Advice for beginner? please

I, too, have changed sports. From rowing to cycling.

From my experience, I would say this:

🙂 Cycling can be a "loner" sport, but is much safer and more fun with a group.

🙂 The best groups are run by a coach, who will set a program, set up your bike, direct you to the right kind of competition (if racing is you), and solve the issues that will come up from time to time.

The group I joined (in sunny Brisbane, Australia)

• Has National Reps, and a world champion in it ...
  
• ... and beginner riders as well ...
  
• ... They never leave anyone behind on a ride (with flats, etc) ...
  
• ... and those that want to race, are encouraged into events which suit their skill level.
  

Don't join just any group ride or club. Then, you'll look forward to the days when you are riding ... and (probably) be disappointed on the days when you are required to recover.

Hi Capa,

I started riding right after the movie 'Breaking Away' came out because it made cycling look exciting and have never looked back! I agree with MikeHanes; you will learn more, ride faster and be safer if you join a bike club. Check the newspaper or do a search for a club close to you. Most will have beginner rides.

I would also suggest that you pick up a monthly cycling magazine; these have great tips on all sorts of things. I also picked up a book or two on riding and learned alot from them. I believe the one that I got the most out of was called 'Serious Cycling' by Ed Burke.

Lastly, and I quote the great Eddy Merckx..."Ride, ride, ride."

Robin

RobinfromBoston said:

Hi Capa,

I started riding right after the movie 'Breaking Away' came out because it made cycling look exciting and have never looked back!

Robin

I got to watch it the other day for the first time. I'm from Indiana and Bloomington is about 2 hours away from here. You should come and see the Little 500. It's always exciting!

Capa said:

Hi everyone. I'm 21 years old and am new to this forum. I hope to gain an insight into cycling training and wonder if I can get some advice.

I was very much into weights but had to have a cornea transplant on my eyes 10 months ago, so, I can no longer lift weights. However, I thought, "why not give cycling a go!". It seems very intense and looks like a great challenge - I have searched for a while trying to find a safe and effective sport, I hope cycling can be the answer.

I've been training for the past 3 months and have gradually increased my sessions to incorporate high intensity interval training - is this okay for cycling? I notice there are several cycling events, what involves more sprints than endurance?

I have looked at various club websites and notice that the shortest event takes about 50 minutes of continuous riding - "Criterium"?. Does this mean that cycle training should include at least 1 hour of continous interval training on a bike? How should this be done? (ie: 1st 10 min: 1 min sprint, 2 min flat ride etc etc).

Can anyone supply a link where I may learn more about how to become a faster cyclist? I am not sure whether I am naturally an endurance person.

Anyway, I'm just looking for an interesting and challenging hobbie to promote personal fitness and well being.

Any adice will be greatly appreciated and thanks for reading my post.

Cheers.

I see you have a number of responses, but i think this is what you may be looking for pponline.co.ukcycling.htmOpen ↗