New Bike

Try a three or four mile ride over flat terrain at a comfortable pace to start, then adjust. Don't worry about anything like speed etc until you feel at home on the bike. San Diego would be such a great area to train in! I was there once for two weeks about five years ago. I still miss it.

Increase your distances slowly. You can whiz along great on a bike for miles and miles, then suddenly bonk. That happened to me two years ago when I suddenly increased my ride mileage from ~10-15 up to 45. Not wise. Happy riding!

Take it easy out of the blocks and keep it shorter as suggested. Your back side will probably let you know how far for the second ride should be.

Congrats on the bike. Just start out slow and steady and make sure the bike FEELS right to you (i.e. fit) before you incorporate it into regular training sessions.

Sharon

I was inyour your same situation recently. When I got my new bike, I started out with 30min rides. Just went out easy and turned around after 15mins. If you've been running, you will have more problem getting your butt used to the seat. That was my first problem :-) That's why I say 30mins. Even if going very slow, get used to the seat.

One of hardest adjustments will be is butt calluses (sp?)--but you'll be surprised how quickly you improve in stamina and speed. It seems like it happens much more quickly on the bike than on the other 2.

Enjoy!! There's something wonderful about a new bike!!

Dana

I would say start with 20-25 miles and slowly build up to a 100. An hour and a half is nothing on the bike. I was draw to cycling for the adventure aspect of cycling. Go exploring, get lost, bring snacks and money and come home completely exhausted. That is how you become a cyclist.

Also make sure you have your tools and at very least know how to fix a flat.

Edited by owie 2004-01-30 6:51 AM

I see you are East County area San Diego. I used to live out near Miramar & there is an awesome area to train there...do you know Miramar Lake? Great paved road restricted to bicycles, roller blades & runners. Going once around the lake is 5 miles...Great place to go.

Since I have no idea what your current level of activity is it would be impossible to give you advice on how far/long to initially ride. (Sometimes the best advice is to not give any) My first road ride ever I rode about 30 miles. Then I did it again a couple of days later and continued doing that a few times a week. Of course I was a teenager then and already in shape. I once took another person along for their first ride and we went 10 miles and the person was sore for about a week - it was too much for her.

Bottom line - only you can determine what you can do. In the beginning, go for time. Then as you become more comfortable with your own abilities change that to distance/speed/whatever you want to work on.

Thanks for all the input. It ends up I had to order the bike so it took a week and I picked it up on Friday night. I am about to head out this morning.
I guess the best indicator will be to rely on the body for feedback. After 48 years of trial and error experiences I've found it wise to listen to it! :-)