Cycling Forum: New to Cycling

i got my first road bike about a month ago, but have been riding mountain biking all my life, and although two different riding styles, its all based on the same techniques. It depends how you feel after you finish, if your completley shattered then maybe tune it down a bit either do the same mileage at a slower pace of a lower mile at the same pace. If you feel like you have more in you then push out towards 18-20 miles, take it slower  at first then you can build up. Dont push yourself or over due it, more suseptable to injury and been completly worn out half way round on a 60 mile ride isnt going to help you, done it myslef a few years backand the last half just felt like death. Most riding clubs have different groups, ring around see what pace they go and how far, if your worried about holding people up then take a slower group at first. hope this helps

It sounds like you are doing well already.  I'd say go out as often as you want.  If you don't want to go, then don't.  Try to ride that same route some times and keep note of your times and how you feel.  On other occasions use the bike to explore - Go places you don't know.  Biking is fun - Don't take it so seriously that you don't enjoy it.

 While it is still new the fun is in riding rather than setting any particular time.  Build up your confidence (and comfort) on the bike.  Do look to see what the local groups are doing.  20 miles may be a bit low, but 15mph is fine for lots of club rides.  I don't know if you are thinking of racing - I don't race, but you are still a way off that kind of riding...

At this point, just ride your bike, whenever, however and how much ever you want.  It will take a solid year or so of cycling to be able to make any training plan actually worth while.  Don't get hung up on routine's; ie what  wattage/heart rate you should be riding at etc, just go ride your bike, if you want to kill yourself do it, if you want to go slow do it, if you want to ride for 6 hours do it, there is a lot of muscle memory to be gained, in both fitness and form.  Just keep being on the bike fun.  And oh yeah, invest in a nice, comfortable, expensive pair of cycling shorts and some chammy cream!!    Your crotch will thank you!!

Ride It!

Even though I'm not a "new cyclist", i was recommended to the book "New Cyclist Handbook" put out by Bicycling magazine - it's awesome - alot of great info, including a 10 week program on training for your first century.   Don't be afraid of wearing riding shorts with a pad and a good cycling jersey - i started mountain biking and used to make fun of the outfits, until i did my first metric century - the outfits are created for a reason (moisture wickering, padding in all the right places etc.) and will change your whole experience!