Got my helmet, lights and shorts..now what?

[bikincowgirl]

I've got my helmet, padded shorts, head & tail light...working on getting my fit just right...maybe another seat is on the horizon. I've been riding on the trainer for the past few weeks. BTW I ride a Trek Navigator.

Now that the weather is cooperating, I'm ready to hit...er...ride the road. Now what? Any ideas on how I need to start..or some sort of training regiment to follow?

I want to ride for fun, to get fit and maybe lose some weight in the process.
I have access to pasture, hilly, winding country roads and a straight, wide shouldered highway with some long inclines.

Oh yeah, I have a heart monitor too.

[violetpurl]

Have fun!

[Jiffer]

Go ride your bike!

Ride for however long it feels good and then work on riding a little farther each time. Then you might want to work on riding faster, if that's a goal. As you ride, you'll probably start to obtain goals. If you repeatedly struggle on a particular hill, you might want to work on conquering it.

Once you get some rides under your belt, you might want to sign up for an event, an organized ride. There are all sorts of distances. Go to active.com to find events in your area.

See if you can find a cycling club in your area. It's so much more fun to ride with other people. If you do, find out if they are an "all levels" sort of club and find out which rides are right for you. Cycling people are typically very friendly and social. Going out on a club ride, where you "know people" gives you something to look forward to. And then as you ride with more experienced people, watch and learn.

Have fun!!!!

[Grog]

Go ride your bike and have fun!

[chicagogal]

Like they all said, HAVE FUN. The "training" will come later - you'll know when you are ready to up the intensity/volume. For now, just ride around and see how you feel. Build mileage slowly.

But before you do anything you need CYCLING GLOVES!!!!! Depending on the weather where you are (I forgot to check where you are from), you will need either full-fingered or half fingered gloves. These are padded which help with pressure points, and if you fall, they protect your hands from getting cut up.

You also want SUNGLASSES. These aren't just to keep the sun out of your eyes, but also to keep dust, rocks, bugs, glass/other road debris from getting into your eyes while riding.

SPARE TUBE and the knowledge to change it. Your LBS will show you how to do this if you ask. Having the equipment/know-how to do this is the difference between being stranded on the road and being able to finish your ride.

Once your start riding longer distances, you will want to get a cycling jersey or two. These have pockets in the back in which you can stash a cell phone, wallet, and some food/gels to munch on during your ride.

Oh my gosh, you don't have any idea yet of how much fun you are going to have!!!!!! This sport is totally addictive (usually in a healthy way) so, really, enjoy every minute of it, but when it starts to take over your life, don't say I didn't warn you!!!!!

[bikincowgirl]

Thanks so much for all of the good advice.

I'm in TN. I am planning on getting half fingered gloves, especially because my hands and fingers have been getting numb. I'm also trying to get my handlebars set right.

[MommyBird]

My husband took me to a state park to get used to my new road bike. Safe and contained while I got used to the pedals and the geometry. I graduated to the real road very quickly.

[Bike Chick]

My husband took me to a state park to get used to my new road bike. Safe and contained while I got used to the pedals and the geometry. I graduated to the real road very quickly.

Good idea! Don't overthink it........just ride your bike and have fun. When you are at the LBS you might have them put a bike computer on your bike too. It's fun to see how many miles you have gone and how many you have put on your new bike.

[WindingRoad]

You know the only other thing I would suggest taking with you as you ride is a plastic baggie to put your cell phone into in case you get an unexpected shower. My ride Monday made me think of that, it's crazy unpredictable weather season again.