Suggestions for Beginner Rider Schedule?

[light_sabe_r]

My question is: How much should I ride? I want to build strength, stamina, to see improvement.
I'm 5'6" and 200lbs, so need to lose significant weight.
I can ride an hour or two at a time........even rode 18 miles last weekend!!! But my average ride has been about 5 - 8 miles over about an hour...

Hey Shoerbee! If you're only just staring my advice would be keep doing what you're doing!

try squeezing in rides here and there, and if you feel up to it, ditch the car and start commuting to work! That's how it started for me. My commute is 4.5km (a little under 2 miles I think) each way. That got my base fitness up enough to start taking... DETOURS on the way home, shopping expeditions etc... ^_^

Just get out there and have fun and you'll notice improovements in WEEKS!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

if you feel up to it, ditch the car and start commuting to work! That's how it started for me. My commute is 4.5km (a little under 2 miles I think) each way.

Good advice! But... as a farrier, she might have trouble hauling that pesky ANVIL up the hills on her bike!!!!

(hey wait, I bet she could could get into shape REAL FAST that way?...)

[Haudlady]

Good advice! But... as a farrier, she might have trouble hauling that pesky ANVIL up the hills on her bike!!!!

(hey wait, I bet she could could get into shape REAL FAST that way?...)

Good call, Lisa!!!

Welcome, Shoerbee! I know it has been said before, but one of my favorite things about cycling is how I feel... not necessarily how I look! Okay, so my body is stronger now - which is a great side effect - but I would still be on my bike even if my body weren't "improving." Don't get so wrapped up in all of these calorie calculations that you forget to have lots of
FUN!

[shoerbee]

My thoughts exactly on that 'pesky' anvil Lisa! LOL Heck, maybe I'll start a trend. I do hope that riding helps my overall strength and flexibility needed for work as well.
I can see quickly that , though I pulled out the bike to start getting some exercise to lose weight, the fever of riding is over riding the weight loss program......though it seems the body benefits will just follow along...
You ladies ROCK!!!!