Newbie and maybe crazy!

Wow! You are all a great source of info! I am 49, used to run and do triathlon. I have a bad knee and after 8 years of very limited activity am back to biking. Long story, quit eating grain in Nov and have almost no knee pain. So here I am! 2 local gals have talked me into BAK (Bike Across Kansas) It has been on my bucket list for a long time. It is an organized, week long ride with support, this June. It is 547 miles. I have a Specialized bike that I used for tri's, have had a bike fit done and am working on liking my seat! I have my bike on the trainer in the basement (man that is boring!) hoping to get outside soon!

Would appreciate any tips/advice on training. I am now up to 70 min rides, M-Th and 145 min rides on Sat. I am adding 5 min ea week until this lil adventure begins. I got a computer so I can keep my cadence up. My knee likes it if I stay above 80! The girls and I are planning on several long rides as we get closer. Thanks again, I have learned tons from you all already and wanted to say "Thanks"! Tami

Also, any other Paleo/Primal/Grain free riders out there? Or any other BAK'ers?

Welcome aboard. You can use the search function with "paleo" or "primal" to find various threads on those dietary changes.

Pedaling at higher cadences with lower gears is usually good for your knees, and sometimes knee pain can be related to fit issues, particularly with saddle height and pedal/cleat position. But it sounds like you're already working to make sure your bike fits you well.

I'm impressed that you're riding 5 days a week indoors. Twice per week is my max. It sounds like you will have a very good base when you get to ride outside. Also bear in mind that many folks find their saddle less comfortable for indoor cycling than for outside rides, since you tend to shift around a bit when you're on actual roads or trails.

If you are bored on your trainer you might check out the Sufferfest vids. Great workout great race footage awesome music; I love 'me.

Ny biker-good to know about the saddle comfort outdoors! Just got off the trainer, and I tried tilting the front down, may have helped a lil, but may have been too much! Will try in between for tomorrow.

Will try those! I have my iPad rigged up to aero bars and saw something about Sufferfest, but only had 10 min to go! Will ck that out tomorrow!