New to Cycling

This is suggested training for a local ride, but the tips are good and can apply to any long ride

cascade.orgstp mileage.cfmOpen ↗

gawnfishin said:

I am new to cycling. In fact I don't get my bike until early next week. I have been riding around the neighborhood for an hour or so at what I feel is a brisk pace mainly for exercise/cardio on my "paw-paw cruiser" with an almost tractor sized seat.(except for when I am with the wife & my two little tax deductions) I also diabetic, thanks to close diet monitoring, big weight loss & exercise I stopped having to take medication. Since i am approaching 50, I am also interested in preserving my knees for as long as possible and biking will help with that when I am not running. I am getting either a Felt f55, f65 or Orbea mitis. I will probably get the f55 since the money tree hasn't sprouted much this spring.
My question is this: I want to do the Louisiana MS150 in October. I currently run for 30-45 minutes every other or third day depending on schedule & motivation. Where can I get info on how to train? I am sure there is a better method than just getting out there and pumping for an hour os so. I will probably get a heart rate monitor as well, even though I have done no research on them as of yet.

When you get your bike good intensity training is good but you will need to condition not only your heart,lungs and legs but also your butt for long rides.
If possible find an experienced group to ride with. You will need practice to ride in a peloton if you are to take advantage of riding in a pack.
If you find the right people they can guide you.
They have already made the mistake berfore and can steer you in the right direction.
I would suggest posting a thread here in the bike cafe for riders in your area.