Getting started?

simo105

Hi ive been riding for about a year now but thats over on the trails on a mountain bike. ive recently purchased a road bike (old peugeot) to get cycling on the roads. Ive been on it a few times now and im enjoying it but the only trouble im having is finding a nice route to go on where there aint much traffic. Hows the best way to get ideas on where to go. Id like to get into it a bit more competitive like doing some racing perhaps next year. What would your guys advise be? i live in burntwood staffs and if theres anyone local has got some routes they would be much appreciated thanks alot!
Simon

charlie_potatoes

I plot out my routes on BikeHike

http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php

simo105

cheers mate ill take look

Sprool

Might be a good place to start browsing:
http://www.cycle-route.com/routes/Staff ... s-102.html
I scroll through Google maps to plan a route, it gives you a running total mileage as you set the route, theres also a cycle-specific setting

simo105

cheers mate found a nice route on there looks like heading over to abbotts bromley and round there.

RonB

Hi Simo

I'm not so far away myself and would suggest heading North towards the Bromleys and Needwood, maybe Cannock Chase or the National Forest for a longer ride. I know it's early days but do consider popping out with the Lichfield club's cafe run on a Saturday morning. Not too taxing and always good company with plenty of advice on offer and the all important cafe stop of course! Here be the link...

http://www.lichfieldccc.org.uk/

All the best, Ron.

simo105

cheers pal i shall take a look would like to join a club at some point i may have to give them a try.

Teece

What I did when I came in from the forest and started riding the lanes was simply experiment. I set the GPS to record the route and then just got out there and aimed for the quiet green areas.
When you get back you can select the bits that worked for you, edit your route and try again.
A year later and I now have a selection of quiet country lane routes ranging from 15 miles up to 48.

simo105

ok then cheers for replies guys ive sent and email to lichfield ccc might try and go with them one saturday