New to Road Cycling need advice

[txred9876]

no advice really since I am still new myself.....but I wanted to say NICE BIKE!

Tina

[Reesha]

As far as weight loss goes... when I first started road biking, once I was comfortable in the saddle, I forced myself to tackle hills that I didn't really want to. Makes for great interval training if there are hills in a sequence. Alternately you can sprint hard for a minute and rest for 2 or 3 and do that. Make sure you properly fuel for your ride before and get some good carbs in and then immediately post-ride (within 30 minutes) have a carb/protein rich snack. It worked wonders for me last fall and back in Summer 07 when I rode about five days a week.

The hills WILL get easier every time and you'll feel really good about that. I promise!

[TrekTheKaty]

PRETTY, Dolce. Welcome If I keep seeing all these pics of pretty Giants, I may have to try one.

Just start slow. Try not to add more than 10% each ride--it's easy to get addicted. Be sure to take at least one rest day a week to let your body recover. There's not a lot of info out there for beginning cyclists, but there are a few good books--Every woman's guide to cycling by Yeager?

I was terrified of learning to ride on the road--learn hand signals and to "take" your lane (www.bicyclesafe.com). If you ride a regular route, the cars should get used to seeing you (at least that's what I've found in my area).

Bike riding makes me ravenous, so try to make smart food choices if you are trying to lose weight--Veggies, lean proteins and carbs (rice is perfect). Don't forget to hydrate!

[nolemom]

I would check at the LBS to see if there are any organized rides for beginners (we have 1 a month) or at least see if there are routes that are already mapped out in the area. I was lucky enough to find a bike group with multiple levels of ability. I live in an area with a lot of retirees so my first ride partners were in their late sixties. They could drop me at anytime but had a tremendous amount of patience with me. They continue to be my biggest cheerleaders. I found that if I added about 10% a week in mileage it went smoothly. Good luck - I have lost 25 pounds since last September and I am sure you will find cycling an excellent way to drop a few pounds.