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***Derky***
So I have been riding my bike again. And it is funny because I have been meaning to tell you since I know you are a cycling fiend! Actually after I finished my exam on Monday, I had so much energy/excitement since I was done that I went out on an hour ride!!! Previously our rides lasted about 15 min!!
Here's my completely dumb biking question: What is the philosophy behind when you should change gears?
Right now, I change them to lower when I'm tired or when going up a big hill. The problem I'm running into is that when going up a hill I switch to a lower gear but then I end up going so slow I feel like I'm going to fall over. Am I just weak? Or am I doing something wrong?
Also, when I'm moving pretty fast I switch into a higher gear so that when I pedal there is actually some resistance. The problem with this is that I always seem to slow down suddenly (to cross a street or on a curvy part of the trail) and then I can't get going again because it is too hard. I eventually do, but I look ridiculous.
Despite my lack of understanding in this shifting business, I really have been enjoying it! I think a big reason is my workouts with my personal training. Now I am much more strong and feel more sturdy on the bike. Before I always felt like I was going to fall over. Also, my cardio has improved where I can ride much further (and faster) without dying. On Sunday DH and I went out and I kicked his @ss. He normally is in much better shape than me and he asked to stop to catch him breath. It really was such an accomplishment for me to tire him out!
Re: ***Derky***
::butting in::
In the RTP area, the Luna Chix, Girls in Gear and Tarwheels are starting their easy rides for the spring if you want to join groups to help w/questions while riding.. I keep wanting to join them but scheduling hasn't worked for me yet! I can send you some links if you need them.
The seat question - yeah, you'll get used to it. Getting higher end shorts worked for me, too!
On the gears.. I'm still a relative newbie with two years under my belt, but it sounds like you're making it too easy. It definitely does help to put it in a lower gear, but if you put it in too low of a gear, you'll have trouble keeping it going. I made that mistake (along with dropping my chain shortly after) a lot during my first year.
On the starting up.. I'd say if you have to stop quickly, try to downshift before stopping (but not while you're stopped:).It'll make it easier to start rolling again.
::waits for derky's experienced response
::
So how easy are the easy rides? I have only been out twice and I rode 4 and 5 miles in about 45 min. The greenway was not overly hilly, but obviously enough to shift gears. Not sure if I need to work on my beginner status before I ride with them since some people can run that fast!
The GiG ones are probably your best bet.. they are doing about 10 miles total to start with. Pace is - no person left behind.:) http://bit.ly/gHhmjp What kind of bike are you riding? I will hopefully make one of these in three weeks (I'm out of town this and next weekend).
Luna is putting stuff out here and there, but its hard to catch.. Tarwheels are going way longer distance wise, but at about a 14-16mph pace.
Hey Chicadees! OrangeFelt (OF) was pretty much right on. EA--I would definitely encourage you to check out one of those groups in your area. Beginners start in all forms, and it sounds like at least one of those rides/groups will be a good learning experience for you. When OF said the pace is "no one left behind" that's probably your best bet. You'll want to try and keep up with people, naturally, and hopefully they'll give you a short clinic of sorts and/or ask what kind of beginner you are. Be honest--let them know you've only done the parks/roads around your home (or whatever) and haven't ever done any real group riding yet. There are some unwritten rules of groups that will help keep you safe and happy.
Now, as far as the shifting question goes--I think you are doing things mostly correctly, but perhaps a little too severely, and possibly not enough. Generally speaking, I'll change my gears one at a time, but I'm constantly changing gears throughout my rides. If we're going up a gradual hill, I might only need to make it one gear easier for me to make it over the crest. Sometimes I might need more, but generally I'll give it several pedal strokes before I'll go all the down (or up for that matter on a descent.) The way to get stronger on hills though is to challenge yourself. So you don't want it too easy as OF mentioned--you do want to feel some sort of strain/pull on your legs as you pedal so that you can be efficient in your stroke. You don't want to spin like crazy--but it will take some time to figure out what's the best cadence (numbers of pedal strokes per minute) for you on each climb. There are some hills I'll use every gear I have, and some others I'll only change a few times.
As far as starting up, slowing down. As OF mentioned (and this will help in your group riding) is to be prepared for the future. If you are approaching a corner where you might need to stop--either because of a light or a busy intersection, as you approach, you'll want to change your gear into the one you want to start in if you do have to stop. So, if I'm riding along in a comfortable gear for a straightaway, as I approach the impending light, I'll gradually shift up to an easier gear--my momentum will carry me most of the way to the light, and if I have to stop, I'm ready, and if I don't have to, then I can just shift back into a harder gear. Again, as you get more and more comfortable on your bike, you'll get used to this, you'll learn what "light" pedal is, but I suspect your main issue right now is that you aren't sure how much you should be shifting, and the main answer is: a lot.
And yes, bike shorts, especially higher end bike shorts do help the bottom. If you have a bigger seat (one that flares out at the back) you might also consider switching to a smaller one. I know it sounds contradictory, but the more friction you have on your sit bones, the more it will hurt. I actually use a mens' saddle because the womens' were too wide for my comfort.
I'm so glad that you are feeling stronger and having fun with your new and improved fitness! It'll only get easier (and harder at the same time--because you'll push yourself to do more), and more fun, as you continue down this path! Let me know if you have any other questions!! One day, we may have to have a nestie bike ride GTG!!