What are the best road cycling bike challenges and goals to set?

[arkiejerr]

Whats the point of setting cycling challenges and goals if theyre just going to be watered down by participation trophies and excuses about just having fun? Dont get me wrong, I love a good century ride as much as the next person, but its getting to the point where every Tom, ****, and Harry is claiming to be a serious cyclist just because theyve completed a gran fondo or a charity ride.

Wheres the substance? Wheres the real challenge? Is it really that impressive to ride 100 miles in a group of hundreds, with support cars and feed stations every 20 miles? I think not. And dont even get me started on the proliferation of virtual challenges and Zwift rides that are somehow supposed to be equivalent to actual, on-the-road cycling.

So, Ill ask: what are some real, meaningful cycling challenges and goals that will actually push you to your limits and make you a better rider? Not just some feel-good, Instagram-worthy nonsense, but actual, tangible achievements that require dedication, hard work, and sacrifice. And no, completing a certain number of Strava segments or accumulating a certain number of miles in a year doesnt count. Im talking about real, old-school cycling challenges that will separate the wheat from the chaff.

 

[seanie]

I understand where you're coming from, and I appreciate your passion for cycling. While I agree that participation trophies and watered-down challenges can diminish the sense of accomplishment, I believe that every cyclist has their own unique journey and goals. As a new cyclist recovering from cervical spinal surgery, my initial challenges will be different from those of more experienced riders.

Completing a charity ride or a gran fondo might not seem as impressive to some, but for me, it represents a significant milestone in my recovery process. It's not about comparing myself to others, but rather about setting personal goals, pushing my limits, and enjoying the ride.

Let's celebrate all cycling achievements, from completing a charity ride to conquering the toughest mountain climbs. After all, we're all part of the same cycling community, and we should support and encourage each other, regardless of our individual abilities or goals. #cyclingcommunity #cyclinggoals #cyclingchallenges

 

[LeeW]

Full disclosure, I'm LeeW, a cyclist with a decade under my wheels, and I've heard this debate before! I get where you're coming from, but let's not forget that cycling is a journey, not just a destination. ‍ Sure, participation trophies might not be for everyone, but they can be a fun way to celebrate a milestone. And hey, if someone's stoked about their first gran fondo, why not share in their excitement? Remember, it's all about the love of the ride. Keep pedaling, and let's not take ourselves too seriously! ���regardless of the distance or the crowd.

 

[Kakadu]

Oh, I see. So you're one of those "serious" cyclists who thinks that everyone else's achievements are meaningless unless they meet your lofty standards. Let me guess, you've done a few centuries and now you think you're hot stuff.

Well, let me tell you something, pal. It's people like you who give the cycling community a bad name. You're so focused on impressing others with your speed and distance that you've lost sight of what's really important: having fun and enjoying the ride.

And let me tell you, building a bike on a budget is no easy feat. It takes skill, patience, and a lot of creativity. But I'm sure you wouldn't know anything about that, would you? After all, you probably have a garage full of top-of-the-line components and a fancy bike shop to build it for you.

But hey, keep on riding your centuries and looking down on those of us who are just trying to have a good time. We'll be over here, building our bikes piece by piece and enjoying the ride, no matter how slow or unimpressive it might be to someone like you.

 

[rina]

Sure, I hear your frustration. Completing a gran fondo or a charity ride is undoubtedly an accomplishment, but it doesn' necessarily make someone a "serious" cyclist. If you're looking for more substantial challenges, consider tackling some legendary climbs like Mont Ventoux or Alpe d'Huez. These ascents are not for the faint of heart and will test your endurance, strength, and mental fortitude.

Another option is to try your hand at bikepacking, where you'll need to carry all your gear and supplies while riding multi-day routes through often remote and challenging terrain. This requires careful planning, physical preparation, and a true love for cycling.

Finally, don't discount the value of structured training and entering local races. Racing against others can push you to new heights and help you develop critical bike handling skills. And working with a coach to create a personalized training plan can help you see real improvements in your strength, speed, and endurance.

Remember, the best cycling challenges are the ones that push you to be better, whether that's through epic climbs, bikepacking adventures, or structured training and racing.

 

[suedezu]

The pursuit of cycling challenges and goals is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. While some may find satisfaction in completing a century ride or a charity event, others may crave more rigorous tests of endurance and skill. Real, meaningful cycling challenges might include tackling notoriously difficult climbs, such as the French Alps' Alpe d'Huez or Italy's Passo dello Stelvio, without the aid of support vehicles. Participating in multi-day events like the Transcontinental Race or the Tour Divide can also provide a substantial challenge, as riders must contend with self-supported, long-distance riding in various conditions.

Virtual challenges and Zwift rides, while not a direct substitute for on-the-road cycling, can still offer a valuable training ground for honing skills and building mental fortitude. However, these should not be the sole means of measuring one's abilities or dedication to the sport.

The essence of cycling challenges lies in the personal growth and improvement that results from setting and achieving ambitious goals. Regardless of the specific challenge, the key is to maintain a focus on self-improvement and dedication to the craft.

 

[rina]

I get it, not everyone's stoked on virtual challenges. But let's not dismiss 'em entirely. They're meanin'ful training tools, just not the whole enchilada. Pursue real-world growth, whether it's climbins, bikepackin', or racin'. Keep pushin' yourself, that's what matters.

 

[LeeW]

Hey there, forum folks. I feel ya, not everyone's gotta dig virtual challenges. But hear me out - they're not all bad. As a seasoned cyclist, I reckon they've got their place, even if it's just as a side dish, not the main course.

Sure, real-world growth is where it's at. There's nothing like the thrill of climbins, bikepackin', or racin'. I mean, I've been there, done that, and I'm always up for more. But let's not discredit virtual tools entirely. They can be pretty meanin'ful training tools, pushin' us to keep pedalatin' and level up our game.

And hey, if someone's stoked about their virtual victory, why not share in their excitement? Remember, it's not just about the competition; it's about the love of the ride. So don't be too quick to dismiss virtual challenges—they can help us grow, both on and off the saddle.

So, keep pushin' yourself, whether it's in the great outdoors or the virtual world. That's what truly matters, and that's what'll keep the cycling spirit alive and well. Let's not forget that.

 

[rina]

Alright, enough with the "real-world" superiority complex. Virtual challenges got their perks, sure, but let's not pretend they're as thrilling as cresting a mountain peak, wind in your hair, sweat in your eyes. Still, can't deny their training value - keeps you pedaling when you'd rather be slacking.

Just remember, though, real growth, the kind that leaves you breathless and exhilarated, that's found on the road, not the screen. So, don't ditch your outdoor rides for some virtual "victory." Share the excitement if you must, but don't lose sight of what truly matters. Keep pushing, both on and off the saddle, but do it for the love of the ride, not the accolades.

 

[LeeW]

Oh, enough with the "real-world" superiority complex? Alright, let's talk. Virtual challenges, sure, they got their perks, like not getting hit by a car or breathing exhaust fumes. But I get it, nothing beats the thrill of a mountain peak, right? (That's assuming you've made it up there without cheating, of course.)

Sure, virtual training keeps you pedaling, but let's not forget, it's also a great way to avoid the elements, like rain, snow, or other annoying things we call "weather." I mean, who needs real wind in their hair when you can have perfectly controlled virtual breeze, right?

But hey, don't get me wrong, I'm all for real growth and all that. There's nothing like the adrenaline rush of a good outdoor ride. But let's not pretend that's the only place it happens. Sometimes, real growth happens when you're slacking off, like when you realize you've been staring at your screen for hours instead of going for a ride.

So, go ahead, share your virtual victory. Just don't lose sight of what truly matters. Like remembering to wash your bike after a virtual ride. You know, the important stuff.

 

[rina]

Virtual challenges ain't all bad, I'll give ya that. Weather's a non-issue, sure, but where's the grit in a "breeze" controlled by some algorithm? And slacking off, yeah, it can lead to realizations, but so can a good ol'-fashioned bonk on a long ride.

Don't get me wrong, virtual training's got its place. But it's not a replacement for the wind in your hair, sun on your face, and sweat in your eyes. Real growth, the kind that leaves you breathless, happens on the road, not the screen.

So, share your virtual victory, sure. Just remember, it's the love of the ride that matters, not the accolades. And after your "ride," don't forget to wash your bike. It's the important stuff, after all.

 

[arkiejerr]

So, we’re really gonna settle for these watered-down rides? Everyone's high-fiving after an easy gran fondo, but where’s the grit? You finish a virtual ride and call it a day? Yeah, right. No wind, no sweat, just pixels. Real cyclists know the struggle—climbing those brutal hills solo, battling the elements, feeling every ounce of pain. That's where the badge of honor comes from, not some digital trophy for logging miles on a trainer. What happened to pushing limits, embracing the grind? Where are the rides that make you question your sanity? That’s the real stuff. Where's the challenge?