Beginner Resources

[jordanpattern]

Apologies if there is already a thread about this, but I'm wondering if some of you other newbies, or more experienced riders, can direct me to some beginner cycling resources. Particularly, I'd like to learn more about bicycles and training.

I have a pretty decent bike, but I'd like to learn more about it, particularly since I'm thinking about switching out some of the components. I've ordered the Chainbreaker bike book, but any other resources anyone can recommend would be appreciated.

I'm also in pretty decent shape (I am finishing up P90X if that means anything to anyone), but I'm hoping to ride a century this fall, and I haven't logged a lot of saddle time and don't really know anything about bike-specific training. I'd like to learn how to train, but googling brings up way too much stuff, so recommendations would be appreciated.

Thank you!

[LilBolt]

"Every Woman's Guide to Cycling: Everything You Need to Know, From Buying Your First Bike to Winning Your First Race" by Selene Yeager is a decent place to start. I've passed my copy on, but I'm pretty sure there is a training plan for a century. And of course, read as much as you can here on the forum! Enjoy the ride.

[jelee1311]

Welcome to TE,I think my fave book when I first started was Selene Yeager every womans guide to cycling ,she has some other great books about training and nutrition.Another thing I did was check out a local cycling clubs' beginning womens ride. I learned lots and had fun. Some clubs around here do a series of rides to help train for centuries. You also might want to see if any local bike shops have newbie classes to take. Where are you from? I'm sure there are people here that can help you find clubs and shops. Good luck!

[Catrin]

I would also recommend "The Cyclist's Food Guide: Fueling for the Distance" by Nancy Clark. It is a very good book on assuring that you are fueling your body properly over the long-term so you can ride as you would like to without damaging your body. Great book! I am sure there are others - but this is the one I have seen.

[jordanpattern]

Thanks!

I will definitely check out that book, and I will see about finding rides in my area. I live in San Francisco, in case anyone reads this and has any recommendations.

I appreciate the help - I've been googling things, but there's so much information out there, it's pretty tough to know what to trust.