Hi. I have a couple of general questions about weight loss and cycling up mountains... 
I am 32 years old and been riding road bikes as a passtime for about 2 years now. After the cycling bug bit me I've been out on the road every chance possible. Rain, wind, hail and blistering sun have not done me in so far. I've basically been out of shape all my life generally being 20-30 kilos overweight. I am about 180 cm and right now I am at 90 kilos which tells the whole story.
Cycling has put me in a somewhat better shape and a (at least for me) GREAT fitness level (had a heart checkup last year and will have one in April). I've never raced, never joined a club but I am able to ride solo 100k's and even moderate to steep hills (3 km and less) at an OK pace (no real mountains yet). After winter settled in I set myself a goal of getting down to 75 kilos before the season starts again (for me 1st of May). To achieve this I use my trainer at least 1 hour a day (at the time I write this I am up to 1.5 hrs minimum) and try to control my calorie intake. No other sports since the 9-to-5 grind leaves me with precious little time. I try to balance what I eat with what I consume on the trainer using a rather simple equation: 3500 calories less = 1 pound lost. I started the winter at 95 kilos and I lost the 5 kilos with this formula (until I "forgot" for a couple of weeks to count calories and stayed at 91 for awhile). I do not have a specific riding goal yet (other than loosing weight) but I plan on doing some mountains this summer. North Carolina will be the place. I plan on riding alone, just enjoying the days on the bike and the climbing achieved.Since I have never done mountains I plan on doing a reconnaissance drive (with the car) of each climb before I ride it.
Here are the questions: Am I doing it right ? Am I overlooking something essential while using nothing but the trainer? I may substitute the trainer for some indoor squash or badminton sessions in March but have nothing else planned. I am also a fan of the Carmichael training philosophy and I am basically sticking to the zones.
How can I prepare best for the mountains ? Even right now while only riding the trainer ? Should I include hills and mountains in my spring-early summer outdoor rides on every ride or is it ok if I only do them "once in awhile" ? I know I need to face them sooner or later and want to attack the first climb prepared. I have the nagging suspicion that if I blow up on the first hill that lasts more than 3 km, I may become discouraged (and spend my cycling vacation in Florida rather than NC).
What would be another sensible goal for the 2004 season ? Should I join a club and ride a century (in miles) ?
Even though I may be past the generally accepted prime age for cyclists by that time, I want to get into some competitive races and even take part in the Etappe du Tour in a couple of years. Sensible or not?
Any suggestions are welcome.
Also... If you're familiar with NC, I would appreciate any riding suggestions.
Thanks folks !
I am 32 years old and been riding road bikes as a passtime for about 2 years now. After the cycling bug bit me I've been out on the road every chance possible. Rain, wind, hail and blistering sun have not done me in so far. I've basically been out of shape all my life generally being 20-30 kilos overweight. I am about 180 cm and right now I am at 90 kilos which tells the whole story.
Cycling has put me in a somewhat better shape and a (at least for me) GREAT fitness level (had a heart checkup last year and will have one in April). I've never raced, never joined a club but I am able to ride solo 100k's and even moderate to steep hills (3 km and less) at an OK pace (no real mountains yet). After winter settled in I set myself a goal of getting down to 75 kilos before the season starts again (for me 1st of May). To achieve this I use my trainer at least 1 hour a day (at the time I write this I am up to 1.5 hrs minimum) and try to control my calorie intake. No other sports since the 9-to-5 grind leaves me with precious little time. I try to balance what I eat with what I consume on the trainer using a rather simple equation: 3500 calories less = 1 pound lost. I started the winter at 95 kilos and I lost the 5 kilos with this formula (until I "forgot" for a couple of weeks to count calories and stayed at 91 for awhile). I do not have a specific riding goal yet (other than loosing weight) but I plan on doing some mountains this summer. North Carolina will be the place. I plan on riding alone, just enjoying the days on the bike and the climbing achieved.Since I have never done mountains I plan on doing a reconnaissance drive (with the car) of each climb before I ride it.
Here are the questions: Am I doing it right ? Am I overlooking something essential while using nothing but the trainer? I may substitute the trainer for some indoor squash or badminton sessions in March but have nothing else planned. I am also a fan of the Carmichael training philosophy and I am basically sticking to the zones.
How can I prepare best for the mountains ? Even right now while only riding the trainer ? Should I include hills and mountains in my spring-early summer outdoor rides on every ride or is it ok if I only do them "once in awhile" ? I know I need to face them sooner or later and want to attack the first climb prepared. I have the nagging suspicion that if I blow up on the first hill that lasts more than 3 km, I may become discouraged (and spend my cycling vacation in Florida rather than NC).
What would be another sensible goal for the 2004 season ? Should I join a club and ride a century (in miles) ?
Even though I may be past the generally accepted prime age for cyclists by that time, I want to get into some competitive races and even take part in the Etappe du Tour in a couple of years. Sensible or not?
Any suggestions are welcome.
Also... If you're familiar with NC, I would appreciate any riding suggestions.
Thanks folks !
