Beginner - First Ever Road Ride

[Robbie Stewart]

My problem is my time ration spent in the Alps is just not what it should be.  Being only about 30 km from the foothills, I am actually annoyed that I have hardly had the time to play there this year.  It will be fixed in future though

 

And now, those of us stuck on the Saffa side of Hubland will hold ALL the fortunate few who are privileged to ride elsewhere to account...

[Martin Chitura]

Welcome to cycling Martin.

 

May you go from strength to strength.

 

As for your chafing; the following: https://www.cwcycles.co.za/apparel/body-oils-cream

thank you Robbie appreciated

[Martin Chitura]

Hello everyone

 

So yesterday was my first ever ride on a road bike, and on well... a road!

 

Just thought I would share some of my experiences, and hope others could share theirs, and perhaps give me some pointers and tips on how to improve:

 

1) started my ride at around 6am in and around sunninghill - roads were quiet and good as I am not too keen on vehicles near me. I need to build up confidence

 

2) I made the mistake of starting my ride on a hill ascent and about 500 metres in, asked myself the question, "why am I doing this?"

 

3) I am seriously seeking advice on how to keep a road bike in a straight line, without straying and getting knocked by a taxi flying past me!

 

4) Having ridden a mountain bike back when I was a kid, I have come to realise yesterday that a road bike accelerates so so so much faster, and well, realised that it is harder to brake as the brakes are much sharper

 

5) I barely managed 5km, and called it a day. Not too sure if that was a terrible first ride or whether it was decent. I felt that I could do much better albeit it for balance, fear of cars, general fitness.

 

Any feedback will be greatly appreciated

so did my first suburban ride this morning at 4am. Was great when the roads were empty but just after 5am the number of cars increased. With no cycling lane and in the dark areas it was a bit tight and scary. Hills are still fairly slow for me so am tackling as many as possible to improve strength and endurance. Any hill tips??

[Bateleur1]

so did my first suburban ride this morning at 4am. Was great when the roads were empty but just after 5am the number of cars increased. With no cycling lane and in the dark areas it was a bit tight and scary. Hills are still fairly slow for me so am tackling as many as possible to improve strength and endurance. Any hill tips??

 

Yes ... just keep riding them.

[Robbie Stewart]

so did my first suburban ride this morning at 4am. Was great when the roads were empty but just after 5am the number of cars increased. With no cycling lane and in the dark areas it was a bit tight and scary. Hills are still fairly slow for me so am tackling as many as possible to improve strength and endurance. Any hill tips??

 

I am not sure if you have them already, but in case you don't:

 

Lights!!!

 

get them.

[Zamorano]

Download strava

I have downloaded the app, but have not posted anything as yet. Most of the people out there, and my friends are posting times for 30, 40, 50 to 100 km... Im too shy to post 5km.. I just use it as motivation for now

[Lurch the stalker]

so did my first suburban ride this morning at 4am. Was great when the roads were empty but just after 5am the number of cars increased. With no cycling lane and in the dark areas it was a bit tight and scary. Hills are still fairly slow for me so am tackling as many as possible to improve strength and endurance. Any hill tips??

 

 

Yes ... just keep riding them.

[Lurch the stalker]

I have downloaded the app, but have not posted anything as yet. Most of the people out there, and my friends are posting times for 30, 40, 50 to 100 km... Im too shy to post 5km.. I just use it as motivation for now

On the flip side, if you post your 5km you'll be able to look back and see how you progressed (you can see it in the app, or Strava sends you a mail every month - and for the year - showing total rides, distance, etc)

[Zamorano]

On the flip side, if you post your 5km you'll be able to look back and see how you progressed (you can see it in the app, or Strava sends you a mail every month - and for the year - showing total rides, distance, etc)

Agreed, you do have a point.. In a year I will be able to see how far I have gone from struggling to cruising. Thanks!

[Bateleur1]

Zamoano. You could mark your rides private then nobody can see them.

[Martin Chitura]

I am not sure if you have them already, but in case you don't:

 

Lights!!!

 

get them.

got lights thanks

[Robbie Stewart]

got lights thanks

 

I have downloaded the app, but have not posted anything as yet. Most of the people out there, and my friends are posting times for 30, 40, 50 to 100 km... Im too shy to post 5km.. I just use it as motivation for now

You should not use Strava to impress your friends. You must use Strava to impress yourself.

 

Plus. and this is a BIG plus. If your mates are real friends, then they will support you, not laugh at you. 

 

[edit] - at least you are out riding.

[Spinnekop]

so did my first suburban ride this morning at 4am. Was great when the roads were empty but just after 5am the number of cars increased. With no cycling lane and in the dark areas it was a bit tight and scary. Hills are still fairly slow for me so am tackling as many as possible to improve strength and endurance. Any hill tips??

Ride them hills often.

[Zamorano]

I will be honest I used to do crossfit so legs are strong but cardio is a bit out. I was in major pain and found Epsom salts help a lot after. Will be doing a lot of shorter distances during the week focused on form and cadence consistency. Average speed is currently 19km/h need to work on my hill speeds as I am struggling with gear selection and ultimately momentum from a down hill. I am hooked.

 

Tip for bibs get a size smaller the gel pad need to be tight with minimal movement.

 

Baby bum cream is a must,

I have bought some Chamois Cream, but you are the second person to tell me about baby bum cream.. So there is probably some secret recipe there

[Zamorano]

Slightly off topic but here goes (feel free to point me in the right direction)

 

So I bought my bike secondhand and would like to think its a good bike.

 

105 shimano, giant carbon frame etc.

I was told that I should add a value in the 18 to 20k insurance mark, as to replace for a similar spec brand new would be in that range.

 

Questions are:

 

1) Which providers are the best?

2) Is it not covered under household items? 

[Bloukrans]

Slightly off topic but here goes (feel free to point me in the right direction)

 

So I bought my bike secondhand and would like to think its a good bike.

 

105 shimano, giant carbon frame etc.

I was told that I should add a value in the 18 to 20k insurance mark, as to replace for a similar spec brand new would be in that range.

 

Questions are:

 

1) Which providers are the best?

2) Is it not covered under household items? 

They only insure riders that ride longer then 5 km  

 

Just kidding - there is a dedicated thread on here dealing with cycling insurance!!

 

Keep on cycling - we want to see pictures    next time.

 

And be safe out there!!

 

https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/105649-bike-insurance/?hl=insurance