n00bie milestones

[Spork!]

Hmm, OK. You thought I meant calendar year...
Maybe I should go for 50 by then end of June and a metric ton by Dec. 31st...

[novice]

Joining the Newbie ranks.
Turn 50 in June and reached 140kg. Decided that this is not the way I want my life to go, so after doing heaps of research including this forum, I bought a bike. Take delivery on Friday and then the journey begins.
You guys are scaring me, 25klm in one go! Geez, I am going to die!
Will take baby steps at first as I have not been on a bike since I was 15 (what are gears for, never had them when I was a kid).
I will stick to the local township where it is nice and flat, until I get some confidence and get used to the heckles and gawking as my big butt swallows the saddle. Live in Northern Tassie so there will be plenty of hills to takle later.
Not out to break records or anything, just want to get the weight off and live a healthier more enjoyable life.
Hopefully the investment in the bike motivates me enough to get the job done.
Might run into you one day Spork. Good luck.
Anyway I am off to the shops to stock up on Band Aids and Mecuricome.
Cheers.

[hannos]

Not out to break records or anything, just want to get the weight off and live a healthier more enjoyable life.

Oh you will soon enough!

Good work on getting outside!

[Nix]

Nice list Drubie... I'll answer my noob questions (been riding 4 months)

- first clip stack - right after my first century.. was turning around to head up the driveway.. was knackered and didn't pay any attention to the pile of gravel...
- first clip stack in front of crowd - as above - cars around ready to turn..
- first flat 20km from home with a flat mobile phone battery so you are forced to fix it - *touching wood* never had a flat..
- first flat 200m from the other flat you just fixed 'cause you forgot to clean glass off inside of tyre - as above
- first c02 canister vented 100% into the air - first one I tested... didn't seem to be pumping up the tyre so I checked it.. yup, it was working and froze my hand too..
- first group ride - Beach Rd... about a month into riding... I couldn't even keep up with the slow pack when I was sucking about 20 wheels.. little did I know that in 3 months I'd be leading a pack (or a bunch of guys that decided to suck my wheel) and leaving them for dead on the hill into Mordi..
- first time dropped on the first hill of the first group ride - as above
- first time lost on the first group ride and unable to find the cafe - don't do the cafe thing... I'm more of a turn around and start again kind of guy
- first ride in the rain and not minding - last week... but, I've got to be honest, I did still mind (just didn't have an option)..
- first ride in the cold when you realise your shorty gloves just aren't appropriate - every ride at the moment...
- first multi thousand dollar cycling bill - only had one... my first bike
- first hidden bank account from the other half for cycling items - I don't have one (but thanks for the idea)
- first time you miss a days riding and spend the day fretting - don't remember... but I still frett
- first crit, when you realise all that hard won fitness still isn't enough when you get dropped on the first surge. - TBA
- first road race, getting dropped on the first hill (again!) -TBA
- first regular nightime training ride - don't have good lights yet
- first (and last time) the bunch knows who you are == end of noob. - don't have a regular bunch so nobody knows me

Other milestones
- First time not drinking on a night out so you're fresh for your ride tomorrow
- First time you look at your calfs thinking "they look pretty toned
- First time you realise it's a good idea to be in a small gear when clipping in on a hill

[Pavlova]

Bah 50km - here's the proper noob milestone list:

- first clip stack
- first clip stack in front of crowd
- first flat 20km from home with a flat mobile phone battery so you are forced to fix it
- first flat 200m from the other flat you just fixed 'cause you forgot to clean glass off inside of tyre
- first c02 canister vented 100% into the air
- first group ride
- first time dropped on the first hill of the first group ride
- first time lost on the first group ride and unable to find the cafe
- first ride in the rain and not minding
- first ride in the cold when you realise your shorty gloves just aren't appropriate
- first multi thousand dollar cycling bill
- first hidden bank account from the other half for cycling items
- first time you miss a days riding and spend the day fretting
- first crit, when you realise all that hard won fitness still isn't enough when you get dropped on the first surge.
- first road race, getting dropped on the first hill (again!)
- first regular nightime training ride
- first (and last time) the bunch knows who you are == end of noob.

Sorry to say have covered a few of these, including the first 2.

This thread is great, reading about others in a similar boat, err bike. Hope more noobs join in the fun.

Have just done a fitness test in prep for a 10 week cycling course. I wasn't expecting to be told I was ready for the olympics by any means but was pretty shocked by the result . No wonder elderly ladies on BSOs keep passing me

[Pavlova]

some more:

- first time in lycra, causing the missus to choke on her porridge
- first time thinking you are suddenly superhuman, then turning around to come home and realising you have had a pretty strong tail wind
- first time swearing at head wind that was a few moments ago a tail wind
- first package from Wiggle
- first ego boost when overtaking (even if it is a child on a trike)
- first instant ego deflation when being overtaken by an old(er) guy on a rusty mtb

[drubie]

some more:

- first time in lycra, causing the missus to choke on her porridge

I remember that one the first time I pulled on bib-knicks. "Where are you going? Gay Octoberfest?".

Harrumph.

[ozrider]

OK Spork and Mustang...... 50klm is far too little to aim for by the end of the year.

It is not unreasonable to set a goal of a 100klm ride on a road bike by the end of the year.

Get out there and Enjoy! Good Luck.

Mental note taken

If distance is your goal then 100klms is a reasonable target, I was in the same boat this time last year.

As motivation I signed up for the Melbourne 250klm Bay in a Day ride which was in October, this gave may a target to aim for. As it was I only managed 185klms on the day due to a knee problem, but compared to my first 10klm lung burner in March of 2009 it was a big achievement. I continue to sign up for organised rides that are months in advance and tailor my training to suit, I find it a huge motivator, especially when it is a bit cold or wet or I generally just feel lazy.

So far this year we have done the 85klm Ballarat Cycle Classic and the 145klm Great Ocean & Otway Challenge, this Sunday is the 100klm Ballarat BAD Ride then it is a slow build up to the 2010 Bay in a Day in October.

The other side of the coin is what type of riding you plan on doing, most of my rides with mates are under 100klms and my solo rides are usually only 25 - 50klms.

I enjoy being able to comfortably do these shorter rides and still find the big 100klm+ rides a struggle that I have to build up to, throw in a couple of mountains and I feel like an absolute beginner again.

[NewStew]

I am hearing all of you guys (and gals if there are some too) - bought my first bike in 18 years last November, first ride was 6km and I stopped for a rest in the middle. Now onto a second bike and covetting a third, doing between 100 and 150 km a week between commuting and weekend rides. Other milestones include:

- Converting to lycra knicks
- Converting to clipless shoes and now wondering how people manage without them
- First clipstack
- 30km
- 50km
- First ride around the river in perth (via freo - 55km)
- First proper cycling jersey
- First post here....

Next target is to ride to Mandurah (about 90km) then onto the 100km and then 100 miles!

[Mulger bill]

I remember that one the first time I pulled on bib-knicks. "Where are you going? Gay Octoberfest?".

Harrumph.

[casual_cyclist]

Next target is to ride to Mandurah (about 90km) then onto the 100km and then 100 miles!

If you are looking for a group to do your first 100km with I can recommend Audax WA. They helped me survive my first 100, excel in my first 200 and survive my first 300 (yes, I struggled ). My last 200km ride was with Shaw from these forum. He is allegedly a n00b too but he did really well for his first 200km. I think he dropped me three or for times! Good for him

There are some nice rides coming up which I will be doing. I am just getting back into it after a break due to illness so I will be taking it easy.

[novice]

Well Week one on the new bike and no injuries to report except for a painfull rear end.
Rode 50 klms this week and have really enjoyed it apart from the early morning fog.
Only problems are still trying to get the seat and riding position to a point thats comfortable to ride longer distances.
Can only manage about 40 minutes before it starts to hurt.
Getting a lot of numbness in the hands, so I adjusted handle bars up as high as they go. A bit better but still getting numb.
Only choice now I guess is to lower the seat but then this will compromise the pedaling.
May need to look at a better saddle as well.
Any suggestions welcome.

[Spork!]

Well done mate.
Some things that might aid comfort are: bigger tires if they will fit, better bar tape - cork or gel, if your's is the thin stuff, a different saddle - whats best varies for different people, and/or some gel palm gloves. Do you wear knicks with a good chamois? Also, ones bum learns to HTFU with more time in the saddle.
I hope your frame isn't too small, making you bend over too much to reach the bars. If you are having to lean too far forwards you could change the stem to a shorter one.

I just passed a milestone, and spent > $1000 ($1005.60) on a "new" bike. Hope to have it by next weekend.

[Pax]

I just passed a milestone, and spent > $1000 ($1005.60) on a "new" bike. Hope to have it by next weekend.

Well, congrats on that (many more milestones after that if you decide to go that way

Hope you enjoy you rnew ride...what did you buy??

[Spork!]

(From the ebay add): Italian Olmo Impact 56cm aluminium road or triathlon bike to suit 175cm to 185cm rider. Campagnolo Chorus/Veloce 10-speed groupset. Mavic CXP 30 wheels with new Continental Grand Prix 4000 tyres. Shimano pedals. San Italia saddle and Campagnolo Record carbon seat post. Cinelli handle bars and Sigma computer. Fully serviced.

I'll post some pics when it arrives. I expect it to be a big step up from my current ride, which is an (approx) 20= YO shogun steel frame bike with downtube shifters.

[novice]

Do you wear knicks with a good chamois?

Congrats on the new bike.
I have ordered knicks from USA as bigger sizes not readily available locally.
Bike size is medium and I am 5ft 9.5 inches tall.
Have an adjustable steering stem and set at the highest setting.
Got the Gel gloves and just changed the grips to a gel grip type which I am yet to try.
The chaps at the local bike shop tell me the knicks should help a lot, so I will try them before making any saddle changes.
Big moment today ..... overtook another cyclist for the first time, (just because she was in her 70's makes no difference) its still technically and overtaking.

[otfc42]

First 100km ride today....puncture 10km's out of Orange...changed tyre, running on 80psi instead of 120psi. Euchareena to Molong brutal headwind and struggled up hills with low psi and hit the wall at about 60 k's....!!! Couldn't believe it, everything aching, did an easy 80 k's one week prior..... Molong never looked so good...onto Orange...doing it tough, very dehydrated...watched in delight as speedo ticked over 100km's...!!! Delight faded 50 ...metres later, 5km's from town...another flat, no more tubes...end result, still did my "100"...!!!

Bit sore today, but hoping that things will get better as I really want to do the coffee run in the morning for the first time and hit the 1000 on my Oreba Enol.

Only been riding for 2 months but am hooked. Anyone else doing the Hunter Classic in 2 weeks?

[SeditionTrial]

Props to all my fellow n00bs representing.
Bought road bike in March, after long absence from cycling (used to bike commute a fair bit as a poor uni student).
Giant Defy 1 aluminium and carbon.
Lots of extras from Wiggle (brown paper packages tied up with string, these are a few of my favourite things).
A little over 600km so far, including two 100km rides (3 hours 57 minutes for 104km on the second one, 26.5km/hr avg).
Just a bit sad I can't do the Noosa 100km or 160km winter ride in a couple of weeks (on call for work).
Short term goal: Noosa triathlon in October (bike no prob, swim will be ok too, run will be a struggle).
Long term goal: if I can keep it up for a few years, I will buy myself an awesome 1337 carbon roadbike (eg at about 10000km personal odometer -- or maybe I could get a recumbent? -- or maybe I can just keep dreaming!)
Currently looking for a relaxed group at about my speed (eg 30km/hr for short rides) in Bris Inner South, give me a shout back if this is you (would UQ cycling fit teh bill?).

[Spork!]

Had another "milestone" today, but not a pleasant one.
"First time a 4x4 driver tries to make you crash", http://www.bicycles.net.au/forums/viewt ... &start=200

[you cannot be sirrus]

Just did my first 50km ride, planned on 40 but just kept going until I found a good coffee shop, boy did I need it after 25kms.

[you cannot be sirrus]

Had another "milestone" today, but not a pleasant one.
"First time a 4x4 driver tries to make you crash",

As an avid 4x4 driver I apologise on his behalf, these d!#(AT)*^ds give the responsible guys a bad name.

[Spork!]

Don't feel too bad, it wasn't a "real" four-by, one thats actually used off road. It was a "pretty" one with lost of useless chrome accessories. Basicaly a Japanese made Toorak tractor.

[Old and Rusty]

Do you wear knicks with a good chamois?

Congrats on the new bike.
I have ordered knicks from USA as bigger sizes not readily available locally.

I went into the Anaconda store this week and they are the first place I've seen cycling clothes in my size on the rack. I'm 6'4" 113.3kg and I found Fluid brand cycling jerseys, knicks, jackets etc all in my size and in plain colours so I'm not dressed in advertising. The quality looks pretty good and after 2 washes here aren't any threads hanging out.
If you join their club the prices are excellent, the tops I bought were around $30 and anything comparable in other bike stores were nearly double the price.
There is a store in Cambridge TAS...

[novice]

I went into the Anaconda store this week and they are the first place I've seen cycling clothes in my size on the rack

Thanks, I will check them out next chance I get.
Did two 1 hour rides this weekend and things are getting better.
The new grips have all but eliminated the numbness in the fingers and my butt is getting used to the seat.
Tackled my first hill today. Climb was about 300 mtrs long on a slight to medium grade. Made it to the top before collapsing on the ground gasping for breath.
!! BAN ME NOW FOR SWEARING !! that was hard!
I can see how you get hooked to this riding caper. Best fun I have had in years (with my pants on)
I would love to post some pics of the offending machine on this forum (just to show it off), but I do not know how to post pics on here.
Need idiot proof instructions.

[Old and Rusty]

I would love to post some pics of the offending machine on this forum (just to show it off), but I do not know how to post pics on here.
Need idiot proof instructions.

http://www.photobucket.com

This site will help you out, once you upload the photo it will give you a choice of copy/paste URL's s paste into your post. Just hit preview before you submit your post.