Bicyclelopnik- update

"Spanfeller is a twat" (theaspiringengineer)
05/18/2019 at 10:16 • Filed to: None

Update: I chose the circuit in Santa Fe because I wanted to try and deal with the elevation changes... In short: I didn’t. I changed the route three laps in for one that had less steep inclines, meaning I did not need to use my brakes at all, and I also could keep my speed up, which in the end was my second biggest goal. A serious cyclist friend of mine told me that the real exercise is above 20km/h. My biggest goal was reaching 35km; which I didn’t do.

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In the end, there’s no hiding that the bike is not the best for a pavement blast, and even in Superleggera (basically no accessories) form like I had it, it was very difficult to keep at speed. Not that it is at fault, it’s my lazy, fat ass. The other cyclists doing the course looked like professional athletes next to me, except the one with the pedalec bike.

The final objective is to prepare to do my commute by bicycle one day; it’s a very steep run with 300m in elevation change and 13km on road.

Old post:

To celebrate that air quality finally came down to an almost acceptable level, and because I really want to make up some condition on the bike, I want to take the 10 day break I have to go and run laps of these circuits in the early morning... I wonder which one y’all think its best for basically a newbie:

This is the most focused circuit as it has a dedicated bike lane, but has little shade

This one is flatter, but it’s a pedestrian road, so I’d need to slow down in a few sections because of people, it has a lot of shade though.

Even if it’s the shortest, the elevation change is the steepest. and it has a dedicated bike lane the entire way, This one is also in the place with the “best” air quality.

DISCUSSION (20)

VincentMalamute-Kim > Spanfeller is a twat
05/17/2019 at 22:14

I know you say ‘newbie’ but the longest is just 3.7 km? Go for the longest, the first one. I assume you’re a complete newbie and just don’t know what you can do? Probably more than you think you can.

I may have to get one of these:

http://bikesocial.blogspot.com/search/label/Shade%20on%20bike

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Spanfeller is a twat
05/17/2019 at 22:18

https://qz.com/1620913/the-best-cycling-hack-is-a-pool-noodle/

atfsgeoff > Spanfeller is a twat
05/17/2019 at 22:27

I suggest doing all three! Then you can decide which you like to ride best. Variety is always a good idea.

And yeah, even the longest loop you have listed there is pretty short. These days I don’t even get on the bike for less than 6 miles or ~10km. Still, gotta start somewhere!

VincentMalamute-Kim > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
05/17/2019 at 22:36

Author says no but I worry that it actually pisses off drivers and invites them to see how far they can bend it with their car.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > VincentMalamute-Kim
05/17/2019 at 22:43

Add a needle on the end, maybe?

I’d keep it as short as you feel comfortable with.

VincentMalamute-Kim > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
05/17/2019 at 23:02

Do you actually do this?

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > VincentMalamute-Kim
05/17/2019 at 23:13

I’m not a cyclist. Just saw the article recently.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
05/17/2019 at 23:33

They also claim that car drivers get closer to bicyclists with helmets. I suspect this is actually because the ones wearing helmets are more skilled/predictable, so they’re not weaving as much and therefore people don’t give them quite as much room.

VincentMalamute-Kim > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
05/17/2019 at 23:33

You’re smart.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > Spanfeller is a twat
05/17/2019 at 23:36

I walk further than any one of these in a day and I’m a fat old geek, you should be able to do any/all of these with ease.

Spanfeller is a twat > VincentMalamute-Kim
05/17/2019 at 23:40

I intend of doing five or ten laps....

Spanfeller is a twat > atfsgeoff
05/17/2019 at 23:42

i intend of doing laps of those loops: since there’s no car traffic I don’t have to stop fully every 500m or so like I do i the street

Spanfeller is a twat > Eric @ opposite-lock.com
05/17/2019 at 23:42

Various laps....

I think I didn’t explain... LOL

Spanfeller is a twat > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
05/18/2019 at 10:30

If I used a pool noodle here, drivers would hit it intentionally to prove that their dicks are bigger than mine.

Out, but with a W - has found the answer > Spanfeller is a twat
05/18/2019 at 10:36

Keep up the good work! If you’re serious about training, get a heart rate monitor and read up on zone training. Training effort is generally unrelated to (average) speed, so don't focus too much on how fast or slow you're going.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Spanfeller is a twat
05/18/2019 at 11:33

Today’s plan:

Kinja'd!!!

Spanfeller is a twat > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
05/18/2019 at 11:35

That looks insane to me

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Spanfeller is a twat
05/18/2019 at 11:41

It’s about half pavement and half trail. The trail part takes the most time.

TheRealBicycleBuck > Spanfeller is a twat
05/18/2019 at 12:15

Your friend is oversimplifying. It’s all about level of effort and your heart rate. Your heart and lungs are like a big aerobic engine. To build endurance, you have to get those moving at the right rate for long periods. The effort can come from climbing, rolling resistance, or aerodynamic drag. Most roadies have to depend on aerodynamic drag at higher speeds because they do everything they can to make their bikes and themselves aerodynamically clean. Wear some loose clothes and keep the knobbies on the bike and you will have to put in much more effort at lower speeds. As others have said, get a heart rate monitor and learn zone training.

Nibby > Spanfeller is a twat
05/19/2019 at 19:22

every kiss begins with tae