I want to start Cycling

[MRT144]

I got my dad's old road bike that he used to climb the santa cruz mountains for many years. Ive got the bike, a lock, and a helmet. I would potentially like to become really good at cycling.

Now im in pretty good potential shape, that is: im 5'10 150-160 lbs, but i have very low endurance right now from sitting on my ass for the past year and a half. I know i could be in EXCELLENT shape if i rode all the time.

I guess the biggest questions i have are:

1. how important are shoes at this point? im just starting, should i wait a few months?

2. how should I change my nutrition if im going on 2-3 hour rides every other day?

3. What are some drawbacks to cycling?

4. Do I HAVE to wear ****ing spandex and lycra?

5. will people beat me up if i dont think lance armstrong is the best cyclist ever? (Merckx is and you know it)

[TCO]

1. Shoes are not that crucial at this point (at least get those baskets though. But I would get pedals and shoes soon. You will go faster.

2. Normal eating patterns are fine.

3. Can hurt your ass. Look into a split seat. Also, there is a large danger of being hit by cars. Learn to cycle safe.

4. yes.

5. Nevuhoid of him. Greg is the best ever.

[Provost Harrison]

Recycling maybe, but cycling sounds too much like hard work!

[MRT144]

i figure i will also feel better about myself and not be depressed if i work out and have a goals.

TCO, thanks! What are you doing back though? This is most wierd.

[Urban Ranger]

Whoa! GP sighting!

[dannubis]

merckx is the best ever

but at the height of his ankles the rest are rather close together

[Snotty]

I just wear tshirt, jeans and my work boots. I dont think you really need to spend any money for a while. If youve got your bike and its all you need really

All I worry about with food is eating sensibly before going out. If you know the difference between fat, protien, fast and slow release carbs then youve got the knowledge to eat well. It makes a big difference to the way I feel when I cycle to work if I eat right.

I get a 'bad' pain in my knee if I push myself too far on a cycle, but it only really hurts for a day or two. I just need to get a bit fitter and it will take much more for it to start hurting

Im having fun cycling this year so far Ive done a bunch of 1 1/2 hour rides, 2x 3hr and a 4 hr. I got started much earlier this year, so before long I should be able to do some of the silly long rides I was doing last summer

Originally posted by Provost Harrison
Recycling maybe, but cycling sounds too much like hard work!

Thats the thing, for me it stopped being hard work once I got fit You dont have to thrash it all the time

[SpencerH]

1. Wait for the shoes, you'll want to have some experience before you use them.

3. Cars, car doors (they're worth a seperate mention) dogs, pedestrians, slotted drain covers, not being able to stop, knee injuries (depends on build).

4. Yes, Its actually more comfortable.

5. Carry a gun if you're worried about it.

[chequita guevara]

Re: I want to start Cycling

Originally posted by MRT144
1. how important are shoes at this point? im just starting, should i wait a few months?

Shoes aren't very important.

2. how should I change my nutrition if im going on 2-3 hour rides every other day?

You should always eat heathily. You want to drop refined carbs and switch to things like whole wheat and brown rice. It gives you a more steady supply of energy than eating white bread, sugars, rice, etc. Those give you an energy spike, and then a crash.

3. What are some drawbacks to cycling?

Cars.

4. Do I HAVE to wear ****ing spandex and lycra?

No. Loose fitting shorts and shirts are fine. You do not want loose fitting clothing anywhere near the gears, however.

5. will people beat me up if i dont think lance armstrong is the best cyclist ever? (Merckx is and you know it)

Just keep quiet about it.

[Locutus]

Re: I want to start Cycling

Originally posted by MRT144
5. will people beat me up if i dont think lance armstrong is the best cyclist ever? (Merckx is and you know it)

I will personally track you down and beat you up if you DO think Armstrong is the best

Merckx!

[Sava]

che is spot on

spandex is... well... nevermind

[Tuberski]

3. Crotch rot.



ACK!

[Barinthus]

Hey do you happen to live in or near San Jose? I started cycliing there, they have this excellent trail I trained myself on and soon I was able to cycle from San Jose to Captiola right up to the ocean water.

[MRT144]

I used to live near san jose! MAN the bay area has such nice areas for riding. Skyline Blvd and King's Mountain were my dads old haunt. I wish i lived in the bay somewhat...but im sure ill find great places in seattle.

[Flubber]

1. You can wait on the shoes-- toeclips are ok for a while

2. Normal eating is ok. 2-3 hours isn't that long and if you bring a decent sports drink in one of your water bottles you should be ok. If riding 3 hours, I recommend carring two water bottles, one with water and one with a sports drink.

3. Its been covered-- Sore ass at the start and all those dangers of being on a small two wheeled vehicles

4. NO you don't have to but I do recommend a good cycling short with good padding. You can wear something over them if you don't like the look.

5. Believe what you want. Hard core cyclists are divided.

As for using an old bike, ensure you get a good tune up and you might also want to make sure the bike fits you. Have an experienced cyclist or the bike shop check the fit. Riding is so much better on a bike that fits