Hurrah on both of those! I haven't tried either yet.
I adjusted the brake pads on my Marin today, no rubbing any more :D
Printable View
Hurrah on both of those! I haven't tried either yet.
I adjusted the brake pads on my Marin today, no rubbing any more :D
I had an issue like that for a while two years ago. I guess I stopped badly, injured my foot (without knowing it), and it was NOT HAPPY for a few months. I don't think this is your problem, though. Are you clenching your toes or anything while you pedal?Quote:
Originally Posted by murielalex
Well, I am venturing forward to say I road my longest milage to date yesterday, a 34 miler. I added 10% from last week and plan to do that for the next month or so getting ready for my first sponsored ride in June. It was a lovely sunny (and that is the optimal word for the Pacific Northwest) Sunday.
I am 'schlepping' my 43 pound Schwinn until I settle on a road bike.
Wooohoooo, glad to hear it! Those milestones are so sweet, and they never stop being that way :)Quote:
Originally Posted by never2late
Brilliant - well done!
I haven't ridden in a week :( My husband is Stateside for two weeks, and it only seems to stop raining after my 4 year-old goes to bed. I've been trying to practise swapping tubes and doing other minor fixings instead.
I don't wanna be the only newbie posting my numbers, but we had another great 'liquid sunshine' free days over the weekend and I just had to roll.
Saturday I used my 'old green' as my new riding friend calls her, to go grocery shopping and quickly clocked over11 miles on the trip. Later in the afternoon, I headed out just for the thrill of it, put in 13 miles and at one point, looked down and was going 15.3 mph!
Sunday was a wonderful afternoon ride of 33 miles with my friend. We are getting prepared to participate in a 53 mile ride next month.
Total milage for the week was 58. And for the month, 202 miles. lovin' my 'old green' till the road bike of my dreams appears.
Thanks for your encouragement.
Yay!! Rode a total of a 100 miles during the month of April!! The goal for May is a 150 miles or more :D.
oh wow, never2late and Maye! Brillliant :)
We had the wettest April since records began over here :( I clocked 27miles for the month, and was quite impressed. Even my "easy win" 2 mile nursery run was flooded. Today was dry, at least, I did twelve miles through many muddy puddles.
Hi ladies,
I hope that you all are having a great weekend!! For the first time in my life I rode 20 miles today!! Yay!! Keep the miles coming :D
Mariela
After two weekends of pouring rain, was able to get out today. I had a basic bike handling coaching session, which was really helpful, mostly concentrating on cornering safely (I was afraid to lean) and working up to faster cornering, and also working on shifting more (I had been staying in basically one of the higher gears, which I thought was fine, but now know is inefficient). I'm signed up for a series of three private sessions, all working on safe handling. The place I'm doing this through has a women's group ride on Monday evenings, a social ride with no drops. I've yet to ride in a group, and I'm hoping this will be a good introduction. Tomorrow morning, I'm doing a friendly ride with a buddy. It's nice to have sunshine again!
New rider here and a commuter. I cycled to work every day last week even in the rain. I got in 28 miles which is my record.:D
Welcome to TE!! I love this thread since we get to share our experiences and achievements which is very encouraging and great!!Quote:
Originally Posted by lovelygamer
BTW, I posted this in another thread but wanted to share it here also. Yesterday I did a long ride of 20 miles in one of the nicest trails I ever rode in my life. The trail is the West Orange Trail in Orlando FL. It's 22 mile long, so if you decide to do the whole thing, 44 miles will be your total :eek: I felt fine all the time, kept drinking water every 10 to 15 minutes and ate gel blocks every 30 minutes. It took me 110 minutes to complete the 20 miles. So went I got back to my car, I ate the last block and drank more water, put the bike on the back of the truck, turn the car on and waited to cool down a little bit then started the drive back home. Five minutes after I started driving, I felt a little weird, like a little bit confused, lost. I thought to myself, what's going on? Then my heart beat started to go really fast and I found myself gasping for air and that's when I got really scared. I thought to myself, calm down, don't freak out, drink more water and wait until the the block gets through your system. I thought about stopping the car. Five minutes later I was back to normal. I think I had a mini heat injury. I wonder what went wrong. I followed all the advice about hydration. I had with me 48 oz of water, plus another bottle in the car that used to splash my neck and face, 4 blocks and one Babybel cheese. I ate all of it. The temp outside was around 88 degrees. I'll have to start riding early in order to avoid high temps. What do you guys think?
So great to read about everyone's achievements.
Last Friday I did my first 35 mile ride with my local women's bike club (actually it ended up being more like 40 because I missed the turn back to the parking lot and went 2 miles out of my way). :o
It was my first time out with the women and I was so excited that I could hold my own. I've wanted to do group rides for a while but felt I had to wait until I got my new road bike.
In the ride report, they even said I was a "strong rider" and that made me super happy. It definitely is lots of fun riding in a group - I've been flying solo pretty much up until now.
I bought my first roadbike on Saturday and rode it today. Said bike is a Specialized Amira.
So today was 30 miles, 11 mph avg with sprints as high as 21. 451 ft of climbing. Very tired and searing wrist pain.
I also commute which is about 4 miles round trip, with some extra commuting between work sites on Wednesday.
Congrats on the new bike! Hope your wrist pain gets better. That doesn't sound good.
I did my first group ride this evening, a small group (10) of women. I was the only one not in shape, but managed to keep up well for the first 18 of 20 miles. The wind kicked up at that point and it started to rain, and I huffed and puffed the rest of the way back and fell 100 yards behind everyone, though caught up again in the last half mile. I'm still nervous getting close to others' tires, but tried to keep within a couple feet when I was feeling brave, though noticed my whole body tensed up when I got closer than two feet and had to concentrate on relaxing. Had a ball and hope to do it again soon.
I understand, group rides or my bf too close freak me out! Do it soooon!Quote:
Originally Posted by murielalex
Managed to get on my commuter this morning and a emitted an out loud "oh sweet lord!" due to nether regions pain. But I managed to ride slightly longer than usual on the way home. Wrist pain still there.
I've had a good month. Today was the best though - got an unexpected short ride in with my mister this morning. He left me trailing in his wake going up a steep short off-road section, but later, on my nemesis road hill, I dropped him a few yards from the top :D It was the first time that I'd done the whole hill in one go too.
Tonight was my first group ride ever. Had a blast, can't wait to do it again.
I think I'm hooked :)
Hello everyone!
I'm new to cycling. I picked up a rather old road bike off of craigslist last week for $20. Once I got it home I realised the brakes didn't work and it didn't have any shifters. I took it to a LBS for a tune up, fix any issues, and add shifters. I just got it back yesterday and while it obviously isn't the best or prettiest thing on the road, it's introducing me to cycling which is exactly what I wanted. The price of repairs was $68, then I had to buy a helmet, gloves, bar tape, a new seat, and some padded shorts. I'd say I'm in at around $147 for everything. If I end up falling in love with cycling (I'm swooning now!) I'll invest in a better bike fitted for me, but at the moment, money is a little tight and this is all I can do.
Anyways, I took a short ride yesterday and today when I hopped on my sit bones hurt really bad. I did almost a 5 mile ride and by the end the pain had somewhat subsided. (I just ordered the bike shorts today as I had wanted to give my seat a try before ordering them. I know just starting out the butt pain is common so I'm not too worried. I was pretty proud of doing almost 5 miles today, it felt great and was really fun. I'm suffering from runners knee at the moment and trying to build strength in my quads. I'll eventually start running again, though not sure when. My doctor says I can now, but I guess I'm a little afraid. So I decided picking up cycling in the mean time would be a good way to stay active and help my knee.
Sorry if I blabbed on too long!
Congrats! Don't just be pleased with your five miles, be very pleased for getting yourself up and pedaling for under $150!
Yes, I'm definitely very happy about that! :)
Welcome to TE Munch, and congratulations on your new bike and cycling explorations!
Munch, welcome and congrats on your new bike and accomplishments. Your bike sounds cool for the cost! I hope you work out the seat pain. :(
I've started calling myself a yearling. I started occasional cycling last summer but when I exchanged my rusted out Walmart bike and bought a nice Raleigh Hybrid that changed things for me.
This year I joined the national bike challenge to get myself into a more regular habit of cycling and I track my rides through gps. This gives me insight to my abilities and ride durations which is something I had never thought about before. I love the incentive prizes and camaraderie in the challenge.
I'm still dealing with soreness as I continue to struggle to find the balance between resting and challenging myself to do more. I have a left hip replacement and get right knee pain because of the years of disability before the surgery.
Actually, this sport has taught me that I CAN set my own goals and meet them, even in something that seemed so hard at first. Normally I am not competitive at all so that is a revelation for me.
Welcome, Munch! Good for you--both for riding 5 miles, and for doing it for not a whole lot of money!
I broke my 50-mile mental barrier last weekend. (I'm going for a shorter ride this weekend, though. I wasn't exhausted at the end, but it took a toll on my week!) I've done some goal setting: metric century by the end of June--if I can get in a couple more rides in the 50-60 mile range, I'll be fine--and a full century in October. Let's see how this goes.
Welcome and congratulations Munch! Congratulations also Owlie :)
I have cleared 100 miles so far this month, and should get a few more in before the end of May. Very satisfying.
I have a Trek Madone, however I have a chronic heart condition and will require a heart transplant one day. I can get back to that bike in the future. I want a lighter weight bike to manage now, more upright, comfy but very useable. It will help me maintain myself currently, and I hope it may keep me well longer. I won't be going too far, but one day will also with this bike - hopefully. I am looking at the Trek 7.4 WSD! Does anyone know the weight of it with the 15 frame? Are there any of you that could fairly review this bike for me please. I am extremely excited about getting this, but want to be sure it is the right choice for me. The store did not have the 7.4 WSD in stock, but I did like the 7.3 WSD, I thought the 7.4 WSD frame would be a better fit as it is lighter. I sure hope you may help. I am also not able to buy another bike, this is a huge gift and it should be just perfect! Thank you all so much.
I think these two bikes are nearly the same bike, with an upgrade to a nine speed and adding a carbon fork. The weight difference likely isn't large. The carbon fork may add to comfort and will cut down the weight a bit. I have a similar bike, the Cannondale Quick. It is comfortable to ride but it isn't lightweight like my Madone. But it isn't a tank either. The gearing on the 7.4 seems nice and low which will go a long way to making the bike rideable.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jaynee Beyond
The Trek FX series is a really nice series of bikes. To get the weight down though you probably will have to speed a pile more money.
Do you need to haul the bike up and down stairs or anything? If not, the weight may not be a problem.
Good luck on keeping your health problems at bay as long as you can!
Just did my longest ride ever, 50.3 miles (yes, I circled around my block once to get it past 50). I'm tired. Felt good the whole way, minus the fact that I was really tired of the wind that kicked up the whole 25-mile return trip. I was supposed to be keeping my heart rate between 125 and 135, which was easy at a 15-16 mph going down to Ft. Lauderdale. My heart rate was between 145-165 the whole way back and I was going at most at about 12-13 mph. The ride took me 3 hours 44 minutes, and I stopped once to get some more water (two bottles were not enough in the heat and sun). I took three of these along with me for snacks, and liked them, but dropped one before I could get it in my mouth.
http://allseasonscyclist.files.wordp...waffles-01.jpg
Very tasty and easy to eat (I cut the tops off before I left home and had them in one of my pockets). My legs were tired at the end, but I never felt like I lost energy, though I was really ready to get off the bike when I got home.
I also took a couple of these (read about them here so thanks!) and put it in the water I got on my way back:
http://www.expattravelgear.com/webas...4_02090315.jpg
Tasted just like not-sweet Gatorade, which I liked.
The best part of the ride was when I saw a woman from my 6AM interval cycling class at whiz by me in one town. I caught up to her at a light, and she was nice enough to ride with me for about six miles, which slowed us both down, but we had a nice gab.
I do have a question for you experts: I have been told to not hose down my bike, but I was spending 20 minutes trying to get the sand out of everything, and was getting nowhere. I finally took out the hose, and within seconds, it was clean. I did dry it off really well, lube everything, and then polish the frame. Is this really a no-no?
Oh....my biggest lesson learned today was just because you put on sunscreen when you leave the house, it does not mean you won't get fried. I look pink and silly. I will remember to bring some with me next time.
Congratulations on the big ride, Murialalex. I didn't even know that you were not supposed to hose down your bike. I use a hose when I clean my bikes. I do make sure everything is dry before I lube anything.
Hello Goldfinch,
I am thankful for your comments on the 7.4FX. It gives me more to think over. Thank you also for your thoughtful comment about my health, I appreciate that very much.
Has anyone else had experience on the 7.4 FX, or know about it to share your thoughts. I can not buy another bike again, it has to be perfect but not be too expensive. I appreciate your help on this or with recommending another bike. Many thanks.
Jaynee, if you don't get any more comments you might start a separate thread.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jaynee Beyond
Jaynee, I don't know if this is helpful, but I had a Trek FX 7.5 for a couple months. It was light, handled well, and the only reason I no longer have it is that when I bought it, I liked riding around so much, I knew I wanted to cycle more, and wanted to a road bike with drop bars. I sold it to a co-worker, who happily rides it every day. I can only think that you need to try one out to see if you like it, and if it works for you.
I also send you good thoughts for your health!
That stinger snack looked so good- I adore honey.
Congrats on all the accomplishments!:D
Murielalex, thank you for your reply. I wonder why did you pick the 7.5 fx instead of the 7.4 fx? Thank you for your well wishes. I have a Madone but find it too hard to use it now, need more of an upright bike for awhile. Thanks for sharing.
Goldfinch, thank you also, I should start a new stream. Good idea. I am new on this site, so I may sort that out. Many thanks.:):)
I can't answer for Muriel, but I believe that the 7.4 is a pretty new offering. The 7.5 has a compact double crank and will not be geared as low as the 7.4, which has a triple. With your health issues I would lean towards the 7.4 for the low gears. The 7.5 has upgraded wheels. It will weigh less than the 7.4 but the gearing might be an issue for you.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jaynee Beyond
If you want even lighter there is the 7.6, which also has the compact double, but then you are getting pricier. Really getting pricey but also getting substantially lighter are the Specialized Vita Limited or the Cannondale Quick Carbon 2, both are made of carbon and really are flat bar road bikes, but they are a couple thousand bucks or more.
Just from how you describe your riding and your needs I think that the 7.4 sounds about perfect.
Thank you very much Goldfinch. Your response was very thoughtful,yet informative. The 7.6 sounds amazing, with the double gear, but it's unfortunately more than I may spend currently. It sounds like the 7.4 WSD is a great chiice, and even then it is pricy enough for me currently. I also like the idea of adding a basket. It seems to be well rounded for what I need. Our season is short in Canada as we get these dreadful winters. Many thanks for your help.
Hi Jaynee - I don't know anything about the Trek you're looking at, just wanted to wish you well and say congrats on using cycling to help manage your health. I had open heart surgery to put in a prosthetic aortic valve a few years back and there's nothing like biking to make me feel capable and free and not at all like a heart patient. I know a valve replacement is not in the same league with a new heart but am hoping cycling will do the same for you, both before and after your surgery. Good luck and happy riding!Quote:
Originally Posted by Jaynee Beyond
Thanks everyone and yes, lovelygamer, I did sort out my saddle issues. Took the one I bought at ****'s Sporting goods back on Saturday and exchanged it for one that was a little bit wider. It was $6 more than the previous one, but I felt a good investment. Took my first ride with it that night and it was great. Much more comfortable for me. I rode about a mile and then headed home to raise the height of my seat after noticing my knees starting to hurt. It's quite a bit higher now, but I have good leg extension and my knees weren't bothering me a mile into the ride.
I think this week I'm going to shoot for trying to ride simply as much as possible. The sore butt has gone away and I think I really push myself some this week. Of course I've got quite a bit of wedding planning to do. I'm getting married on the 9th and there are just so many things I've got to get squared away! I'll have a week off from cycling during the honeymoon, so I want to get in as many miles as possible now!
Hello ZenBiker, thank you very much for your extremely kind response and well wishes. I know there are many good people in the world, and you are one of them. That was very nice to see. I am glad that you are back to wellness. I don't have a wellness oprion however it would let me ride for about 10 or so minutes, and give me pure joy during that time. That says something, and I am really looking forward to this. My daughter may take our bikes to a lovely spot, perhaps lake side and we may enjoy an ideal little ride together. I am so excited. It seems like the 7.4 WSD is going to be my pick. Thank you all for your help, and best wishes. I will keep you updated as I am able.Quote:
Originally Posted by ZenBiker
I am glad you worked that saddle issue out. My wider one is good for my booty too. Oh, and congrats on the upcoming wedding. :) Enjoy everything!Quote:
Originally Posted by Munch