Anyone a cycling person?

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-14-2004
Anyone a cycling person?
9
Wed, 07-28-2004 - 12:54pm
I am trying something new here. I am riding my bike about 12 miles per day. I have progressed over almost a month. I don't know how this compares. The hour really flies by, during the ride it is incredible. I feel exhausted when done. My legs are sore (my butt too). Is this considered slow? I read that between 12-14mph it is leisure? Are you kidding me? It also said above 20mph was like level 1. How the heck do you go that fast??? I pedal my heart out and can't imagine going so quick. Any bikers out there with advice? TIA!

-Michelle
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-30-2003
Wed, 07-28-2004 - 1:25pm

Not a cycler, but I asked my bf. He used to cycle a lot. I asked him what "average" speed was, and please no comparisons to Lance Armstrong. lol.


Also, it could be your bike. What do you have? Mountain bike? Regular road bike (aka 10-speed)? That makes a difference. So does the weight of the bike. I mean, my bf talks about his 15lb bike, and yeah it cost like $5k. And he'd ride from here to San Diego (60+ miles) and back easily within a few hours.


So, it could be the equipment, it could just be you (because you're new). I'll let you konw what he says when he answers. He's busy, so not sure when that'll be.





my pet!

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-14-2004
Wed, 07-28-2004 - 1:48pm
Well, my bike is an older mountain bike. I don't know how much it weighs. I can check. My mom gave it to me, it was her exdh's bike. Can't beat free...LOL!! It needs a tune up, i know that much. I just don't see putting too much money in to it with summer coming to a close. The mornings here get chilly in early fall.

Thanks for asking! I can't wait to hear what he has to say. I think i am doing allright...

Oh, and it is a 12 speed if that makes any difference.
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-30-2003
Wed, 07-28-2004 - 1:56pm

Mountain bikes can be heavy. Also, just go as fast as you can, w/o kiling yourself.


BF said, "I think I used to pace myself between 18-22 mph.




my pet!

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-14-2004
Wed, 07-28-2004 - 2:50pm
Thanks for the laugh! That was pretty funny. I have startled so many people just trying to let them know I am there. My bike is so noisy I don't know how they don't hear me. Whenever a serious biker comes around I shift into one of my more quiet gears so I don't look like an idiot.

I'll try to pick up the pace. I talk to myself alot (not out loud, unless it's a big hill) to keep my cadence going. Sucks when they play a slow song on the radio!!
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-04-2003
Wed, 07-28-2004 - 3:27pm

Yayyy!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-30-2003
Wed, 07-28-2004 - 4:18pm

Oh you and miranda crack me up. I was going to have KC (DBF) fix my bike, but tires and tubes alone would be like $100. ouch.


Oh yeah, KC also said, "she's not riding a mtn bike is she?" and I said, "yeah she is" and he said, "oh, WORLD of difference". lol.


So, there you go. Don't go buy any sort of list of how fast you should go. Because you're not even riding a




my pet!

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-14-2004
Wed, 07-28-2004 - 4:43pm
Miranda, I have thought about the speedometer/odometer, but the bike shop was $$$, so I will check Walmart. Never thought of that, duh!

Cher, good to know. I say a lady with a "real" bike the other day. Skinny tires and looked real light (that makes no sense...LOL...what do I know?). So, maybe I am not doing so bad ;-).

Thanks, ladies!!

ps Cher, my bf (best) will get a kick out of your story! I took her with me one day and she is slow. I had to wait for her every now and then. She did really well though. It was her first time out.

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-14-2004
Wed, 07-28-2004 - 4:48pm
Ya know, another thing, some of the bike paths here are spooky! I found one today I really like. I get creeped out on the one I took yesterday! Lots of overgrown brush. they mow about six feet off the trail, but anyone could hide in there. I know I am paranoid, always have been, but I am going to get some mace I think. Women have disappeared exercising before (on yesterday's trail to boot)! Creepy! Today's was more open and maintained.
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-30-2003
Wed, 07-28-2004 - 5:25pm
Wow! Yeah, be safe! Here, I'd be riding on the road more so. No trails really, just concrete riverbeds.

~Cher




my pet!