Well done HALLEZ!! on first 50 miler!

pilot_pete
pilot_pete Posts: 2,120
edited July 2011 in Road beginners
Just thought I would post a quick well done to my 13 year old son who not only completed his first 50 miler with me the other day, but actually did 61 miles!

He started cycling in April and has made great progress. It's been a learning process and he has taken everything onboard. He's blown on hills and had to stop (no shame there, we've all done it!) and gone on to learn how to keep out of the red zone to successfully climb several thousand feet here in the Peak District in one ride. He got up the climb through Macc Forrest (20% ish in the latter part) first attempt and climbed the road from Gradbach to Flash (Britain's highest village) a couple of days ago, again with a VERY steep part. He's been up to the Cat and Fiddle, which was easy by comparison!

He bonked on a flat ride as he had not eaten enough throughout the day and has learnt valuable lessons about nutrition and fuelling those legs. He now eats plenty before a ride and an 'Elevensies' bar every hour during his rides. He has learnt to keep putting fluids in and to listen to his body.

He has gained road sense and an awareness of the dangers. He still needs to just check behind a little more often, especially before moving position in the road, but he is now even confident riding in groups, pointing out potholes to his ride buddies!

His first 50 was from Congleton (where we live) to Beeston Castle, with a little detour via Tarporley to get some lunch before heading back. All in all he clocked 61 miles (and a bit, which he knows off by heart but I can't remember!) and still had some energy left in his legs and I am sure could have gone further!

Just in case you didn't pick up on it.....I am one proud, chuffed Dad :wink:

PP

Comments

  • MountainMonster
    MountainMonster Posts: 7,423
    Congrats to the youngster and glad to hear he is riding. Wish him many fruitful years to follow :)
  • kettrinboy
    kettrinboy Posts: 613
    Good lad :D
  • chiark
    chiark Posts: 335
    Fantastic - well done Hallez! I just hope I can do a fifty miler in the not too distant future, and perhaps in a few years time my sons will join me too :D - they're 4 and 7 right now!
    Synapse Alloy 105 / Rock Lobster Tig Team Sl
  • Well done!
    Twitter: @FunkyMrMagic
  • griffsters
    griffsters Posts: 490
    Good to hear, miles better for him to be doing something like this rather than 'achievements' on the Xbox :lol:

    Anyway, do you think my daughter will join me in a few years if i spray a road bike pink and put some fluffy things on the drops :?
  • cwm
    cwm Posts: 177
    thats fantastic dude,well done to your son and to you aswell :)

    started taking my 11yr old out on road bike recently and i find it quite hard work with the road awareness etc...but we're getting there, but when i watch him get out of the saddle and put a spurt on over the small rises it makes it all worth while :D
    now sharing my plods on
    http://www.strava.com/athletes/cwm