10-15, 10:20 AM
  #39  
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Take a look at weather and terrain. Plan your first ride to be uphill against the wind on the way out. Ride as far as you want to to a turnaround point (and maybe just a bit more). The way home will be downhill with the wind at your back (which is always a good way to finish a ride). Sometimes the wind changes on you (ugh) but you shouldn't have to worry about the terrain.
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Old 06-10-15, 01:48 PM
  #40  
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Originally Posted by tsl
Everyone is different, so listen to your whole body, not just your butt or your legs.
That right there Is Righteous Knowledge !

For me, to progress, get stronger, It was the Other Truth set in stone, "No Pain, No Gain"

Ya gotta tear them down so they can heal/rebuild stronger...
Ya gotta spin not mash, Gotta stretch only a warmed up body, never cold muscles. Joint replacement is expensive.
Hydration Is key, so many do it wrong.

Power will come but you gotta earn it.
As for the fat, that's diet. I know a few overweight riders who cannot shake the pounds. they eat poorly.

If I'm lying I'm dying,,, My body tells me every day what It needs/wants.

I carefully prep myself for a ride, I hit the trails, get warmed up, stop and stretch, then I Listen,, The ride may be super Intense with lots of big climbs, Some climbs I don't get to the top and I end up humping the bike up on foot. Or It may be miles In the flats with time on the fire roads.

Or simply flowing single track...

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Old 06-10-15, 01:56 PM
  #41  
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I don't remember my first couple of rides, but I do remember getting on the computer to find a route that would take me about 2.5 - 3 miles. When I finished it I walked around with a self-assured swagger ready to nonchalantly answer anyone who asked about my day, "Oh, I rode my bike 3 miles this morning."

You will amaze yourself how quickly you will increase your distance. Your fitness gains will be really dramatic early on. (Later, you will pay for this early, dramatic success by finding that making small increases takes MUCH work. Life is cruel that way.) It would not be surprising to find you riding 20+ mile rides by the end of the summer.
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Old 06-10-15, 02:24 PM
  #42  
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When I started riding again 2 yrs ago I weighed 380, it wasn't my legs that bothered me ( they carry me all day) it was my A$$, I only rode 2 miles. My longest to date is now 55 miles at 360 pounds, I am now down to 345
As many people have stated don't worry about a distance, get comfortable on the bike, and listen to what your body says
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