I haven’t been on a bike for years and decided recently to start cycling again as I live in the English Lake District and see it as a good way to lose weight and get in shape, I’m 6 ft and 180 lb. Got my bike the other day a Trek 7200 FX and have been for two short rides 5 miles and one of around 15 miles, I just potter along at whatever speed feels comfortable but I guess its very slow. The problem I have comes when there is a hill, big, small, long or short, my legs feel as though they are on fire, the pain is intense and I have to stop and rest before carrying on. I was on one hill yesterday and it was 2/4 mile long and rose around 100 ft I needed to stop every 50 yards or so as the pain was so bad.
I know that I am unfit, but need guidance as to how much to do, and how fast. I kept at it yesterday walking for spells when I could not take the pain, the ride ended with a mile walk as a warm down.
I guess the pain is lactic acid, am I being a wimp? Is there anything I can do to ease the pain? Riding on the flat is not an option as there are hills everywhere; I never remember it being like this when I was younger. Any help would be appreciated.
I know that I am unfit, but need guidance as to how much to do, and how fast. I kept at it yesterday walking for spells when I could not take the pain, the ride ended with a mile walk as a warm down.
I guess the pain is lactic acid, am I being a wimp? Is there anything I can do to ease the pain? Riding on the flat is not an option as there are hills everywhere; I never remember it being like this when I was younger. Any help would be appreciated.