Quote Originally Posted by tbyers1 View Post
Greetings from Seattle! I'm a 52 year old who started cycling last August with the idea of losing some weight and training for the Seattle to Portland ride (a two day, 200 mile ride) on July 12, 2014. To sign up for the associated training series, they said that we should be able to ride 25 miles at 10-18 m.p.h. on the flats. So, I trained through the winter on flat courses and was able to average about 14 m.p.h. and signed up for the 12-14 m.p.h. group. The training series started yesterday with a 30 mile ride. I kept up with everyone on the flats, but I struggled significantly on every hill, whether short or long for two reasons, I think. Lack of training and no clipless pedals. I've got the pedals and will need to train with them. But here are the questions: 1. Do I have enough time to train for the STP this year...hills and all?
2. If so, what is the fastest way to increase my endurance on hills? I am not afraid of hard work, but I want it to count.

Thanks for all of your suggestions!

Trish
I just have to say I am deeply impressed that you are doing 14 mph average, having just started cycling in August! You will be fine by the time STP comes along. Try to do two long rides (at least 60-75 miles two days in a row at least once before you go, that will give you some idea of what it will feel like on the 2nd day. Just time in the saddle will be the biggest help of all. I did STP the first time having only done ONE 75 mile training ride (as my longest ride that is), and I did just fine (I was 54!). I was slow, but I was lollygagging way too much at the rest stops. Have fun and enjoy it, the feeling when you cross that finish line is awesome. Good luck!