Hire someone to train me to road bike?

[Anonymous]

This is pretty random, but I’m wondering if anyone has any ideas for me. I’d like to learn to ride a bike long distances. I think I’d enjoy it and would like the physical challenge of it. However, I am out of shape and haven’t ridden a bike in 30 some years. Even when I rode a bike as a kid I wasn’t good at it! Thoughts on where to start? Should I build up my stamina on an exercise bike first? Spin classes? Hire a trainer to take me out bike riding? Help!

[Anonymous]

Probably any of what you suggest would work, but I have a Peloton and there are really good training programs for road biking on it - a couple of the instructors (Matt Wilpers in particular) are pro cyclists and they have workouts specifically designed for that. If you don't want to get the bike, and it is expensive, then try out the app - I think you can try it for free first - on any spin bike to get a feel for it. The Power Zone training is particularly good for endurance.

[Anonymous]

If you want to run a marathon, you'd start by walking around the block, then walk a few miles, then mix in a few minutes of jogging, then get to the point where you could jog a few miles, etc. You might want a coach eventually, but you don't need one to get started.

Similar, you just need to start biking. The type of bike doesn't matter, just that you do it regularly, starting slowly and with short distances and then building up. If there's someplace convenient to bike outside, do that. I think it's way more fun than an exercise bike and there are a lot of great trails in DC. -http://www.waba.org/resources/maps-and-documents/ (If you'd prefer to bike indoors, do that. If you don't have a bike, get one, either used (and then take it to a bike shop for a check and any necessary repairs) or go to a bike shop. Don't get one at Walmart or similar.

Eventually, you'll want a road bike, but if you're just starting out, get a hybrid or city bike.

https://www.bikeradar.com/us/beginners/gear/article/best-bike-buyers-guide-39627/

If you do want to take some classes, check out WABA (Washington Area Bicyclist Association) : http://www.waba.org/adult-education/

[Anonymous]

We dont need any more people on road bikes around here..

[Anonymous]

Thank you very much! These are awesome tips!

[Anonymous]

Ill teach you. Do you have Skype?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is pretty random, but I’m wondering if anyone has any ideas for me. I’d like to learn to ride a bike long distances. I think I’d enjoy it and would like the physical challenge of it. However, I am out of shape and haven’t ridden a bike in 30 some years. Even when I rode a bike as a kid I wasn’t good at it! Thoughts on where to start? Should I build up my stamina on an exercise bike first? Spin classes? Hire a trainer to take me out bike riding? Help!

Just get on your bike and ride. You don't need anything else. If you have issues with riding in the streets around here, take a Confident City Cycling Class from the Washington Area Bicyle Association

http://www.waba.org/adult-education/#cc

If you just want to refresh riding skills, either take their learn to ride class, or their skills clinic.

http://www.waba.org/adult-education/#l2r

The only way to get better at biking is to do it. You don't need spin classes or anything else. There are people out there of all skills levels, don't be embarrassed.

If you find you have a problem with some particular technique, say cornering, you can come back and ask here, or ask someone from WABA, or a bike shop, or one of the friends you are almost certain to make when you get into riding. Its a great community, and if you find your way into it, you will wonder how you ever did without it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Eventually, you'll want a road bike, but if you're just starting out, get a hybrid or city bike.

I've ridden 100 miles in a day on a hybrid

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Eventually, you'll want a road bike, but if you're just starting out, get a hybrid or city bike.

I've ridden 100 miles in a day on a hybrid

I too prefer my hybrid. I’ll never switch to a road bike.

OP, when I started, the hardest part wasn’t so much my legs or my endurance as much as it was getting my butt used to the seat. Don’t give up when your butt gets sore. Fight through it. Those first few rides are hard! They do make padded pants. I’ve never liked them, or the padded seat. I guess I’ve just gotten used to it and “seasoned” my derrière. LOL

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Eventually, you'll want a road bike, but if you're just starting out, get a hybrid or city bike.

I've ridden 100 miles in a day on a hybrid

I too prefer my hybrid. I’ll never switch to a road bike.

OP, when I started, the hardest part wasn’t so much my legs or my endurance as much as it was getting my butt used to the seat. Don’t give up when your butt gets sore. Fight through it. Those first few rides are hard! They do make padded pants. I’ve never liked them, or the padded seat. I guess I’ve just gotten used to it and “seasoned” my derrière. LOL

I am the immediate PP who rode 100 on a hybrid.

I actually intend to test ride some road bikes and eventually buy one - just haven't gotten around to it, and a little intimidated by the price tags.

As for "padded pants" yes, bike specific shorts/leggings are very good. The compression increases comfort, among the other benefits such as being more aerodynamic, the visibility markings they usually have, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Eventually, you'll want a road bike, but if you're just starting out, get a hybrid or city bike.

I've ridden 100 miles in a day on a hybrid

I too prefer my hybrid. I’ll never switch to a road bike.

OP, when I started, the hardest part wasn’t so much my legs or my endurance as much as it was getting my butt used to the seat. Don’t give up when your butt gets sore. Fight through it. Those first few rides are hard! They do make padded pants. I’ve never liked them, or the padded seat. I guess I’ve just gotten used to it and “seasoned” my derrière. LOL

I am the immediate PP who rode 100 on a hybrid.

I actually intend to test ride some road bikes and eventually buy one - just haven't gotten around to it, and a little intimidated by the price tags.

As for "padded pants" yes, bike specific shorts/leggings are very good. The compression increases comfort, among the other benefits such as being more aerodynamic, the visibility markings they usually have, etc.

I just started riding (20 or so miles at a time) on a hybrid. I have to say I think the padded shorts make a huuuge difference and I've tried without. Just my 2 cents.