30 miles in a week

When I got my bike in May, I was having a tough time doing 12-16 miles in a week. Last week, I did 30 miles. I've gone from having a tough time maintaining a decent cadence of 60-80 rpm, to it's doable. I've gone from barely being able to keep going on the second chainring to mostly riding on the biggest one... including some hill climbs. I did an 8 mile ride, the longest ride I've ever done.

My nemesis hill is still taunting me. I made it up further than I have before by about 15 feet.

I'm boggled at the change in my fitness level.

Don't be boggled- you're getting STRONG on your bike!!! Congrats on your longest ride and week- ever!!!! Keep it up, and your nemesis hill will taunt you no more...:D

oh I've been there. It used to be 3.5 miles, I hope I can handle that. 9 miles in a day? Gee, what if I die? Now I am having a hard time searching for longer rides.

Excellent job! :D Isn't it fun to see your improvement and know you're getting better? I love obtaining even small goals. Makes it even more fun to get on the bike the next time.

Good for you, biker girl!

I know what you mean! When I started in March, I thought I'd just ride around the neighborhood a couple of days a week in addition to the walking I do. Now, I'd rather ride my bike and we go further every week, and I'd rather ride than walk! It's exciting to feel myself get stronger every week.... especially being over 50.

Torrilin, you are a STUD MUFFIN!!!!!!

Watch out nemesis hill, she's gonna beat yer heinie! :D

You're doing great, Torrilin!!! I think you'll be shocked at your continuing progress from this point forward. When I look at my "official" cycling spreadsheet, I am amazed by my progress:

I got my bike in mid-February and rode 32 miles in two weeks. Had not ridden a bike in at least 15 years.

Then in March I rode 165 miles total. I tried some hills, but they killed me.

In April I rode over 200 miles, including one 40 mile ride (a nice flat route!). And I went clipless in April too, which still surprises me!

Then in May, I made it up to about 60-65 miles/week. I could handle some hills, but I needed rest breaks about every 10 miles.

So far for June, I've been riding about 80 miles/week. And I can ride all around my local area for 25-30 miles without stopping for rest breaks.

I figure two more rides will bring me to 1,000 miles. There is a jersey waiting for me at my LBS which I will be purchasing to celebrate!

I've never tried another sport where you can progress so quickly. What a great motivator! I'm so glad you're enjoying cycling and feeling proud of yourself! Cycling rocks!

Hey there Torrilin

I remember training to be able to ride 10km... just over 6 miles...

3 years later and I race (approx) 30km once a week, do 50km training rides regularly and rode my first 100km ride in December last year

It is such a great feeling, isn't it, to be able to see and feel your fitness increasing - and in such an enjoyable way!!!

Awesome, T... keep setting yourself achievable goals (like further 2 metres/yards than last time on the nemesis) and you'll continue to impress yourself.