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Cycling...anyone do it?

19 replies

HiccupHaddockHorrendous · 28/07/2013 10:17

I bought a secondhand bike last week.

Took it out for an early morning cycle on Thursday. My friend planned the route and came with me. 6km in 45minutes. I found it pretty hard going but was very pleased when we'd done it.

This morning, I took a different route. 3km in 20minutes and it was really tough.

I'm thinking the 20minute blast is going to be easier to fit into my morning routine...I really prefer to go out early in the morning when there aren't as many people about Blush and then still have time for a shower before starting work.

Maybe when I get better/faster, I can try the 6km route and do it in a quicker time. Not really sure what sort of time to expect to be able to do it in. This morning was only the third time I've been on a bike for 20 years so I am hoping to improve a bit over time Grin!!

Any other learner cyclists trying to lose a lot bit of weight?

OP posts:
yabyum · 28/07/2013 10:20

Cycling alone won't help you lose weight (you need to eat less to do that), but it will get you fit - and quickly, if you do it regularly.

You'll soon be covering much greater distances, much more quickly. I recommend you make a note of all these early trips - you'll be staggered at how quickly your speed, fitness and confidence develop.

You'll be entering 100km sportives before you know it! Grin

Pan · 28/07/2013 10:49

I'd agree with yabyum - to lose weight quickly on a bike you need to be going up inclines, riding for long, or have a crappy bike that makes you work hard. You will though see a big difference in your legs, esp. calves and thighs, and after a bit you will have buns of steel.Grin
What bike do you have?

Pan · 28/07/2013 10:52
HiccupHaddockHorrendous · 28/07/2013 11:39

Thanks, both!

I have been using MyFitnessPal since May and walking as my only exercise, hence the bike Grin.

Both routes have uphill stretches. Route 1 is a loop, whereas route 2 was a 'there and back'. I suppose the benefit of route 1 is that you have no choice but to keep going...I had planned to go further this morning but had had enough at the point where I turned around to come home.

Looking forward to the buns of steel Grin!!! I might need a new seat first...it was a tad uncomfortable on the first trip out...not so bad today.

It's a Raleigh mountain bike...don't know any more about it than that, sorry Blush. Oh and it's got gears Grin!!

I'll take a look at that thread, thanks...I'm afraid I might be too much of a novice to join an established group, though!

OP posts:
Pan · 28/07/2013 13:00

ah, there are seats designed for women - google them? - but at first you will get a bit saddle-sore anyway, but that soon passes.

and that thread is for everyone!

HiccupHaddockHorrendous · 28/07/2013 14:14

Oh my goodness Shock. Have just read parts of that thread and there's some hardcore cycling going on. I'm now cringing at my 6km Blush! I might wait a couple of weeks before joining the thread Grin

I borrowed a friend's bike about three years ago and I hurt for at least 4 days after...at least this time has been easier. I did look at seats yesterday when I bought my helmet but the seat cost twice what the bike cost me! I'll wait a while and see how well I get on with the whole cycling thing before investing...I can see it getting quite expensive Grin.

I definitely feel more enthusiastic after reading the other thread Smile

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Pan · 28/07/2013 17:02

Just hold onto the buns-of-steel idea....

HiccupHaddockHorrendous · 28/07/2013 19:36

Will do !

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ChairmanWow · 29/07/2013 15:03

I like my cycling as well, but please don't feel embarrassed at 6k. It's 6k more than many people bother with! I used to have a little pootle and then decided to participate in a charity cycling challenge overseas. It seemed like a lot of miles per day when I entered but I gave myself 6 months to train and I did it, loved it and lost a stone (I was only a stone overweight back then. Two kids later...). What really surprised me was how quickly I could build distance. I bet in a few weeks you'll be up to 10k. Then maybe aim to double that, or aim to complete it more quickly. A good purchase is an odometer you can fit to your bike which tells you your speed and distance travelled.

The main thing is finding a form of exercise you enjoy. No doubt circuit training or running will burn more calories but if you don't like that kind of exercise you'll end up giving up. If cycling's your thing then stick at it and in a few months you'll be amazed at the distances you're covering.

Lastly, about the bike - mountain bikes are generally heavier and the thick tyres slow you down on the road. You could consider a road bike or hybrid that's similar to one. Or if not go into a bike shop and ask about tyres that make road riding easier. Also if your bike has suspension that can be switched off then switch it off as the suspension isn't needed on roads and absorbs a lot of your effort. And you deffo need a women-specific seat! Grin

Sorry for long post. Stick at it though!

BellaVita · 29/07/2013 15:20

Get yourself the RunKeeper App. It can be set to Cycle, Walk, Run. Advises how much you cover over a certain period and counts calories for you too.

DH stayed biking recently on his old mountain bike which he found heavy going so he has just bought himself a road bike and is up to doing 20k a time (he was very very poorly at Xmas and had major surgery and going to the gym is out of the question). He is aiming to do the Werherby to Filey bike ride next June which is 80k.

BellaVita · 29/07/2013 15:25

started

Lulabellarama · 29/07/2013 15:28

For me, the best thing about cycling is that it can be part of your normal routine, rather than needing time especially dedicated to it. I cycle to and from work and do longer family rides at weekends. It is keeping me fit but as others say it doesn't mely weight away unless you're managing your food too. In fact, be prepared to put some weight on as you'll quickly build muscle in your calves, thighs and glutes.

ChairmanWow · 29/07/2013 15:30

Just re-read your post about not investing until you're sure you like it. Sorry if my advice was a bit OTT! Keep pedalling and see how you feel. And don't compare yourself to Tour de France-level superhumans. They're not normal! grin]

ChairmanWow · 29/07/2013 15:31

Emoticon fail!

HiccupHaddockHorrendous · 29/07/2013 16:33

Thanks for the replies!

I was supposed to go this morning but didn't get up early enough the excuses have started already Blush

I'm not starting work as ridiculously early as I did today so will definitely go out tomorrow.

This bike only cost £20 so I could try it out and see if it's something I can stick at. Having looked at the prices of some of the 'proper' bikes, I think I'd have to be really into it before investing that kind of cash tightarse

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ChairmanWow · 29/07/2013 19:10

hiccup if you do decide to go for it see if your employee partcipates in the Bike to Work scheme. You decide how much you want (and can include equipment as well as the cost of the bike) and you get a voucher. You pay it back monthly out of your salary, and the tax is deducted so it's less than the actual cost of the bike. My DH has had 2 bikes on that scheme and it was really affordable.

Also you really don't need to spend gazillions. I know there are bikes out there for thousands, but unless you want to go pro you really don't need to go mad.

HiccupHaddockHorrendous · 30/07/2013 00:51

Thanks but I'm s/e. I've heard my dsis talk about that scheme, I think.

If I do upgrade, I'll definitely come here for advice.

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willyoulistentome · 30/07/2013 00:55

I enjoy the cycling but it hurts my arse so much that I gave up. I mean it really HURT.

HiccupHaddockHorrendous · 30/07/2013 07:51

I'm sorry to hear of your pain, willyou.

I think I must be doing such short distances that it's not causing much discomfort Confused. I'd certainly expected to suffer a bit more than I am!!

Ds and I went out this morning. Same route as Saturday but 2 mins faster Grin!! Ds is now completely wiped out and has declared he's only fit for xboxing today ha, only until I start work in 30 mins!! I'm really glad we went. I could have quite happily stayed in bed for an extra half an hour, after a shockingly short night's sleep.

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