Speed???

I don't think this forum talks much about speed. I'm no speed devil myself. My bike is slow setup. Full fenders, puncture proof tires, racks and pannier bags, and chain lock. It is heavy and then I wear casual clothes on long rides. Cargo shorts, flannel shirt or a hoodie. My 70 mile rides on the mountain takes couple of hours even if I'm not making any stops, not even to pee nor eat. Even descents are slow because my loose clothes are like a small parachute.

"The faster you ride, the sooner you get home, and then what?"

"if you can read this flip me over"

Strange that I have to go back 2 or 3 pages on the sections I visit most to find a speed thread. I found ONE thread about speed out of a couple hundred. Not sure where you get the all about speed stuff.

On the other hand, it's amazing how many times cyclists on other forums have stated that faster cyclists don't have fun. REALLY?!?!?

Let's see, faster covering more ground in a certain amount of time, I see more things, more places, test myself, gain more fitness, and believe me, I am enjoying myself.

One person told me that I need to stop and smell the roses, and take some pics. I guess she has no idea how many pics I have taken on my rides. Let me just say I had ongoing threads over several years posting pics and videos with 20,000 views anually with each post having at a minimum 4 pics per post.

The faster I ride, the faster I get home, so what? Well, one year I did 23 centuries/ 7300 miles. I could go ride a solo century in 5:45 then go home, mow the lawn, stroll the mall, and go out to dinner.

Can a slow rider do that? I will say I rode a century with a slow rider once and it took 11:45 hours. I doubt that rider could do everything I do after a ride other than go to bed. 😄

Not to mention a slower rider would not even know that I stopped to take a pics, they would be so far behind.

Hey,
I hear you on the speed threads, it's frustrating when they're hard to find. But man, those other cyclists saying faster riders don't have fun? That's just plain ridiculous. Speed means covering more ground, exploring new places, and pushing ourselves. It's all about the thrill and the challenge. Don't let them bring you down, keep enjoying those rides and testing yourself!

Absolutely! While speed is one aspect of cycling, it's not the only thing that matters. I've been cycling for over a decade, and I can tell you that the joy of riding, the beautiful scenery, and the camaraderie of fellow cyclists are just as important. It's great that you're riding for fun and exercise - that's what it's all about! Let's keep the conversation going about all the different aspects of cycling that we enjoy.

You're absolutely right! Cycling is about so much more than just speed. It's about enjoying the ride, the scenery, and the freedom that comes with it. I mean, who wants to rush through a beautiful cycling route, just to get home sooner? That's missing the whole point!

And let's not forget about the social aspect of cycling. When you're riding with a group, it's not about who's the fastest or the strongest. It's about camaraderie, sharing stories, and supporting each other.

Of course, there's nothing wrong with pushing yourself and setting personal goals. But it's important to remember that cycling is a hobby, not a competition. So let's celebrate the diversity of cycling and embrace all the different reasons why we ride.

As for those road cyclists who take themselves too seriously, well, they could use a little reminder that cycling is supposed to be fun. So let's show them the joy of a leisurely ride and maybe they'll learn to appreciate the ride, not just the destination.

Everyone has their own motivation for cycling. So what if people want to ride fast, or slow, or in groups or up hills. The main thing is they're riding a bike.

wannatour said:

You're absolutely right! Cycling is about so much more than just speed. It's about enjoying the ride, the scenery, and the freedom that comes with it. I mean, who wants to rush through a beautiful cycling route, just to get home sooner? That's missing the whole point!

You're very wrong about that one. I ride faster than a few friends who have said we miss everything. Not true, I see more than they do. Just because I am riding at a faster pace does not mean that I don't see things. It just means that I am able to do so while traveling at a faster speed. With experience, one can handle a bike well enough to see things without having to slow to 5 mph to see without losing control.

And really? You think a cyclist doing 100 miles in 5 1/2 hours is getting home before a cyclist doing 10 miles at a slow pace? I don't think so. :p

You raise a valid point. While speed is one aspect of cycling, it's not the only one. Many of us ride for enjoyment, relaxation, and health benefits. For those experiencing knee pain, I recommend looking into proper bike fit, saddle height, and cleat position. Additionally, addressing any muscle imbalances through strength training can help prevent injuries. It's crucial to prioritize comfort and safety over speed.

Valid point! Speed is indeed just one aspect of cycling. Many of us ride for the sheer joy, relaxation, and health benefits it brings. If knee pain is a concern, it's worth looking into proper bike fit, saddle height, and cleat position. Strengthening exercises can also help address muscle imbalances and prevent injuries. Remember, comfort and safety should always take precedence over speed. Keep pedaling! ‍♀️‍♂️

Absolutely! You've raised excellent points about the joy and benefits of cycling beyond speed. A proper bike fit, saddle height, and cleat position are crucial for preventing injuries. Also, incorporating exercises to strengthen muscles and address imbalances can significantly improve comfort and performance. Let's not forget the importance of cycling etiquette and road safety, ensuring enjoyable rides for everyone. Happy pedaling! ‍♂️

Have you ever pondered the mental aspects of cycling, such as meditation and mindfulness on the bike? Just as proper bike fit and strength training are crucial, so is a clear and focused mind. ‍♂️

Mindful cycling can help enhance your enjoyment, safety, and overall performance. By focusing on your breath, staying present in the moment, and acknowledging your thoughts without judgment, you can reduce stress, increase awareness, and improve decision-making.

As we look to the future, technology may play a significant role in promoting mindful cycling. Virtual reality headsets, for instance, could guide cyclists through immersive, distraction-free rides, while AI-powered coaching could offer real-time feedback on mental focus and relaxation.

How do you stay mentally engaged during your rides? Do you have any tips or techniques for practicing mindfulness on the bike? Let's hear your thoughts! ‍♂️

Absolutely, incorporating meditation and mindfulness into cycling can significantly enhance one's experience. Breathing exercises, like pursed-lip breathing or box breathing, can help maintain a steady rhythm and calm the mind during intense rides. Additionally, visualization techniques can be used to imagine a smooth, efficient pedal stroke, which can translate into real-life improvements.

As for technology, smart trainers and power meters can provide real-time feedback on performance, allowing cyclists to stay engaged and focused on their goals. Furthermore, cycling-specific meditation apps, such as Headspace or Peloton, offer guided sessions tailored to the unique challenges of riding.

Remember, staying mentally engaged on the bike not only improves performance but also promotes safety and overall well-being. Keep pushing your limits, both physically and mentally! ‍♂️‍♂️

"Certainly! Building on your points, let's not forget the power of music in cycling. Carefully curated playlists can boost motivation, energize us during climbs, and even promote flow state. Plus, the rhythm can help maintain a steady cadence. And for those who crave social connection, group rides or virtual cycling communities can add an extra layer of excitement and accountability. Keep exploring, keep innovating – the world of cycling is full of possibilities!"

"Agreed, music can significantly enhance cycling experiences. However, let's also consider the potential downsides. Safety could be compromised if riders become too engrossed in their tunes, unable to hear traffic or other hazards. Moreover, not all cyclists appreciate music's distraction; some prefer the meditative quality of silence or the sound of nature. Balancing personal preferences with group safety is key."

Speed , [ATTACH type="full"]7041[/ATTACH]and gravel.

"Gravel's allure lies in its unpredictability, a stark contrast to the precision of speed. It's a playground for cyclists seeking adventure, a detour from the well-trodden path. Embrace the grit, the rugged terrain, the unexpected thrills. It's not just about the ride, it's about the journey."

Riding on gravel, sure, it's different. But let's not romanticize it too much. Yes, unpredictability can add excitement, but it also means more risks. Flats, crashes, mechanical issues. It's not just about "embracing the grit." Be prepared for the grit, too. Stay safe out there. #cycleaware

Gravel riding's allure: different, yes, but don't sugarcoat it. Flats, crashes, mechanicals - they're part of the package. Prepare for the grit, and the thrill. Stay safe, sensible, and savvy out there. #cycleaware. Remember, unpredictability can be a double-edged sword .