New Rider with ?s

[neshanic]

Hi everyone. Chris here. I'm new to riding but am quickly getting really into it. I'm 41 and have 2 kids. My husband is a serious rider. He's been riding for years and I started riding just to have some time alone with him! Who knew I would grow to enjoy it so much .

I do have some ?s and am hoping someone can help me out.

1. I don't really have much weight to lose, but alot of toning that I need done - esp butt and thighs. My husband always downs alot of pasta after his rides and makes it for me as well. I was told by my friends at the gym just to eat protein. I'm confused. Which is it? Carbs or protein?

2. I want to pick up a computer/hr monitor to track each ride with. I want a wireless one. I've been looking at the new delphi Blackburn 5.0. Any recommendations?

3. I still have toe cages on my pedals. I really want to change to clip-ins. Can you suggest a good shoe that isn't super $$ (over $100) and which clip system you prefer?

Thanks again!!!
Chris

[KnottedYet]

I just got Speedplay Frogs a week ago. Before that I used cages for 10 years. Frogs are kind to your knees, have no moving parts, and are very very easy to clip in and out.

I'm becoming quite fond of them!

www.speedplay.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.frog

[DeniseGoldberg]

1....My husband always downs alot of pasta after his rides and makes it for me as well. I was told by my friends at the gym just to eat protein. I'm confused. Which is it? Carbs or protein?

You definitely need carbs to support your activity. You need some protein too, but just eating protein is not going to fuel your rides. There are three sports nutrition books that I've found very helpful: Sports Nutrition Guidebook, and The Cyclist's Food Guide, both by Nancy Clark, and Eat Smart, Play Hard: Customized Food Plans for All Your Sports and Fitness Pursuits, by Liz Applegate. Two of the books are available at Amazon.com, and both of Nancy Clark's books are available via her web site.

On the pedals front, I'm a Speedplay Frog advocate too. They are classified as mountain bike pedals, but I use them on my road bikes.

Welcome to the world of cycling, and welcome to TE too!

--- Denise

[Nanci]

I'll put in my two cents worth on question #1. During the ride, you need mostly carbs, with a little protein if it's longer than a couple hours, and a little fat if it's really long. After the ride, you need something with a 4:1 carb/protein ratio ASAP, preferably within the first 30 minutes (even if you plan on eating a real meal as soon as you get home). This will help your muscles recover, and you won't be as sore/tired the next day as if you hadn't had a recovery drink/meal right away. There are commercial drinks, or choc milk, or a peanut butter sandwich, for example.

I think just riding is going to take care of your butt and thighs!!

Nanci

[fatbottomedgurl]

I was shopping by price and ended up with the CatEye CC-HR200DW. I like it a lot. It took me a while to get the sensor on the spoke in just the right spot. Setting the unit up is *not quite* rocket science.

[neshanic]

So carbs ARE my friend. LOL. Now I won't feel so guilty when I sit down for some pasta after my ride. I just won't overdue it.

As for the computer, I was able to get the Delphi 5.0 for under $80 so I just went with it. I think my husband had the cateye model that fatbottomgurl had. He likes his alot too but the Delphi has the cadence feature which I plan to use eventually.

The Speedplay Frog pedals do seem really popular. Do you like the cleat or the pedals? That will be my next investment. I'm happy to hear that they are easier on the knees. I'm currently nursing tendonitis of my quad and will be taking it easy for the next month or so.

Thanks for all your replies! I appreciate the help. You are such a friendly bunch!

ps - Nanci I hope you are right about the butt & thighs! I'm thinking they are looking better (before the injury made me stop) and am counting on further improvement to come!!!

[EvilTwin]

I'm a new rider too, got into it because of the new BF. I hadn't noticed a change in my butt and thighs by just looking in the mirror, so it was a bit discouraging... until.... I tried on a pair of my summer shorts this weekend, and man, did they ever fit better than they had in years!!! So, that was proof enough for me that the effort is well worth it.
Barb