Cycling Forum: Introduction

Good morning, all,

Thought I would do that obligatory introduction post since this looked like the appropriate place.

 I am a relatively new cyclist. I come from a "cycling family" but never did it seriously myself until this past summer. I did it as a way to lose weight. Once I got a "real" road bike though, I now do it for the thrill of it. (and the speed... ;-) )

I finished up my 2nd century yesterday and every muscle, tendom, capillary in my body is sore as heck. But, it sure was a damn big thrill to do that. I've logged about 1200 miles since 4th of July on two bikes and love the mindset that being a cyclist has given me. It is a great hobby. I was very glad to find this site and find others out there who love the thrill of the skinny wheels on the asphalt.

 Jennifer

Hello, I've been riding for a couple of years but I'm new to this site.  I'm riding for fitness but I have also done a few centuries.  I live in a rural small town so riders are few and far between but my little group has grown to where we have 8 or 9 show up at our Saturday morning rides.  Enjoy!

Hey!  I'll post! 

I rode a few criteriums in high school in the 80's and hadn't really ridden since--kids and all--but I started again last summer and have gone great guns.  I got a new road bike and have ridden 4700+ so far this year.  I'm hoping to have weather warm enough to make it to 5000 miles.  I rode two races and had a blast.  I look forward to doing more next year. I have a mtn bike on layaway, too, so I can do more cold weather riding.  Lost 54 pounds, too!

I'm very new to cycling - have only been riding for 2 and a half weeks now and have clocked up around 220kms (so I think I'm going okay for someone who prior to this never exercised regularly!). My goals were fairly specific - keep it up!! I really just want to get fit and in shape.

I am enjoying riding a lot more than I thought I would but would love to have someone experienced help me out with direction and general advice. I'd love to get fit enough to compete in endurance races.

My interest started because of my brother - he was around 50kg's overweight and started riding around this time last year. This weekend he is competing in the Hartley Challange - a 450km ride over 3 days. He is extremely inspirational but doesn't have the patience to deal with a 'novice' such as myself!

Can anyone point me in the direction of a fairly basic 'training program' (either online or in print) in order to shift the last few kilograms and tone up? I have read online that cycling is perhaps not the best exercise for losing weight, but I am convinced that if I continue with around 100km's a week I should notice something (even though I haven't yet.. still early days I tell myself!)

Thanks vmidiver. That website is certainly a good start! It has been raining on and off this week and it has become really evident that I've definitely formed some sort of habit - I am getting antsy if I can't go for a ride! I've had to become more creative in staying active - went for a swim last night and an indoor class earlier in the week.

I will check out the local bookstores this weekend (after the election tomorrow I'll enjoy the lighter reading!). I've had difficulty in searching for things online as I'd like some local (Australian) websites/training ideas, but most of what I find online is American!

Jdrury,

Thanks for the great introduction!  Good luck to you on the fundraising ride & with your battle with cancer.  My mother is a Breast Cancer survivor & my grandfather (my mom's dad) has survived colon cancer & is winning the fight with a blood cancer right now.  People like you, my mom, & my Papa are truly inspirational people.

Only advice I feel qualified to give you is keep pedaling, listen to your doctors, do your own research, and have fun biking!  It brings a lot of fun into my life & I hope it does the same for you.  Good Luck!

- Matt

John,

The plate has been kind of full but I've got 3 brothers, my father, and grandmother (Mimi) who've all been there to help out.  Mom's cancer was caught REAL early & was cut out & treated with radiation.  She's been clean for over a year now.  Papa has beaten down this blood cancer & has just started his first maintenance round of chemo.  His numbers are so good that the docs are saying he can go every other month now.  That's good news.

Anyway, I hope your battle is going well.  You'll get all the good wishes & positive vibes I can send your way.  I hope it helps!

-Matt