Rest and Recovery

The eager newbie in me wanted to be out on my bike 7 days a week, or at least as many days as other commitments would allow. I suceeded pretty well to start with and felt like I was making good gains. I was also aware that winter was fast approaching, so was probably doubly motivated to ride as much as possible.

All kitted out

If you are thinking of buying yourself a bike and taking up cycling, be it for sport, recreation or commuting etc don't forget to factor into your budget the kit and clothing you'll need to go with your shiny new bike.

Leaps and bounds

3, 5, 10, 15, 22, 30, 45. Not my lottery numbers but simpy the amount of miles I was able to complete progressively during my first six weeks of riding. I'd get out each morning, (I tend to cycle first thing before work) between 3-5 times a week and very quickly found I was able to add the miles to my rides. Not only was I adding miles, but miles per hour also according to my little cycle computer*. Hills too - mustn't forget the hills - were soon being ridden up (and down - the fun bit) when previously I feared giving them a go and certainly believed that even with my 20+ gears I hadn't enough to get up 'em.

All the gear and no idea

Or at least that was how it was when I started out 8 months ago. I bought the bike, I bought the shorts, jersey, bottle holders and bottles, I bought the lights and cycle computer (actually, that came free with the lights) and was ready to go. Except, I had no real understanding of actually what I was doing and how to do it.