[Sause]

Hey everyone, I did my first 20+ miler during the beautiful weather NJ had on Saturday. Earlier in the week my Garmin Edge 510 arrived so I was able to track the ride. The device crashed twice on me. Once right before my ride started and also at the 25.46 mile mark while I stopped for a quick bite to eat. I turned it on but forgot to restart the live track until a mile into the ride. I'll look for a firmware update before my next ride but I was pretty happy with the device.

Anyway about the ride, it felt really good, I made several stops to check google maps since I didn't really plan my route and also stopped in one of the local bike shops to top off a tire and buy a another spare tube. About 22 miles in my legs started to feel it, I think this was due to me not eating anything during the ride. I guess it's time to learn about nutrition.

Without seeing what my cadence was real-time I was really happy to have averaged 95rpm. After the ride I decided to make a few small adjustments like flipping the headand moving the seat forward slightly(just tinkering really). The bike is a 2012 Specialized Allez Sport with Egg Beater pedals and an IMS seat and so far I love it!

Untitled by at Garmin Connect - Details

 

[JCavilia]

About 22 miles in my legs started to feel it, I think this was due to me not eating anything during the ride.

I don't think so; it was due to you never having ridden 20 miles before. Your legs aren't used to it. They'll get there. Unless you start out starved, there's no reason to need to eat on a ride of that length with multiple stops.

I have a suggestion you may not like. Don't pay so much attention to the numbers while you're learning to ride the bike. Just ride. I'd even take the computer off the bike for a few rides. I know that's hard to do. I know we're all gearheads in one way or another, and I like gadgets, too, but I think too much attention to the numbers can get in the way of learning what is, ultimately, an athletic endeavor. It's about the bike.

Anyway, glad you're enjoying the new bike, and I'm very glad Spring is arriving. The weather here in Connecticut wasn't entirely beautiful this weekend, but it was good enough.

 

[Sause]

Well your right, I don't like the idea of leaving the toys at home. It does make sense. I think I'll leave it on but create a slide that just has the Time of Day on it. Then look at what I did after the fact.

 

[JCavilia]

Good compromise; enjoy the ride, play with the data later.

 

[PJ352]

Agree that unless you started out famished, it's more likely your legs were giving out more than you were running on empty.

Good job on your cadence, BTW. Also agree that it's not necessary to monitor it in real time, but being conscious of smoothing the pedal stroke will help your endurance.

 

[alegerlotz]

I don't think so; it was due to you never having ridden 20 miles before. Your legs aren't used to it. They'll get there. Unless you start out starved, there's no reason to need to eat on a ride of that length with multiple stops.

I have a suggestion you may not like. Don't pay so much attention to the numbers while you're learning to ride the bike. Just ride. I'd even take the computer off the bike for a few rides. I know that's hard to do. I know we're all gearheads in one way or another, and I like gadgets, too, but I think too much attention to the numbers can get in the way of learning what is, ultimately, an athletic endeavor. It's about the bike.

Anyway, glad you're enjoying the new bike, and I'm very glad Spring is arriving. The weather here in Connecticut wasn't entirely beautiful this weekend, but it was good enough.

I tend to get calf cramps if I don't drink enough, and sometimes even if I am drinking quite a bit, I still have the precursor to them which is a sign that I should back off a bit and up my cadence as well as drinking even more.

If this is the type of "hurt" you were talking about, up your fluids both before and during the ride and see if that helps.

I tend to agree that its because you were pushing the length of your ride into new territory. Before long you'll be able to go twice that distance without issue.

 

[gte105u]

Great job on the new accomplishment! Feels good to set a new milestone, thanks for sharing.

As was said, I doubt your legs were feeling it due to nutrition. When you start to run out of energy (often called bonking in the cycling community) you will know it. Frequently you will get light headed, confused, nauseous, or have trouble keeping your heart rate up. Strain in muscle groups is typically just physical shape that will get better as you improve with fitness. It may also indicate issues in hydration and/or electrolytes. But on a ride of that length with the weather cool it is not as likely either. Just to be sure make sure you drink plenty of water. Also do not forget that when exercising you need plenty of sodium, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. I frequently use Nuun tabs in my bottle, but your best bet is to get enough throughout the day via diet and supplements if needed.

 

[lloydbraun]

First, congrats on your first 20. I've recently done the same for the first time. I'm new also, and on my first few rides, i'd keep check on the distance and just be shocked when my body was telling me i had ridden 10 miles, but i'd look down and have only gone a few. It didn't help that from my driveway was about a 1 mile steady climb that seemed to take everything out of me before i even got started. I remember thinking after my 1st couple of rides that i'd really screwed up buying a new bike. But within a few rides of paying no attention to the computer, rather just riding to enjoy the ride (like when i was a kid), i've gotten where i do a 18-20 mile loop with only one stop. And that stop is not out of necessity, rather to enjoy an uninterrupted drink and to soak up the sun. As weather and time constraints improve, i look forward to doing longer rides. As you state, don't focus on your computer and just enjoy the ride. See how you've performed/improved when you get home.

 

[Haagis58]

This thread is inspirational to a new rider such as myself. Thank you for sharing your experience on the forum. Just this week, I have gone on my first four rides of my life on a road bike and so far, I am really enjoying it. All rides have been short, but that's been by design as I'm trying to learn my bike and allow my body to adjust to this sport. It also didn't help that my first two rides were done at 5:30 am in 23 degree (F) weather! Hooray for spring around the corner in Illinois! Hopefully I'll be "+1" in the 20+ mile category by the end of next week.

 

[Haagis58]

This thread is inspirational to a new rider such as myself. Thank you for sharing your experience on the forum. Just this week, I have gone on my first four rides of my life on a road bike and so far, I am really enjoying it. All rides have been short, but that's been by design as I'm trying to learn my bike and allow my body to adjust to this sport. It also didn't help that my first two rides were done at 5:30 am in 23 degree (F) weather! Hooray for spring around the corner in Illinois! Hopefully I'll be "+1" in the 20+ mile category by the end of next week.

Due to weather and time constraints, it took me longer than planned to go my first 20+ miles on a ride. I went on a nice 27 mile ride last Saturday and it felt great, I wasn't even sore the next day. Then I went for a much shorter, 10 mile ride last night; it was 82 degrees (F) and very windy...I am sore today for the first time after riding...the wind made me pay.

 

[crbeals]

I am taking advantage of the work on the Brown line in Chicago to ride to work. Makes for a great end of the day ride on the lake front.

 

[Sause]

Thanks for the kind words and suggestions. I've advances some since my first 20+ miler. I've not had the time to try for better distances but the ride frequency has gone up. I now commute to work and back 3-5 times a week. If it's not raining and 40*+ I'll ride to work. Its only about 7 miles each way with a 1/2 hour train ride but if I man up and skip the train its 18-22 miles depending on my route. I'm taking the 22 mile route home today and think that will be the plan moving further.

I've also volunteered as a ride martial for the 5 Boro ride this weekend so 40 SLOW miles will happen.

Flat tires have been bumming me out. I've had 3 punctures and a snake bite. I'm almost ready to get some Gatorskins. My current tires are 23c Michelin Pro3’s. I've also dropped 10lbs since I started pedaling and my energy level has skyrocketed! I've started running again and have signed up for a triathlon at the end of the month. It’s had such a positive effect on me that my father has decided to give it a go! He just purchased his first road bike! I NEVER! EVER! Though I would live to see this day! Now I need to keep motivating him!

 

[dnice]

you definitely need to ditch the pro3's, they're great riding tires but awful flat protection. (keep em however for your next crit ride). the gatorskins will do you good.

i'm loving the story of your progress. very cool!

 

[regnaD kciN]

If you don't mind my asking, how old are you? I looked at your Garmin page, and noticed your heart-rate was in the 160-180 range much of the ride. Unless you're in your teens or early 20's, that's pretty high. You might want to ease off a bit and try somewhat lower gears. You might also want to check out one of a number of books on using HR data for training purposes.

 

[Mike T.]

My current tires are 23c Michelin Pro3’s.

Unless you're very light, consider getting some 25mm wide tires. They're so much more forgiving than 23's and more comfortable (at the correct pressures). Continental 4-Season would be great for you.

 

[Donn12]

Great job.I remember my first ride was 15 miles and I felt like I had just won the TDF! If you can, do that same route over and over to see what kind of progress you can make. Or try adding 10-20% to your distance. Drink lots of water and add electrolytes when the distances increase. At 30 miles+ bring a snack - when you bonk you will know it! You may be surprised at how quickly you can improve. Good speed and cadence for a new rider!

As far as heart rate see your doctor. everyone is different. I am 43 and I can have a 175bpm average for 4-5 hours for a longer ride. also strava's calorie count is a little more realistic

 

[Len J]

you definitely need to ditch the pro3's, they're great riding tires but awful flat protection. (keep em however for your next crit ride). the gatorskins will do you good.

i'm loving the story of your progress. very cool!

Awful flat protection...lol. I ride them and Pro4's exclusively, ride lots, and can't remember the last flat.

That being said, they are race tires.....If its me and I'm commuting in the city, I'd get some heavier al season tires in 25's.

Len

 

[Len J]

If you don't mind my asking, how old are you? I looked at your Garmin page, and noticed your heart-rate was in the 160-180 range much of the ride. Unless you're in your teens or early 20's, that's pretty high. You might want to ease off a bit and try somewhat lower gears. You might also want to check out one of a number of books on using HR data for training purposes.

Disagree.....heart rate is very individual. I'm 57, and my personal zone 2 upper limit is 160.......ride for hours at that rate. I've seen 200 in the last year.

I agree w the other poster who suggested he have an md do a ramped stress test to find his personal zones.

Len

 

[skitorski]

As others said way to go !! yeah, yeah, and yep !! The calfs will get stronger. I also felt some frustration when my cell phone gps lost a few rides but I realized as others have pointed out, enjoy the pain, I mean ride !!!

Side spin to Quien lo sabe

I finished a 64-mile with a lot of climb, 4,700 feet according to my gps and a lot of rough road with unseen cracks, holes and spine bashing slams even at modest 15-20 mph speeds. Last part of the ride was not nice and flouncey.

Now I understand this comfort thing.

Do the wider rims really matter ?

I weigh 217/211/196/190 and now 186 lbs. Can't afford a new rig but I could re-build my wheels with new, wider rims, if they offer a realistic improvement in recreational cross country ride comfort. I am using Forte light tires at 100 psi front and back. The Wheels are Neuvation R28 something and they are keepers.

 

[Sause]

If you don't mind my asking, how old are you? I looked at your Garmin page, and noticed your heart-rate was in the 160-180 range much of the ride. Unless you're in your teens or early 20's, that's pretty high. You might want to ease off a bit and try somewhat lower gears. You might also want to check out one of a number of books on using HR data for training purposes.

27 so my BPM is not too far off. A little higher then I would like but hey, that is why I'm cycling.