30 miles in a week

[Torrilin]

When I got my bike in May, I was having a tough time doing 12-16 miles in a week. Last week, I did 30 miles. I've gone from having a tough time maintaining a decent cadence of 60-80 rpm, to it's doable. I've gone from barely being able to keep going on the second chainring to mostly riding on the biggest one... including some hill climbs. I did an 8 mile ride, the longest ride I've ever done.

My nemesis hill is still taunting me. I made it up further than I have before by about 15 feet.

I'm boggled at the change in my fitness level.

[Tri Girl]

Don't be boggled- you're getting STRONG on your bike!!! Congrats on your longest ride and week- ever!!!! Keep it up, and your nemesis hill will taunt you no more...

[madscot13]

oh I've been there. It used to be 3.5 miles, I hope I can handle that. 9 miles in a day? Gee, what if I die? Now I am having a hard time searching for longer rides.

[Jiffer]

Excellent job! Isn't it fun to see your improvement and know you're getting better? I love obtaining even small goals. Makes it even more fun to get on the bike the next time.

Good for you, biker girl!

[Yen]

I know what you mean! When I started in March, I thought I'd just ride around the neighborhood a couple of days a week in addition to the walking I do. Now, I'd rather ride my bike and we go further every week, and I'd rather ride than walk! It's exciting to feel myself get stronger every week.... especially being over 50.

[KnottedYet]

Torrilin, you are a STUD MUFFIN!!!!!!

Watch out nemesis hill, she's gonna beat yer heinie!

[RolliePollie]

You're doing great, Torrilin!!! I think you'll be shocked at your continuing progress from this point forward. When I look at my "official" cycling spreadsheet, I am amazed by my progress:

I got my bike in mid-February and rode 32 miles in two weeks. Had not ridden a bike in at least 15 years.

Then in March I rode 165 miles total. I tried some hills, but they killed me.

In April I rode over 200 miles, including one 40 mile ride (a nice flat route!). And I went clipless in April too, which still surprises me!

Then in May, I made it up to about 60-65 miles/week. I could handle some hills, but I needed rest breaks about every 10 miles.

So far for June, I've been riding about 80 miles/week. And I can ride all around my local area for 25-30 miles without stopping for rest breaks.

I figure two more rides will bring me to 1,000 miles. There is a jersey waiting for me at my LBS which I will be purchasing to celebrate!

I've never tried another sport where you can progress so quickly. What a great motivator! I'm so glad you're enjoying cycling and feeling proud of yourself! Cycling rocks!

[RoadRaven]

Hey there Torrilin

I remember training to be able to ride 10km... just over 6 miles...

3 years later and I race (approx) 30km once a week, do 50km training rides regularly and rode my first 100km ride in December last year

It is such a great feeling, isn't it, to be able to see and feel your fitness increasing - and in such an enjoyable way!!!

Awesome, T... keep setting yourself achievable goals (like further 2 metres/yards than last time on the nemesis) and you'll continue to impress yourself.