Distance

Secteur

I have been riding for about a month now, doing about 4 rides a week.

Today I did my longest - 25 miles - hilly - 2 hours dead.

Felt fantastic about it, then reading this forum how everyone (even newbies) seem to do 50 or 60 miles on a normal good run out - makes me feel less fantastic!

Where I live it is hilly, and to get any substantial flats I'd have to drive out 20 miles I reckon.

Would love to know what I could do on the flat.

I found that by the end of my ride today, my legs / heart etc were all good to go, but my "seat" area was very sore and I dont think I could have done much more due to the pain (I have a "BG" seat on a Specialized Secteur and wearing good quality padded bib-tights. I wear regular trainers & BMX type pedals - dont fancy going "clipless").

I would like to do a couple of charity runs in the Summer (60-100m) and I am worried that if my bum keeps being so painful, I'll never make it past 25 miles!

gaddster

One thing that has taken away the aching for me was getting a carbon seatpost, really helps to absorb some of those bumps and road rumble. I did 35 miles last Sunday and felt a some pain afterwards but today (after fitting new post) did 40 and didn't feel a thing! Very good and cheap upgrade I reckon.

It's also harder doing distance when you're solo, see if there's someone you can team up with and it'll seem easier.

Also make sure you have the bike fitted correctly for you, seat height/tilt etc.

Really consider going clipless too, they make a massive difference to your efficiency and speed, I've only just done it and was amazed how much better and quicker I can now go.

Hope this helps

sungod

it can take much longer than a month for your bum to get used to a road saddle - if the pain is 'only' because you are geting used to it, just persevere, but if it is still painful in another month it could be that the saddle isn't right for you, it takes time to find out what is best for *you*, there're no fixed rules

likewise, if you are a new cyclist, it takes time to develop power and the endurance for longer distances, aim to increase your distance by no more than 5-10% a week, don't ride hard more than two consecutive days, give your body time to recover

just get the miles in and enjoy doing it

make sure the bike is really set up correctly for you, correct set up will help you be more efficient and may also help with comfort, as you develop power correct set up will also help avoid injury

you may not be keen on clipless pedals, but again, they can make you more efficient, so it is worth considering - using an mtb type such as spd is a good option, then you can get pedals with one flat side and one cleat side, so you can ride with trainers or with mtb shoes

for the charity rides, sounds like you are reasonably fit, so build up to the distance in training then you'll be ok for 60, you need to watch water/energy intake, again practice this in training once you get your distance up - running out of oomph (i.e. bonk) will leave you unable to go on - learn to pace yourself based on the course

tbh 100 is more iffy, water/energy/pacing gets more important - if your average speed was 12 mph then a 100 means a long time on the bike, even if it's a flat course you may still find it hard to keep a higher speed up over that distance, but if you can get in with a group you'll need less energy, so depends on your fitness and whether you can train up to the distance in time


hills hurt, but they are great for training, keep telling yourself that :-)

pinnaclered

Have you looked into straps for your pedals, i use Restraps on my bike and wear my regular trainers. it really helps on the hills. I ride a fixed gear bicycle so i need the foot retention on the downhills but i'm getting a road bike next month and will be using straps on it.
I tried clipless but didn't get on with them, now i've ridden with straps for a year i may give clipless a try now i'm more confident with getting in and out of them.
It might be a good stepping stone to clipless.

Peddle Up!

Clipless is good. Give it a go. If it doesn't work out, no real harm done.

To protect against "numb bum" try a spot of chamois cream.

JohnBoyUK

The best thing you can do is persevere and just keep putting the miles in.

I started road cycling last September but wasnt going out religiously every night or week but I could do 40 miles between 11-12mph. Anyhow, since Jan 1st, made a resolution to up the miles and start looking after myself, watching what I'm eating and stuff. Just over 1,600 miles later (approx 500 a month), I can now do 40 miles at 16-17mph now and 50-60 at 15-16mph.

I've joined a club, I've started going out in the evenings, I've done hard work on the turbo, 30 min sessions, 60 mins sessions and a few 2 hour hours when the football has been on etc. I'll never be the fittest person because I like my beer too much but I've dropped from 16st 11lbs to 14st 12lbs since Jan 1st and I feel a million dollars for it.

I done my first 60 mile ride 3 weeks ago. Doing my first sportive next Sunday (New Forest, 83 miles or so) and have signed up to do my first century ride in May.

Just keep going and you'll see results...

teulk

25miles is 25miles and you should be pleased with it. I generally do 30mile runs when i go out and perhaps a 70miler once a week. Just take it steady and increase the distance as already explained.
When i first started riding i could never have imagined riding 5miles nevermind 70miles. Every mile extra is an acheivement so just be happy and forget about what everyone else is doing. Just enjoy it.

Secteur

All very good advice - thanks!