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| *Vultures Knob>>>Road Bike |
Will I ever get over the difficultness of riding a bike? |
My husband and I ride 7.5 miles a day almost every day. The road-neighborhoods we ride in are pretty hilly. I can do 7.5 miles in 35 minutes. So we keep a pretty good pace. My husband can ride circles around me and he is 10 years older than me. It kills me to think that I can hardly keep up. I have allergies and he doesnt seem to think that this should hinder my riding. I think it is a contributing factor to my difficulties in riding. My pelvic bone is always sore (even with padded seats and bike shorts). I am trying to toughen-up. Am I just being a wimp? I can work out in the gym and get this exhuasted! He just seems to think that I am not trying hard enough. If I try any harder I will vomit! Come on! No one likes to do that! I have been known to do that and continue to ride. But that just isnt right, is it? Ideas? Although, he says once I overcome my difficulties with the 7.5 course, he will take me on longer level rides. Do you think this is the better course for me? cycling is hard work. You didn't mention what kind of bike you were riding. As far as your pelvic bone hurting, it could be the seat itself or the seat is not in the right position. Most bike shops these days have a pro on hand that can make adjustments to your bike to make it much more comfortable. As far as being exhausted you might be riding in the wrong gears. Try these ideas: 1. when going up hills...have the chain in the smallest chain ring in the front and one of the two biggest in the back. 2. when riding flat terrain...have the chain in the smallest or middle chain ring in the front and one of the middle three gears in back. 3. when riding down hill...have the chain in the biggest chain ring in front and one of the smallest gears in the back. And always be in the right gear just before you know you are going to need it. This will help keep the momentum. Also, try to keep your rpm in the 85 to 90 range. Do this the same way you check your heart rate. Count the number of pedal strokes you make with your right pedal for 6 seconds, then multiply by 10. Your right pedal should make 8 - 9 revolutions in 6 seconds. If it doesn't, shift to an easier gear in the back until you can stay in that 85 - 90 range. If none of this works, by a moped! Then tell your husband he's going to slow. I for one would never push my wife into doing something which causes her distress, either mental or physical. I don't think you are being a wimp. Your husband obviously is more experienced at bike riding than you are. If you are exhausted, then you should be getting a good workout (and stronger), unless you are working too hard. Generally, the need to vomit is a sign that you need to stop or slow down. Allergies, additionally, are very likely to detract from your performance (mine do). Convey the message to your husband that you ARE trying hard and that this pace and course are currently the limit. Work at a speed that is healthy for you, and go harder and faster when you can, not when someone wants you to. If you are truly working hard, you will get better, and you will see improvement. You have to practice a sport to feel better not worse. Everyone has its favourite sport, just find yours! That's great you can push yourself to the point or ralphing! I have two things for you: 1. Ride hard but always stay within your limits. You, not your husband control this, it's on you. 2. If your butt is always hurting padding isn't the issue. You may need a different seat, seat adjustment or overall bike fitting. After a week or so of riding you should not be sore at all from a 7.5 or even a 25 mile ride. Something is wrong - fix it. Get advice from a bike shop or other knowledgable cyclists. I have a question for you. Are you riding a MTN bike and he a ROAD bike? If this is the case, it's no wonder he can ride faster than you. Get a road bike, and with more and more riding you shouldn't have a problem keeping up with him. It took me 6-8 years to get my riding legs. It will soon get to a point where you can just go in kinda a "cruise control". You might wanna try to do some riding by yourself and find out how you and your body performs. Do you smoke? How is the diet? Maybe your not taking in what your body needs so you can ride fast. Check every little aspect, even the problem with your pelvic bone. You might need a little more padding or your position on the bike is wrong. Hope this helps. Feel free to e-mail me. road rider 15 years |
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