Question from a relative newbie about training

[neo93]

I've been biking on and off for the better part of a year. Or perhaps I should say I've been riding a road bike for the better part of a year - I don't know that my first few months of attempts actually counted as real biking LOL.

My brother has been biking for 25+ years, races mountain bikes, does duathalons, etc - and he says that if I want to improve, I need a coach. Any input on this? I can't imagine racing or doing a triathalon (I can't run or swim, so pretty sure that isn't going to happen), but I'd like to be able to ride better, faster, and longer. My goal for this year is to do a metric century, for next year to do a full century, and also to look at a group ride that is marked "easy" and not wonder if I will be able to keep up with the group.

So, just ride a lot? A real coach? Classes? Do they even offer beginning biking classes for adults? How does one go about finding any of those options locally?

Help please :).

TIA!.

[Owlie]

Just keep riding. Hills, flats. If you want to take classes (the ones I've heard of are traffic skills), check with your bike shop. Trying to keep up with a group ride will help you go faster. If you're one of those people (like me) who would just find it frustrating to get dropped, that may not be an option.

[skibum]

So, just ride a lot? A real coach? Classes? Do they even offer beginning biking classes for adults? How does one go about finding any of those options locally?

Help please :).

TIA!.

Just getting out and riding a lot goes a long way to help you improve. If you feel like you need more than that, classes can help. The Atlanta Bicycle Coalition (http://www.atlantabike.org/) offers some classes. I have heard that some local coaches are offering group classes as well. I don't have any personal experience with any of them but, if you are interested, PM me and I'll send you some contact info.

When I first started riding, I found that I improved quite a bit just by getting out and doing group rides. It can be frustrating if you get dropped a lot but that can also be an incentive to ride faster. Atlanta Cycling has a couple of beginner group rides (http://atlantacycling.com/articles/rides-and-events-pg37.htm). There is also a pretty comprehensive ride calendar on the Southern Bicycle League (http://www.bikesbl.org/) site.

[neo93]

Thanks, SkiBum - I sent you a PM.

[indysteel]

You don't need a coach. Certainly, there's nothing wrong with getting one, for what the riding you want to do.....just ride. I got faster from riding with faster groups, but I only did that after I had a pretty decent base and good handling skills. Just push yourself; you'll get faster.

[Pedal Wench]

The Atlanta Bicycle Coalition (http://www.atlantabike.org/) offers some classes.

I've taken their class - Traffic 101 - to get certified to be a ride marshal on a ride I do each year. This is a great intro to riding on busier roads but really aimed for people just starting to ride on the road.

Some of the Southern Bike League rides are geared towards beginners and are a great way to get used to group rides. I'm a member of Sorella Cycling, so I'm always suggesting women join us. Right now, though, we don't have any regularly scheduled beginner rides. But, if you want to do our Wednesday night ride, let me know and I'll make sure you're not dropped. (Hilly route - definitely not a beginner ride, but fun!)