Personally, I dismiss them as wasted time, although others seem to swear by them.tdl123321 said:What are your thoughts on "base miles." While, I am still very new to cycling it seems some swear by them, while others dismiss them as wasted time. What are your thoughts?
Yes, I am new to cycling, been riding since Feb. Several of the guys around here seem to talk about building a "base" in the winter and then doing intervals and more serious drills come spring.normZurawski said:If you're new to cycling, base miles isn't a bad thing. A lot of the conversation about base miles is in reference to people who ride a lot every year and don't really take the winter off. In that contect I agree they're a waste. But if you've just started then they're not going to hurt at all.
What are your goals?
Congrats on your first century. I was director of our club century here on Sept 16, and can tell you nothing beats talking to a first-time century rider right after they finish the event. It's a cycling milestone most of us don't forget.tdl123321 said:Yes, I am new to cycling, been riding since Feb. Several of the guys around here seem to talk about building a "base" in the winter and then doing intervals and more serious drills come spring.
My goals- well I'm 30 years old, just started cycling, so I know I'm never going to be a big time racer or anything. However, I did ride my first Century a couple weeks ago(fairly tough course) and I'd love to blow that time away next year. If I really really improve then I would consider riding in the local criterium next year(I realize there no chance of placing, but it would be fun none the less. But, mostly my goal is simply to train efficently, improve my overall state of fitness, and become the best cyclist I can, given the limited time I have to train.
Thanks for the book tip and the Congrats on the century. Yes, that was a day I want soon forget. As far as learning to enjoy riding- that is one aspect I have mastered. Several of the guys at the local club ride in the masters category, so a little extra power would make the club rides a little more enjoyable for me as well. Thanks for all your help.dhk2 said:Congrats on your first century. I was director of our club century here on Sept 16, and can tell you nothing beats talking to a first-time century rider right after tChey finish the event. It's a cycling milestone most of us don't forget.
At age 30, you're the right age to start Masters Racing. But if you don't get into that, the goal of improving your century time each year is a good one. One book I'd recommend is "Long Distance Cycling" by Pavelka and Burke. The concept of base miles is discussed and included as part of the training schedules.
But don't think you need to have a structured training program to make progress. Even if you just go out and ride with a local club or with buddies, you'll likely be able to cut minutes off the goal century each year. Learning to enjoy riding is the main thing.
Personally I would try to put together a training plan of some sort. You can look at books by Friel, Carmichael, and Burke to help with that. The Friel bible will give you a good structure, but it's a bit detailed and some find it overwhelming. Also, I would his food advice.tdl123321 said:Yes, I am new to cycling, been riding since Feb. Several of the guys around here seem to talk about building a "base" in the winter and then doing intervals and more serious drills come spring.
My goals- well I'm 30 years old, just started cycling, so I know I'm never going to be a big time racer or anything. However, I did ride my first Century a couple weeks ago(fairly tough course) and I'd love to blow that time away next year. If I really really improve then I would consider riding in the local criterium next year(I realize there no chance of placing, but it would be fun none the less. But, mostly my goal is simply to train efficently, improve my overall state of fitness, and become the best cyclist I can, given the limited time I have to train.
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