I'm so new

Hi JenP, I'm italian cyclist and I have just one tip for you: practice!!

The training tabs are so too complicated for newbe. Run with bike for fun now!! After you have cycled many miles you think to specific training!!

Excuse my English but I'm also here to learn it!! Correct me if needed!! Thank you!!

You need the right equipment as in a bike that is set up correctly for you size and also the right bike for the type of riding you are doing. If you are not comfortable on the bike you won't train as long.
I suggest finding a good bike shop or a veteran that knows cycling. Set reasonable goals in regard to what you want to accomplish. Eat right, sleep well and pedal like hell. Other than that just have fun until you decide who and what you are as far as a cyclist.

Quoted post said:

Originally Posted by Paolo1987 [IMG]/img/forum/go_quote.gif[/IMG]

Hi JenP, I'm italian cyclist and I have just one tip for you: practice!!

The training tabs are so too complicated for newbe. Run with bike for fun now!! After you have cycled many miles you think to specific training!!

Excuse my English but I'm also here to learn it!! Correct me if needed!! Thank you!!

Paolo maybe you can teach me Italiano. Ha bisogno aiuto.

Quoted post said:

Originally Posted by JenP [IMG]/img/forum/go_quote.gif[/IMG]

I know, practice, practice, practice. But does anyone have any practicing tips? And after I'm not such a dork, how do I train? I'd probably put a training plan together based on my running experience, but I've been reading all of these things on the internet that make me think it is quite different.

It doesn't get much better than Paolo's advice. Many years ago someone asked my aikido instructor what the secret to aikido was. His answer... "just show up". Cycling is pretty much the same way. Just ride as much as you can or want to. To get stronger, four times a week is a LOT better than three times a week, five times a week is only a little better than four. 1 to 2 hours a pop (or more), and a couple months later you'll be in like Flynn. Use the gears, shift according to the terrain. There is no magic cadence, your personal preference will surface after a bunch of riding. Don't feel a need to ride hard all the time, different physiological adaptations arise from both ends of the intensity spectrum and both are needed to be strong on the bike. Like jhuskey mentioned, if not already done get a basic fitting at a bike shop - the one where the bike was purchased will most likely provide the service for free.

Ps. If you do happen to fall over at a stop light still attached to your pedals don't feel too bad it's happened to most of us at some point early in our "careers". Get to Central Park if you can, you'll be able to hammer there as hard as you want. Avoid it like the plaque on weekend afternoons.

Thank you danfoz!! For many of us, cycling, is just an hobby and fun is the real victory!!

jhuskey says, there are three golden rules for fun and improve: eat right, sleep well and pedal like hell!!

I took the bike to the shop my boyfriend bought it at (Toga NYC) and they fitted me so I'm all set! Thanks for your advice, I'm just going to focus on getting out there for a while and see what happens.

I live about 10 blocks from the park so I plan on practicing in there until I'm more comfortable to hit the West Side Highway or a bike path out of the city. I rode around 4pm yesterday afternoon and the south end was packed! I plan on taking it out early Sunday morning and hopefully there will be less obstacles. Thanks for the advice!

Quoted post said:

Originally Posted by JenP [IMG]/img/forum/go_quote.gif[/IMG]

I live about 10 blocks from the park so I plan on practicing in there until I'm more comfortable to hit the West Side Highway or a bike path out of the city. I rode around 4pm yesterday afternoon and the south end was packed! I plan on taking it out early Sunday morning and hopefully there will be less obstacles. Thanks for the advice!

It's a pleasure. The West side highway path up to the GW bridge and then along River Rd to 9W and back is a 50 mile roundtrip with one very tough 7-minute climb and some nice rolling hill terrain. A beautiful ride and 9W has some nice wide shoulders. It's a cyclist mecca!

Quoted post said:

Originally Posted by Paolo1987 [IMG]/img/forum/go_quote.gif[/IMG]

Hi JenP, I'm italian cyclist and I have just one tip for you: practice!!

The training tabs are so too complicated for newbe. Run with bike for fun now!! After you have cycled many miles you think to specific training!!

Excuse my English but I'm also here to learn it!! Correct me if needed!! Thank you!!

I agree with Paolo (understood you perfectly). I just got back into cycling after being out for about 15 years and unbelievably, I am able to still do some good riding. For me the key is a steady pace. I am just riding to get my legs back and after about 1-2 months I will get a bit more specific. I plan to do some group rides this summer, hopefully once a week and the other times it will be solo rides. I think group rides are good because you will have some motivation to get out of your comfort zone every then and again. It was good advice to get fitted for the bike. I now realize the importance and can ride longer because I was fitted for my bike and I am very comfortable on the bike with no pain or discomfort (my old bike was 3 sizes too big for me). Also, I lift 3 times a week, which definitely helps in my cycling, especially my back work outs. I too need to get my nervs back to ride in the city because of all the idiot drivers out there. When I was young and dumb, it didn't matter much, but now I am older and wiser, it does.

Man, it feels so good to be back on the bike.

Al

I think I am going to work up to a group ride too, but first I need to build up my nerve of just being on a bike while dealing with multiple outside influences at once. I think once I'm comfortable, I'd love to tag along with some better riders just to see if I can hang (what's better than peer pressure for a good push?). When I did the 20 the other day, I felt fine, maybe a little tired after the ride, but the day after I lifted and went to spin class and my legs were surprisingly tired. It's a different kind of tired than running so I didn't notice before I got back on a bike. Also, I think I might need to invest in the padded shorts, ha.

Someone else told me about that 50 miler ride and it sounds great. I think it should be my goal for the fall.

Even though I'm still a bit nervous about street traffic, I'm really excited about my ride tomorrow.

There is a lot of common knowledge among cyclist that has nothing to do with fitness but could be very helpful.

You will want to take the time to learn how to fix a flat on your bicycle. Flats are a part of the sport... and having a little gear in a saddle bag and knowing how to us it can alter your day.... particularly if you're a few miles from home. YouTube has videos, and many bicycle shops have classes. Lots of info here at the forum as well.

You should realize that unlike running you may not fully realize how much you might be sweating when cycling. Because at cycling speeds the moisture evaporates often leaving the cyclist somewhat dry and cool. I hydrate before I feel thirsty.... and through out my rides.

The bicycle follows the eye. Or at least it can seem to do that. When finding yourself in a pinch like an obstacle in your way, look at your escape route, not at what you want to avoid.

I really enjoy riding even when alone. I think most cyclist do. But joining a cycling club that has frequent group rides would be a great "training grounds" for learning all the tricks-and-tips of the sport. Even just a couple rides with a cyclist friend would be informative and helpful.