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01 / Original postHello allfetterman · 3 Jul 2006 02 / This pagePosts 1–10Page 1 of 1 · chronological order 03 / Latest replyPost #10DaveS · 14 Jan 2024

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Cycling Training
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3 July 2006
Last activity
14 January 2024
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fetterman
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Group ridingTime trialsInner tubesLance Armstrong

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  1. Original post
    fetterman
    Archived post
    #1

    SO hows it going? hehe well im a 17 year old from Indianapolis, In and interested in road cycling. I have a pretty gimp bike (still is a OK road bike, and good enough to train in), but im saving up for a nice bike, but was looking for a little advice in cycling.

    First of all, I love sports that make you push and give everything you got, thats what really intersted me in cycling. Im very athletic and love to run long distance races, I always believe that why i succeed is not because im the best in shape or the most athletic, its because that i just ignore the pain and give everything I have, thats why I think I can succeed in Cycling. I have been going by the lance armstrong cycling training program from this book I have (prolly have read or heard of that). Because im a noob I started on the beginner section but I still have a few questions on training, getting better, and some day riding and suceeding in cycling races.

    I guess I should tell a little about myself and see if I have a good body shape for cycling. I dont know the average height for a cycler so i didnt know if i was to big im 6'3-6'4 165 pounds (very light lol). Im sure the light weight should help me, but didnt know if my height would be a down fall for my cycling, when watching the tour de france I ussally see people around 5'11-6'0 and with me being tall I didnt know if that would be a factor in it. Also my age...17. Im young, but I believe still old to catch up and suceed in cycling. I was looking at the tour de france and saw that alot of the pros started around the age of 21, that I thought gives me 4 years, when most cyclist prolly start around the age of 7-10. I know that im a noob and looking WAY TO FAR into the future, but I cant help it. When I set my eyes on something I set my eyes onto it, and I cant help it, I want to someday become a cyclist, and was wondering at my age if there is still enough time for me to catch up to my peers, and some day become a cyclist?

    Now into training Historical post image First, I have just been cycling around my neighbored for how ever long my cycling book tells me. That ussally varys right now because im in the begginning stage (30 mins-hour and a half), but I dont live in the biggest neighbored ever so riding around and around and around can get a little boring after an hour. I want to ride on the road, but kind of have a little fear. The roads are vary narrow and its pretty busy traffic most of the time of day, and dont like to [censored] people off clogging the traffic with my bike. Was wondering if it would just be better for me to keep riding the same boring path in my neighbored, or say hell with it and jump on the road and ride with the cars and ignore the drivers. If anyone that lives in Indianapolis and knows of some good roads to cycle on, or anyone can give their intake on this would be much appreciated.

    Also in training im wondering about a coach to critque and help me become better. Whats the best way to find a coach that lives close to me and would coach someone that wants to someday become a cyclist, and not already well into the sport? If anyone knows of coaches or someplace that can help me find a place were I can get one that would be awesome too.

    Next thing, the thing to prepair for. Cycling races, how do I find them, and how can I get on a team for my age grp? Im trying to find a race that takes all levels of cycling from the noob like me with the aspiring dream, to the cyclist thats been riding all his life. Im training for something, and was wondering what for? Would love to know of a site or something like that, that tells me races in Indiana or close by?

    The last question prolly seems a little weird to some people, but was wondering if anyone knows of riders with a disability like a pectus. I have a slight-mild case of a pectus, and was wondering if that would effect my performance in cycling at all. Like I said I have ran all my life, and been very athletic and that never bothered me before, so if your a cyclist out there with a pectus and like to comment on that would be really really awesome.

    So if you read through all that and answer it I would really love you, im dieing to know these question and to help me on the path of cycling, thank you very much. Also if you just want to answer 1 of the questions or a few that would be much appreciated also, just answer what you know, and give your intake in starting

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  2. curlew
    Archived post
    #2
    fetterman said:

    SO hows it going? hehe well im a 17 year old from Indianapolis, In and interested in road cycling.

    Fetterman, I think you live in a great part of the country for road cycling. Have you gone on any of the CIBA group rides? Look at their website:

    http://www.cibaride.org/

    If CIBA is new to you, consider joining this great organization. Go on their weekend group rides. Introduce yourself as a new rider. There are always experienced riders on the weekend group rides that volunteer to ride with newer riders and this is a great way to learn a lot fast.

    Here's the organizers for most of the races within 2-3 hours of central Indiana:

    http://www.indianabikeracing.homestead.com/
    http://www.ohiovalleyracing.org/
    http://www.teamcolumbus.org/
    http://www.2wheelsports2.com/

    Look at the Indiana Race Series site:
    http://www.indianabikeracing.homestead.com

    Scattered througout the summer are the "Traders Point Time Trials." This would be a great way to get started racing. Look at the other race dates in the IRS series. Come out to watch as soon as you can. Talk to the riders your age that you see at these races. The adults will be helpful too. Good luck! 🙂

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  3. Aussie Steve
    Archived post
    #3

    Umm what is a pectus ?

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  4. fetterman
    Archived post
    #4

    a pectus is just a dent basically in the chest, some people say it affects your endurance slightly but i have never really had problems with it. Its nothing really serious or anything, most people dont like it just the way it looks, but im fine with that (i make it up with my abs lol), but i was just worried if that would affect my performance on the bike, and was wondering if anyone ahd this condition and would like to see if it affects them.

    And thank you for the response was worried noone would respond, Thank you very much

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  5. fetterman
    Archived post
    #5

    OK im looking at these events and training, can i just drive down there and ask to join them and train with them, or is there something I have to do first?

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  6. Albert 50
    Archived post
    #6
    Aussie Steve said:

    Umm what is a pectus ?

    pectus.orgwhatis.htm

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  7. curlew
    Archived post
    #7
    fetterman said:

    OK im looking at these events and training, can i just drive down there and ask to join them and train with them, or is there something I have to do first?

    Fetterman,

    For the CIBA rides, just show up 30 minutes early so you have time to get your bike set up and meet the ride leaders. On most weekend rides there will be 75-100 riders this time of year. There will be a wide variety of ages and abilities. The ride leaders will pair you with an experienced rider so you will end up riding a route that will be challenging but well within your ability. There will be food and water available at rest stops, just be sure to bring a helmet, a couple of filled water bottles and a tire inner tube and inflation device in case of a flat. Contact these ride leaders [email hidden] or [email hidden] to find out if you need any permission forms signed or if any other requirements have to be met since you are a younger rider.

    Just come on out for the Traders Point Time Trials. By doing this Time Trial In July you will be able to see the gains you have made over the summer when you do the course again later in the year. Since you are under 18, there will be a parent/guardian permission form that will have to be signed as you register so bring an adult along. You can get that permission form here:

    http://www.ambikerace.com/ftp/2006_liability.pdf

    Do you have a friend that would want to get started with you?

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  8. Matt Norwood
    Archived post
    #8

    fetterman,

    http://www.usacycling.com is a good place to start if you are eventually interested in racing. They sanction the races but also have links to clubs that you can find in your area as well as coaches. If you can afford it, a coach is a great way to go because they see things you can't and can help you improve overall. I used to have a coach which helped quite a bit. I attribute moving up to Category 3 on the road due to this and some hard work.

    On another note, it's funny you mention your size; there's an article in the current issue of VeloNews about a 26 year old guy who just started racing last year and he's 6'3" and 165 and he's beating pros right now. Pick up the issue and check it out...great story.

    I think the best advice is actually to ride with an organized club, though, because you can find lots of people who ride all the time. This does three things: it improves your fitness, you learn to ride with a group and thus improve your bike handling skills, and you learn from experienced riders who they themselves are coaches and have learned from many others over the years.

    Good luck!

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  9. fetterman
    Archived post
    #9

    yea, basically that site tells what the pectus is, but that pic they shwo is a very very severe pic. My pectus is not even close to what that is, its just slightly in, and really doesnt bother me that much, but i rather have everything in tip top shape for cycling hehe.

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  10. DaveS
    Archived post
    #10

    Hey there,

    I totally get what you mean. That site can be a bit extreme with the picture they show. It's good to know that your pectus isn't severe and doesn't bother you much. But hey, I totally understand wanting to be in tip-top shape for cycling! It's always great to have everything working at its best when you're out on the road.

    If you're looking for some tips or advice on how to stay in shape and keep your cycling game strong, I'd be more than happy to help. Just let me know what specific areas you're looking to improve or any concerns you might have. We cyclists have to stick together and support each other, right?

    Anyway, keep pedaling strong and keep enjoying those rides! Remember, cycling is all about the freedom and joy it brings. Stay safe out there and have a fantastic time on your bike.

    Take care and happy cycling!

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