yesterday's lesson about speed

[owlice]

Some years ago, I was on my longest ride so far (back then) since buying my bike and despite feeling crappy the first four miles or so and the trail being bad at the beginning, I was feeling pretty proud of myself as I approached the midpoint. On the short incline up to the midpoint, I was passed by a woman probably 20 years or more my senior (so 70+), wearing (I am not making this up) a flowered dress and a straw hat, riding what I think was a 3-speed, and not sweating a bit.

[Crankin]

I have been dropped more than once by grizzled older guys (older than me )wearing jeans, riding mountain bikes, carrying large backpacks.

[smittykitty]

So, 50 something is old?

Love the story of the 70 something lady in the dress! I want to be her, but first I'll have to buy a dress!

[KatzPajamas]

On the short incline up to the midpoint, I was passed by a woman probably 20 years or more my senior (so 70+), wearing (I am not making this up) a flowered dress and a straw hat, riding what I think was a 3-speed, and not sweating a bit.

I have a flowered dress and a straw hat...hope that can be me someday!

[Crankin]

Old is anyone more than 20 years older than me... and the range keeps going up.

[PinkBike]

i can relate to the posts about going out farther than expected because you feel so strong, then you turn back, and Bam! reality check.

also, as to getting passed, i don't sweat that at all, because i know what happened: that they were behind me, then saw me and put the hammer down to pass me and then stay ahead all the while trying to look like its not hurting at all.

i know 'cause thats what i do!

[Sky King]

What is so great about riding a bike - pretty much works for anyone. Love your story.
I never "train" but I do ride pretty much everyday and one day I was riding to a friend's on my steel touring bike, with fenders, dyno hub,light, racks and my zimbale canvas saddlebag - in my "street clothes" - gasp. There was a large group out on a "training ride" and as the head wind was strong I hopped onto the pace line, boy did I get some looks! This one guy even dropped back to ask me if I was a "commuter", guess they needed to attach a label to this woman who dared to think she could ride with them. I cracked up. I want a shirt that says "I am not a bike racer, it's okay. You are a bike racer, that's okay too." I make a point to smile and say hello to everyone I see, if they are passing me or if I am passing them, makes no difference as long as everyone is having fun!

[andiewest]

I had a little lesson in humility last night. I had tried our local bike shop's serious beginner ride last week. It was a mixed group of men and women and I had heard that they go pretty fast. One of my friends had tried it, and she said that I would have no problem keeping up. Anyway, it ended up being super fast (for me) and we went 50 km (30 miles) at an avg speed of 30 kmh (18 mph). This is fast for me, as I am relatively new to cycling and usually average 14-15 mph on my training rides. I did manage to hold a wheel the whole time and was very proud of myself. I came home and told dh and he decided that he would come out with us this week.

Fast forward to this week, and as soon as the ride started I was way behind. Dh had to pull me back up to the group. I eventually caught up and got a second wind bit I was definitely feeling humbled. The average speed and distance ended up being about the same as the previous week, but I definitely felt like the slow newcomer. For some reason I have more grit and determination when my husband is not around. I'm not sure what that is about. I think I feel the pressure of his expectations and that throws me off. Anyway, I am enjoying riding in a group, as I usually just ride with one or two others.

[indysteel]

I had a little lesson in humility last night. I had tried our local bike shop's serious beginner ride last week. It was a mixed group of men and women and I had heard that they go pretty fast. One of my friends had tried it, and she said that I would have no problem keeping up. Anyway, it ended up being super fast (for me) and we went 50 km (30 miles) at an avg speed of 30 kmh (18 mph). This is fast for me, as I am relatively new to cycling and usually average 14-15 mph on my training rides. I did manage to hold a wheel the whole time and was very proud of myself. I came home and told dh and he decided that he would come out with us this week.

Fast forward to this week, and as soon as the ride started I was way behind. Dh had to pull me back up to the group. I eventually caught up and got a second wind bit I was definitely feeling humbled. The average speed and distance ended up being about the same as the previous week, but I definitely felt like the slow newcomer. For some reason I have more grit and determination when my husband is not around. I'm not sure what that is about. I think I feel the pressure of his expectations and that throws me off. Anyway, I am enjoying riding in a group, as I usually just ride with one or two others.

Great job! As for your performance the second week, having done a lot of group training rides myself, I can say that some rides are just going to be better than others. While it could have been your husband's presence, it also could have been what you ate and drank that day or how fatigued you may have been. I'm glad you're enjoying it though. It's a great way to get a lot faster/stronger on the bike.

[Geonz]

I had a little lesson in humility last night. I had tried our local bike shop's serious beginner ride last week. It was a mixed group of men and women and I had heard that they go pretty fast. One of my friends had tried it, and she said that I would have no problem keeping up. Anyway, it ended up being super fast (for me) and we went 50 km (30 miles) at an avg speed of 30 kmh (18 mph). This is fast for me, as I am relatively new to cycling and usually average 14-15 mph on my training rides. I did manage to hold a wheel the whole time and was very proud of myself. I came home and told dh and he decided that he would come out with us this week.

Fast forward to this week, and as soon as the ride started I was way behind. Dh had to pull me back up to the group. I eventually caught up and got a second wind bit I was definitely feeling humbled. The average speed and distance ended up being about the same as the previous week, but I definitely felt like the slow newcomer. For some reason I have more grit and determination when my husband is not around. I'm not sure what that is about. I think I feel the pressure of his expectations and that throws me off. Anyway, I am enjoying riding in a group, as I usually just ride with one or two others.

One thing I noticed is that I actually ride differently if I'm ... oh, intimidated. When I'm thinking "I can't do this," and switch over to "of course you can't do this for long, but just hang with 'em for a while," my posture changes and the rest of my body relaxes and suddenly the speedo has a higher number on it, my breathing is better... and I'm hangin' with 'em for real.