I didn't see an existing thread for road cycling - anyone here a rider? With the weather slowly warming up, I'm looking forward to getting off of the indoor trainer at the gym and out onto the roads.
I have been a very casual rider for the past two seasons - during the summer, I would get out a few nights after work and maybe once on the weekend for 30-40 miles. This year I have decided to get more serious. I used to do a lot of running, but for the past few years I've had a bunch of nagging injuries - shin splints and knee issues, mostly. I'm hoping that by focusing on cycling I can avoid the injury bug and get back to a higher overall fitness level. Of course, I also allowed a friend to convince me to register for the Pan-Mass Challenge this year, so I need to put in some major miles on the bike to be ready for that. I have done a century in the past, so I have an idea of what I'm getting into, but the two-day ride is somewhat intimidating.
I'm currently riding on a Cannondale Six 13 that I was able to buy used when one of my co-workers upgraded to a newer bike. It has stock Ultegra components (except for pedals) and a Reynolds wheel set. Previously, I was riding with a basic toe-strap pedal, but I just went ahead and ordered a Shimano pedal set and cycling shoes. The next purchase will probably be some new tires, as the existing ones could stand to be replaced.
What are you all riding? Does anyone have a training program they would recommend, or any tips to prepare for longer rides and centuries? Anyone else from SoSH riding the PMC this summer?
I have been a very casual rider for the past two seasons - during the summer, I would get out a few nights after work and maybe once on the weekend for 30-40 miles. This year I have decided to get more serious. I used to do a lot of running, but for the past few years I've had a bunch of nagging injuries - shin splints and knee issues, mostly. I'm hoping that by focusing on cycling I can avoid the injury bug and get back to a higher overall fitness level. Of course, I also allowed a friend to convince me to register for the Pan-Mass Challenge this year, so I need to put in some major miles on the bike to be ready for that. I have done a century in the past, so I have an idea of what I'm getting into, but the two-day ride is somewhat intimidating.
I'm currently riding on a Cannondale Six 13 that I was able to buy used when one of my co-workers upgraded to a newer bike. It has stock Ultegra components (except for pedals) and a Reynolds wheel set. Previously, I was riding with a basic toe-strap pedal, but I just went ahead and ordered a Shimano pedal set and cycling shoes. The next purchase will probably be some new tires, as the existing ones could stand to be replaced.
What are you all riding? Does anyone have a training program they would recommend, or any tips to prepare for longer rides and centuries? Anyone else from SoSH riding the PMC this summer?