Hello from Merritt Island, Debary Florida
07-06-23, 02:57 PM
#1
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Location: Merritt Island & DeBary FL
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Hello from Merritt Island, Debary Florida
Hi, I just got a 3 speed - coaster brake cruiser bike after 10 yrs off. I'm 65, into basic fitness, and looking to do something besides my dumbbell/walking routine. I hope to work myself up to the point where I can do the 65 mile trip to my mom's place in Debary where I go. I live in Merritt Island. I already feel the difference, I'm hooked. All you guys seem great. Looking forward to this! Any locals??? Thanks, Spyder
07-06-23, 03:57 PM
#2
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Welcome to BF.
You can get to doing 65 miles, but it would be tougher with a 3 speed. Although you don't have the hills we have in the panhandle so it would be possible. But easier to do on a road bike for sure.
You can get to doing 65 miles, but it would be tougher with a 3 speed. Although you don't have the hills we have in the panhandle so it would be possible. But easier to do on a road bike for sure.
07-06-23, 05:46 PM
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Welcome, Spyder.
I'm local but I don't ride much these days. I'm putting a few links below that might help. It's never about the bike, but you probably want to upgrade to work toward 65 miles or more. There are lots of good bikes cheap on Craigslist if you don't want to put out a lot of cash. Bike fit is very important for distance, along with nutrition. Learn how much you can eat and take some supplements when you ride for more than an hour, at minimum--something like this:
https://hammernutrition.com/products...42815249416427
You need plenty of water, especially in the heat we are having, but don't *just* drink water or you will get in trouble.
Finally, the 10 percent rule is a good guide, as in increasing distance or intensity 10 percent a week. When you get to 20 miles or so, then you want to vary your routine some. Speed work actually helps a lot with distance riding. I used to go up and down over the overpass to get hill training, and that really helped me to reach my goal of a 300 mile day. It's counter-intuitive, but you need to train to go fast for short rides to be better at riding all day. Best of luck and enjoy yourself!
https://spacecoastfreewheelers.com/
https://floridadep.gov/parks/ogt/con...ne-trail-guide
https://floridarandonneurs.com/wordpress/
I'm local but I don't ride much these days. I'm putting a few links below that might help. It's never about the bike, but you probably want to upgrade to work toward 65 miles or more. There are lots of good bikes cheap on Craigslist if you don't want to put out a lot of cash. Bike fit is very important for distance, along with nutrition. Learn how much you can eat and take some supplements when you ride for more than an hour, at minimum--something like this:
https://hammernutrition.com/products...42815249416427
You need plenty of water, especially in the heat we are having, but don't *just* drink water or you will get in trouble.
Finally, the 10 percent rule is a good guide, as in increasing distance or intensity 10 percent a week. When you get to 20 miles or so, then you want to vary your routine some. Speed work actually helps a lot with distance riding. I used to go up and down over the overpass to get hill training, and that really helped me to reach my goal of a 300 mile day. It's counter-intuitive, but you need to train to go fast for short rides to be better at riding all day. Best of luck and enjoy yourself!
https://spacecoastfreewheelers.com/
https://floridadep.gov/parks/ogt/con...ne-trail-guide
https://floridarandonneurs.com/wordpress/
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Campione Del Mondo Immaginario
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07-07-23, 04:48 PM
#4
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Thank you guys, love new information! Especially about my area's trails.
07-09-23, 09:45 AM
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65+ thread in the Fifty+ forum is calling to you. We always appreciate new participants there 
, so many drop out.
, so many drop out.
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Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
Vintage, modern, e-road. It is a big cycling universe.
07-12-23, 07:43 AM
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Welcome to the fold!
65 miles... just bring water and take it at your own pace. You can probably do it TODAY.
A good seat helps; I like breathable ones like the leather ones from Selle Anatomica. A lot of the butt soreness is caused by not getting any air down there; vinyl seat covers completely block it. For a cruiser, you'll want a seat that is wider at the back and probably sprung.
65 miles... just bring water and take it at your own pace. You can probably do it TODAY.
A good seat helps; I like breathable ones like the leather ones from Selle Anatomica. A lot of the butt soreness is caused by not getting any air down there; vinyl seat covers completely block it. For a cruiser, you'll want a seat that is wider at the back and probably sprung.
07-12-23, 09:08 AM
#9
Senior Member
Been a long time since I was in Merritt Island. I worked on the plumbing when they were building Merritt Square Mall.
