Is it unrealistic?

[txred9876]

I want to ride in a 24 mile ride in 3 weeks? I have been doing 12 mile rides the last two weeks and bumped it up to 16 yesterday. I am actually not to sore other then some chaffing. I will get some stuff for that today.

The only part of me that is really sore is the part that fell on Sunday. I am kind of getting used to my new clip in shoes. I figured I may as well get used to them from the get go instead of trying to change somewhere down the road. I think that would be much harder.

I am really looking forward to doing the weekly ride one of the bike shops puts on. I just do not want to "hold up" the group by being slow. I did the first 4 laps yesterday (12.68 miles) in about an hour. The last lap took me a little longer as I was starting to get a tired. The rides from the bike shop are about 25-50 miles long.

Tina

[ItchyBits]

I don't think it is unrealistic if you add miles each week and you stick to a flat to rolling course. I would have at least successfully ridden 20 before you attempt. Be sure to go with the C group since they go slower and will wait for you. No rider left behind is key and understood in a C group ride or else new riders would not come back. Usually there is a logical re-grouping point - stop sign or light or at the top of a hill. Also have a cell and cue sheet in your pocket so you can shorten if you need to. Print it out before you go in case the group leader doesn't do it. Another important point before doing a group ride is being able to change a flat. You should bring a spare and an inflation device. Stow in a saddle bag or jersey pocket. A few group rides under your belt and you'll wonder why you ever worried about it.

[txred9876]

I don't think it is unrealistic if you add miles each week and you stick to a flat to rolling course. I would have at least successfully ridden 20 before you attempt. Be sure to go with the C group since they go slower and will wait for you. No rider left behind is key and understood in a C group ride or else new riders would not come back. Usually there is a logical re-grouping point - stop sign or light or at the top of a hill. Also have a cell and cue sheet in your pocket so you can shorten if you need to. Print it out before you go in case the group leader doesn't do it. Another important point before doing a group ride is being able to change a flat. You should bring a spare and an inflation device. Stow in a saddle bag or jersey pocket. A few group rides under your belt and you'll wonder why you ever worried about it.

thank you for the info! I really do appriciate it!

I got the flat thing down.....
I am just getting excited about fitness and riding for the first time in a LONG time! Sometimes I tend to be a little pushy on myself. I am so tired of feeling sick! The more I am exercising the better I am feeling. I am getting ready to celebrate my 4th anniversary (in july) of onset of cancer.

[Urlea]

Ditto everything Itchy said.

Be sure to check out what pace the wkly ride(s) is. The LBS here offers several rides each wk. with a specific focus and pace for each. Most rides are 17-20mph with one or two that are 12-15. That will give you a better idea what ride will best suit your skill level & be the most enjoyable.

[ny biker]

I would talk to someone at the LBS who is involved with their rides. They can give you an idea of what the rides are like, e.g., what the average pace is and if they have a no drop policy, and they should be able to give you an idea of when you'll be ready to join them.

[txred9876]

thanks for all the advise!

[Badgirl]

Which ride (24miler) are you doing?

As for the weekly rides, I'm guessing it's the BSS rides, def call 'em, they are always willing to answer questions and help new riders out. Talk to them and let them know your concerns and such. If I've got the shop right, they are a great bunch of folks.