Great grandma beginner

[sashadieken]

Hi everyone,
I've just begun to ride a bike again after lots of years off. Our sons are in the bike business and I figured I'd better get with the program! A couple of years ago I bought a Specialized Crossroads Elite Low Entry after telling a son that I needed a "grandma bike". I rode it once that summer and once last summer, then all of a sudden this summer I want to be on it all the time!

The back roads around here are fairly hilly so it's been a workout. I started with about 6 miles, then 8 miles and Friday I did 18.5. It was 86º out, which is very hot for us up in the mountains. About half of the roads were paved, but half were dirt and one stretch was deep sand. I got off my bike and looked because I thought my tire was flat. Wow, that stretch was hard, hard to stay upright!

I feel like I'm doing okay but little things crop up now and then. Numb finger problem has gone away. Sore sit bones are resolving. Tight shoulders still bug me.

I wonder if I would be happy with cleats. Should I wait until I have more experience?

Does anyone have any advice?
Shelley

[LovelyGirl]

No, but you are one fantastic lady! How cool are you getting so advanced so quickly?!? Can't wait to hear more about your adventures!

[MGM]

Wow, Shelley, good for you! 18.5 miles is a big jump from what you previously rode. That Crossroads would be some workout up hills, so you're really doing well!

Half gloves would help if you find the numb fingers returning.

I'm assuming by cleats you're talking about getting clipless pedals and bike shoes with cleats? Is there a reason why you think they'd help you?

And I find it very funny that your sons considered the Crossroads a "grandma" bike. Thinking of all the young guys on another forum that chose that bike... :D

[smittykitty]

You go girl!

[sashadieken]

I even dreamed about bicycling last night--going up ramps and stairs in a very tall building:p

I was mainly planning on using the bike to go into town and grocery shop. It's an 8 mile roundtrip on the back road with an elevation gain of around 400 feet. (My "big" ride the other day had an elevation gain of 908' for comparison.) I carry big waterproof panniers on the back and a largish bag on the handlebars. I can't think the extra weight is much of a detriment since I myself am about 40 lbs overweight!

I'm going to try to add a photo:
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7072/7292744022_2c61a700df_m.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/14339774@N08/7292744022/)
Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/14339774@N08/7292744022/) by dogcollarsp (http://www.flickr.com/people/14339774@N08/), on Flickr

The reason I know the elevation gain is that I bought a Garmin 450 and mounted it on the handlebars so I wouldn't get lost! I did this after my husband and I were mushroom hunting last month and he got lost and we didn't find him until the next day! He is 82 and on insulin and Coumadin and half blind so it was dicey. If anyone wants to read one son's report, it's here: http://www.splattski.com/2012/sar/index.html

Is it crazy to have the idea of riding the century at my age (which is 65, much younger than my husband)? I'm sort of imagining I could work up to it by next summer.

[hebe]

Well done! I am quite sure you could do a century if you put your mind to it. I started riding at 44, the hardest thing was getting going. No advice on cleats I'm afraid. Enjoy your riding :)

[Tri Girl]

LOVE the bike!! Super cute (and really functional). Woot!!! :)

[MGM]

Is it crazy to have the idea of riding the century at my age (which is 65, much younger than my husband)? I'm sort of imagining I could work up to it by next summer.

Not crazy all all! There ARE 65 year olds doing centuries. You sound like you have quite a bit of stamina to build on. :)

[velo]

You absolutely can do a century. I think that's a wonderful goal! As far as clipless pedals and shoes go... everyone I've ever known has said that it was the single best decision when putting in serious miles. Toe clips are an option, but I personally find them difficult to get out of (pulling the foot straight back). YMMV. Your bike looks lovely... wishing you many happy miles together.

[lovelygamer]

No advice because I am a newbie @ 38 years old. I hope to do a century too-perhaps a local one next fall. You are doing great though! I love your bike. :) Good luck and stay safe.:D

[Kathi]

Yes, with proper training, you can do a century, or a bike tour. I'm 64, just completed a 300 mile bike tour over 5 days in Nebraska. Longest day was 70 miles. There were women, and men, older than me on the tour and they rode every mile. I also know a 74 yr old woman who completed a ride across country last year. Because the ride began in March and she was living at a ski resort she did all of her training on a bike trainer indoors.

Nothing wrong with the current bike you're riding but for 100 miles of riding I suggest you get a well fitted road bike that is lighter and has better gearing for climbs.

[sashadieken]

Thank you, everyone, for your comments and encouragement! I think I will put that plan in motion. I'm sure the journey is going to be interesting and I'll learn a lot about biking and about myself as well.

[Kathi]

Just saw on my facebook page that my friend just completed her 1st triathalon. Wow, she makes me feel like a wimp.

[BodhiTree]

I feel like I'm doing okay but little things crop up now and then. Numb finger problem has gone away. Sore sit bones are resolving. Tight shoulders still bug me.

I wonder if I would be happy with cleats. Should I wait until I have more experience?


First: I wouldn't bother with cleats on your current bike. Honestly, I didn't find they made much of a difference on any of my bikes. Here's a fun article about cleated pedals and shoes: http://www.rivbike.com/kb_results.asp?ID=45

Second: tight shoulders could be from bike fit or from locking your elbows or even from slouching. Try unlocking your elbows first, particularly as you get tired. If that doesn't help, ask someone for some assistance with fit.

[kajero]

Last year my MS150 team leader's father road the MS150 75 miles each day, Saturday and Sunday. He had an old steel bike. He never even sagged. And guess what, he is 78 years old! He bought a new bike for it this year and did the same thing! This year is 79! And last year I couldn't keep up with him! Unfortunately I couldn't participate this year due to an accident, but I followed my team.

[PamNY]

Love hearing about your adventures. Keep the stories coming.

You could easily do a century. I'm 61 and the only thing keeping me from doing a century is that I don't want to put the time in to train for it (though I reserve the right to change my mind). I know several women in their 60s who have done it.

I don't use clips, but I'm nearly always in the city -- stopping as much as going. If I were training for long distances, I would probably want to be clipped in!

I'm glad you found this group. It's a great place for advice and inspiration.

[goride]

You can do a century. I did my first one last year at 60. Have another one planned for later this month. I have a road bike, but still use platform pedals, so no recommendations, there. Keep riding.

[sashadieken]

First: I wouldn't bother with cleats on your current bike. Honestly, I didn't find they made much of a difference on any of my bikes. Here's a fun article about cleated pedals and shoes: http://www.rivbike.com/kb_results.asp?ID=45

That was an interesting read! Thanks, and I guess I'll hold off on this gear.

Second: tight shoulders could be from bike fit or from locking your elbows or even from slouching. Try unlocking your elbows first, particularly as you get tired. If that doesn't help, ask someone for some assistance with fit.

I think locking the elbows might be the problem because my intuition tells me to bend them when my shoulders feel tense.

[sashadieken]

Now I'm feeling very encouraged to give this a try. Do people ever ride that far on the flats and call it a century? Why can't I live in Kansas?

Does it have to be done in a group? I'm thinking if I just rode around until I hit 100 miles that would suit me. I don't know if we even have 100 miles of road around here, especially paved flat stretches but it would be possible to ride the same 5 mile piece 20 times :)

Is one "allowed" to rest, like take a break?

Right now I figure it would take me 15 hours! That's all the daylight we have, too.

[Sky King]

Now I'm feeling very encouraged to give this a try. Do people ever ride that far on the flats and call it a century? Why can't I live in Kansas?

Does it have to be done in a group? I'm thinking if I just rode around until I hit 100 miles that would suit me. I don't know if we even have 100 miles of road around here, especially paved flat stretches but it would be possible to ride the same 5 mile piece 20 times :)

Is one "allowed" to rest, like take a break?

Right now I figure it would take me 15 hours! That's all the daylight we have, too.

Your tag says central idaho, think about coming down to Boise next spring and riding one of the charity rides - http://www.bikingbis.com/idaho-bicycle-ride-calendar/ Cycle for Independence is a really nice one w/ a metric century.

If you are in Boise sometime, bring your bike and let me know and we can for for a fun "old lady" ride along the river or something.

Finally - consider some power grips, a great alternative to cleats.http://store.biketouringnews.com/power-grips-high-performance-pedal-kit/

[Kathi]

How far are you from the "Trail of the Couer d Alenes"? It's 74 miles, mostly flat. There are small towns along the way where you can get food and water. You can ride 50 miles out then ride back.

Organized centuries have designated sag stops where food and water is available. There are other riders so you have companionship. There is sag service available in case you break down on the road or for some reason can't finish the ride.

[Kathi]

Now I'm feeling very encouraged to give this a try. Do people ever ride that far on the flats and call it a century? Why can't I live in Kansas?

Does it have to be done in a group? I'm thinking if I just rode around until I hit 100 miles that would suit me. I don't know if we even have 100 miles of road around here, especially paved flat stretches but it would be possible to ride the same 5 mile piece 20 times :)

Is one "allowed" to rest, like take a break?

Right now I figure it would take me 15 hours! That's all the daylight we have, too.

Flat riding can be very boring, and difficult if it's windy. Hills help to break up the wind and the boredom. On my tour in Neb. the flat 40 mile day was harder than the 70 mile hilly day because of the crosswinds and boring terrain.

[sashadieken]

We're in McCall, so much closer to Boise than Coeur d'Alene.

Sky, one of the sons is co-owner of George's. Joining you for a granny ride sounds like fun--but I don't have a rack to transport the bike. Yet.

I'll check out the links--they look interesting!

[Sky King]

We're in McCall, so much closer to Boise than Coeur d'Alene.

Sky, one of the sons is co-owner of George's. Joining you for a granny ride sounds like fun--but I don't have a rack to transport the bike. Yet.

I'll check out the links--they look interesting!

ohhh, we have good bike buddies in McCall - Chris and Christine Reno. We are coming up this weekend (I think) Chris has some routes he loves I will PM you.
I suppose you could ride around the lake until you hit 100.
check out our blog post about the trip to Burgdorf hot springs (http://biketouringnews.com/hors-categorie/tales-from-the-road/another-bike-overnight/) last October.

the DH knows most of the George's guys as he is a recovering racer :)

[sashadieken]

Sky,
Burgdorf was my first Idaho home, back in 1972! I haven't met the Renos yet. (edit to correct: I see on FB that it's Reino and another edit: she and I have 4 mutual friends!)

Will you be mountain biking up here? I'm teaching fiber arts classes this week, then have to get ready for Las Vegas on Sunday--it's my mom's 99th birthday :)
Our son is Tom Platt. Another son, John, writes the manuals for Trek.

I think going around the lake is 18 miles? I've walked it on occasion and I think I biked it once. We live just north of Lake Fork, so I could ride into town, go around the lake 4 times, then ride home! Ha ha, probably not this summer!

[pll]

Since you mentioned the numb finger and looking at your bike's picture, I will recommend Ergon grips. In addition to offering more support for your hands, many models include bar ends, which give you alternative positions for your hands while riding. I've read in several places that their pedals are also very nice.

[sashadieken]

I had to google Ergon grips to see what they were, but that's pretty much what I have--and love! I wondered how I would do today because I chopped into my left index finger with a knife yesterday but I wore my husband's xl gloves and did fine. It was nice to have those grips to rest my palm on while holding the finger in the air!
I went 8.3 miles in an hour so that is slightly faster, but I don't know how I'll be able to get to 14-16 miles in an hour!

[hebe]

I went 8.3 miles in an hour so that is slightly faster, but I don't know how I'll be able to get to 14-16 miles in an hour!

I don't wish to be an enabler, but.... my average was about the same as yours, than I bought my Specialized Vita, and I'm almost at 13mph average now without trying. Thinner tyres on my vita would push it up a bit more too.

[sashadieken]

Hebe,
You are indeed wicked! Yes, I'm thinking I will end up with another bike or two. I have an old Spec Hardrock that I have yet to see if I can swing my leg over. Yesterday I lowered it from the ceiling and just looked at it!

[hebe]

HardRocks are great! I have a Vita, a HardRock and a Marin Stinson. You'll be able to get a good speed with less nobbly tyres and with the front suspension fork locked out (if it does lock out). I'd always go for the Vita first for longer road rides though.

[Sky King]

Sky,
Burgdorf was my first Idaho home, back in 1972! I haven't met the Renos yet. (edit to correct: I see on FB that it's Reino and another edit: she and I have 4 mutual friends!)

Will you be mountain biking up here? I'm teaching fiber arts classes this week, then have to get ready for Las Vegas on Sunday--it's my mom's 99th birthday :)
Our son is Tom Platt. Another son, John, writes the manuals for Trek.

I think going around the lake is 18 miles? I've walked it on occasion and I think I biked it once. We live just north of Lake Fork, so I could ride into town, go around the lake 4 times, then ride home! Ha ha, probably not this summer!
I can't believe I spelled their name wrong, typing to fast ;)
We decided we are too buried from being being gone for a week so are staying in Boise. Will get up there later this month and hoping to do a few 2-3 day trips based from McCall. We call our bikes "adventure bikes" I am riding a 2 inch tire - grand bois hetre's, work very well for dirt and gravel roads.
Happy BD to your Mom!