New to cycling, and can’t believe how much fun I’m having and how much I’m enjoying it. Was also pleasantly surprised at how good the bike infrastructure in my city (Columbus, OH) is, there are tons of great and easily accessible trails, including some I can ride to from my house.
I got my first bike a month ago, it’s a Giant Cypress hybrid “comfort” bike. The shop I went too was great, and did try to steer me toward a road bike, but the bent over seating position, drop bars, and hard saddle all felt VERY unnatural and uncomfortable to me. The Cypress felt perfect when I tried it, and I don’t regret getting it, but after this ride I’m thinking I might get a road bike too next spring since I want to eventually work up to even longer rides.
The furthest ride I’ve done previously was 32 miles, so this was a big increase, and I probably wasn’t prepared enough for it. Brought 2 water bottles and a cliff bar. Luckily there was a water fountain to refill my bottles around the halfway point, but definitely didn’t have enough calories.
Felt great until mile 35 or so. Miles 35 – 45 were very tough, I was going very slow, feeling like I could barely pedal, and feeling lightheaded and a little faint.
I ended up at a gas station at mile 45 sitting in the grass, chugging Gatorade and eating gummy nerd clusters, and felt much better after. I’ve seen the nerd clusters mentioned on here before which is why I got them, but looking at the ingredients it was literally just processed sugar and chemicals so not sure if that was the best choice lol
Anyways, I’m wondering if this would have been significantly easier on a road bike? Or if I just need to condition myself more. My hands and ass got a little sore during the ride, but nothing too crazy. I can barely walk today lol
Also good god the amount of bugs that flew into my mouth, eyes, face, everything in the evening…
by Joel_Hirschorrn
3 Comments
If you get used to drop bars they should feel better. My recommendation right now is fingerless gloves and cycling bibs and maybe a jersey. Also get chamois cream. That should help with some saddle pain. If your saddle is too squishy over long durations it can cause sores from you moving around on it too much.
Congratulations man. Aim to increase by ten miles every month and before you know it, you’ll be going 100+ miles.
Yeah, road bikes are built for speed and climbs; would have been much easier.
That’s awesome! Keep it up, 100miles before 2026?!?