Beginner - First Ever Road Ride

[Zamorano]

First off, get yourself some long socks. Impossible to feel good on a road bike without them.

 

Riding skills will only improve by riding. It will take some time but it comes naturally.

 

No shame in getting off your bike at intersections.

 

And last, but not least, your body will take some time getting used to the new position-I was uncomfortable on my roadie for a month(neck, back arms....); so give it time, and then get a good bike fit done.

Thank you. Any tips to combat this uncomfortable feeling I have from that super hard saddle. I know I had done only five KM but the pain is real lol

[s14phoenix]

Thank you. Any tips to combat this uncomfortable feeling I have from that super hard saddle. I know I had done only five KM but the pain is real lol

 

Ride more more often

[Cheese]

Thank you. Any tips to combat this uncomfortable feeling I have from that super hard saddle. I know I had done only five KM but the pain is real lol

Hi,

 

Welcome, did not read the entire thread, so a tip to keep a straight line is to look ahead of you and relax. The feeling in the saddle goes away by doing more rides. I do not feel the saddle at all any more , but remember those times where I have taken a break of a few months, the first weeks rides is a bit uncomfortable and then it just goes away.

 

Any way Enjoy the ride.

[Guest @BAZA]

First off, get yourself some long socks. Impossible to feel good on a road bike without them.

 

Riding skills will only improve by riding. It will take some time but it comes naturally.

 

No shame in getting off your bike at intersections.

 

And last, but not least, your body will take some time getting used to the new position-I was uncomfortable on my roadie for a month(neck, back arms....); so give it time, and then get a good bike fit done.

Second off, a good waxing to go with the new socks and don't forget Strava 

[Lurch the stalker]

With your previous riding experience being MTB the bike is going to feel weird for a while.

 

To give you an idea, most days I commute to work on the bike, and for the  last few weeks (weekdays and weekends) I only rode my hardtail MTB. This morning I got on the road bike and for the first few minutes it felt really odd being on skinny tyres but it passed.

[Zamorano]

Thanks for the responses people, some sound advice coming from experienced riders.

Hope it doesnt burn out, but I cant wait for the weekend to ride again

[Zamorano]

Second off, a good waxing to go with the new socks and don't forget Strava 

The socks and the strava, I can do.

The waxing.. lets just say I need to get used to feeling comfortable in the cycling shorts for now

[Guest @BAZA]

The socks and the strava, I can do.

The waxing.. lets just say I need to get used to feeling comfortable in the cycling shorts for now

And the wind in your hair 

[Bateleur1]

Soon. As for now you will probably get pics of me falling! (hopefully not)

 

There are two groups of cyclists ... those who has fallen of their bikes and those who are still going to fall off their bikes.

[Jehosefat]

I have, so far, managed not to fall off my road bike. But I do make up for this by falling off my MTB every chance I get (I come off with varying degrees of severity about 2 out of every 5 to 7 rides) 

[Lurch the stalker]

I have, so far, managed not to fall off my road bike. But I do make up for this by falling off my MTB every chance I get (I come off with varying degrees of severity about 2 out of every 5 to 7 rides) 

Stick to road maybe..?

[Jehosefat]

Stick to road maybe..?

 

But MTB is just so much more exciting 

[wolf1969]

Welcome!

 

I used to ride around Sunninghill a lot - and it's actually a good suburb although it is hilly! I used to enjoy going up Van der Bijl - it's excellent training, wide space to the left of the yellow line and consistent gradient. The cars (and motorbikes) do fly up it but a long way away from you so shouldn't be a problem. When you've built a bit of strength you will fly up it too! Or at least be able to get up it without stopping!

 

As for building strength, nothing beats time on the bicycle. Try not to push too hard early on - and when you see stars back off a bit. Core and bum strength will build with time in the saddle. Make sure your bike has been serviced and I recommend a professional fitting. You will never get comfortable if you're too stretched out or your saddle is too low. Speed (especially downhills) is something you'll start to love. 70km/h? No problem! Try to relax and look ahead for things to avoid. You'll soon start to feel better!

 

 

[Bateleur1]

But MTB is just so much more exciting 

 

For sure if I we look at how you are riding.  Could be rather entertaining to watch as well. 

[Zamorano]

Welcome!

 

I used to ride around Sunninghill a lot - and it's actually a good suburb although it is hilly! I used to enjoy going up Van der Bijl - it's excellent training, wide space to the left of the yellow line and consistent gradient. The cars (and motorbikes) do fly up it but a long way away from you so shouldn't be a problem. When you've built a bit of strength you will fly up it too! Or at least be able to get up it without stopping!

 

As for building strength, nothing beats time on the bicycle. Try not to push too hard early on - and when you see stars back off a bit. Core and bum strength will build with time in the saddle. Make sure your bike has been serviced and I recommend a professional fitting. You will never get comfortable if you're too stretched out or your saddle is too low. Speed (especially downhills) is something you'll start to love. 70km/h? No problem! Try to relax and look ahead for things to avoid. You'll soon start to feel better!

Hello, thanks for the advice.

I have seen people ride up Van der Bijl as well. 

Some go up like its nothing, whilst others (I think Im in this category for now) really struggle.

 

I guess time will tell, and just have to put in the hours on the bike to imrove

[L46]

I also did my first road bike ride this weekend - I'm lucky to be in Cape Town with easy access to the western seaboard roads which are very nice for riding. I also have some comments:

 

1. Why is the wind always from the front?

2. Going fast downhill is pretty scary on thin wheels with a narrow "handlebar"

3. My back and neck were pretty sore - the bike was setup correctly so I think it's lack of core strength. Planks it is then.

4. I also started with a hill, Bellevue into Kloofnek. Rookie mistake even with my generous road gearing (50-34 with an 11-32)

5. Other roadies were surprisingly friendly given the constant fear of death by crosswind into the ocean

6. I found it hard to spend time on the drops without hurting my neck, I suspect that will come with time (and core)?

7. Flat roads are loads of fun on the road bike

 

 

Bellevue on your first ride?  I think you need a sponsor