Fao: Tdc

[tris-]

I need to know a bit about cycling and getting some benefit out of it.

Ive got my bike (a solid frame mongoose rockadile) which I think is primarily designed for urban riding. If I want some kind of fitness benefit, how far should I be going, how long should it be taking me etc? It seems to take a lot to get tired unlike jogging etc Ive got a bike comp so I can measure distances and speed.

I have been just been going to town and back when i need to (4 miles each way in about 15 minutes per 4 miles) but I dont think 8 miles is a day is really doing anything, It is not a massive distance anyway.

Ta

 

[Malecheon]

You might be better off asking this in general, there are a few other cyclists in there that could probably give you some good advice, like Will for example.

 

[TdC]

depends Mr Tris, like most things, what you are looking for. you should already have a pretty high base level of fitness due to your martial arts, and as you rightly mention, biking is certainly not the impact jogging is. in fact, it's about 4 or 5 times less (iirc), ergo you can bike 4 miles on the effort it takes to jog one mile.

still, I don't think you should write off the effects of even a small daily ride. you will notice a stamina boost and general fitness enhancement in the long run. as to doing a bit of a ride, Will claims that you can ride the week distance in a day for a one-off. I'm not too sure about that for a beginner though. I'd say pick a place or landmark that is...mmm 8 miles away from your house and go there, so you get a double your daily commute round trip. If that doesn't do it for you gently up the distance till you can feel you've done something once you get home.

Ofc, to spice things up you can include a hill or two, depending on your surroundings, making the intensity of the workout goes up rather than the duration. Do remember that, like any sport, you need warm ups, cool downs, and maybe some mild stretches when you get home too. I'd say your commute that you described is not enough to get you warmed all the way through, which is why I advise to initially double it for a trip rather than going somewhere 20 miles away. It takes me about 15 to 30 mins to warm up on the bike to the point where my heartrate and breathing settle and my body becomes used to what I decided to do that day.

I also advise always taking a bottle of water or diluted juice with you, and for longer rides perhaps some sandwiches and a banana or so. I have a loop through a local forest that takes me 2,5 to 3 hours and I always bring something to eat, not particularly because I'd need it, but because I enjoy taking a break in the woods, (hopefully) finding a sunny spot and having a quick bite. On that, if you do get all hot and sweaty (ooh err matron!) bear in mind that you will cool down very rapidly if you stop, so standing in a breeze may be a bad idea. Um, if I think of more I'll letcha know


edit: ooh yeh, imo don't go overboard getting kit to wear and stuff at first imo. when I started out the only thing I had was a helmet, and my rule was that if I discovered I needed something I'd purchase it. since the helmet, I've also bought gloves, spd shoes, stretchy pants yes with a chamoix/pad/whatever, arse cream (yes, ladies) and sports glasses to keep the crud/midges/birds/poop out of my eyes.

 

[mooSe_]

I agree with TdC on not buying too much cycling crap; other than a few bottle cages and a saddlebag on my bike and some gloves I don't really take anything extra when I go out cycling. I can't bring myself to wear proper cycling clothes; my parents do though as my dad does races and stuff, so I would say that kinda thing is optional depending on how hardcore you are (my dad went out and did 200km in a day last week whereas the most I do at the moment is about 32km to my gf's house).

 

[Bugz]

whereas the most I do at the moment is about 32km to my gf's house).

Fuck that mate - I hope it's worth it!

 

[tris-]

Thanking you.

I havent bought any gubbins for cycling. If I need to carry stuff I use a backpack and a pair of sunglasses for the flys.

Ill give that 8 mile job a whirl then. I know a website that lets you map out routes and gives you a distance