Lesson learned: riding within my means

FrankR

FrankR

Active Member
Region
USA
City
Milky Way Galaxy
Got humbled today trying to go too far too soon.
Most of my rides, often after work at night, are not very long - 5 to 7 mile sprints.
There's a ride happening in my area tomorrow that is 28 miles - 14 one way and 14 returning.

This morning, I tried to *test* if I could do it. With the heat and my lack of fitness, I was able to do 16, not 28. Pretty stupid of me to think otherwise.

Felt a bit of heat exhaustion on this ride. Need to calm down and just ride within my means and enjoy the rides I can do now.
 
FrankR said:
Got humbled today trying to go too far too soon.
Most of my rides, often after work at night, are not very long - 5 to 7 mile sprints.
There's a ride happening in my area tomorrow that is 28 miles - 14 one way and 14 returning.

This morning, I tried to *test* if I could do it. With the heat and my lack of fitness, I was able to do 16, not 28. Pretty stupid of me to think otherwise.

Felt a bit of heat exhaustion on this ride. Need to calm down and just ride within my means and enjoy the rides I can do now.
Click to expand...
Can't you just use more motor and less pedaling?
 
FrankR said:
Got humbled today trying to go too far too soon.
Most of my rides, often after work at night, are not very long - 5 to 7 mile sprints.
There's a ride happening in my area tomorrow that is 28 miles - 14 one way and 14 returning.

This morning, I tried to *test* if I could do it. With the heat and my lack of fitness, I was able to do 16, not 28. Pretty stupid of me to think otherwise.

Felt a bit of heat exhaustion on this ride. Need to calm down and just ride within my means and enjoy the rides I can do now.
Click to expand...
Good on ya for pushing it a bit.
One must always know one's limit for sure.
Stay safe, and like @Alaskan says you'll find yourself going further afield the more you ride.
 
FrankR said:
Got humbled today trying to go too far too soon.
Most of my rides, often after work at night, are not very long - 5 to 7 mile sprints.
There's a ride happening in my area tomorrow that is 28 miles - 14 one way and 14 returning.

This morning, I tried to *test* if I could do it. With the heat and my lack of fitness, I was able to do 16, not 28. Pretty stupid of me to think otherwise.

Felt a bit of heat exhaustion on this ride. Need to calm down and just ride within my means and enjoy the rides I can do now.
Click to expand...
Start adding 1 mile per ride. 28 is not too far off!
 
Incremental increases in distance and effort are the only sensible way to advance. Fitness doesn’t come quickly and you have to be patient, otherwise you can set yourself back or worse. I’m glad that you are not discouraged.

I was a fairly hard core cyclist until fourteen years ago when a motorcycle accident changed everything. I was back on a bike before I was off crutches. I had to ride without going out of saddle and I could only ride about 12 miles at a time, but coming from a wheelchair and many surgeries, that seemed impossible. Fourteen months after the accident, I rode a charity century ride.

From my wheelchair, I never would have thought that to be possible. At that time my hope was that I would keep the leg, that my spine would heal and that some day I would walk my dog again. All of that seemed unlikely and very far off, but it happened because I worked hard and progressed incrementally with short, obtainable goals,

I’m not suggesting that your goal needs to be huge. I’m just saying that with effort and a sensible training routine that you can probably reach your goals, whatever they are.

I am actually a happier cyclist now that I don’t race or feel the need to beat myself. Now, it’s about enjoying the ride, the scenery and the company on the days that I am fortunate enough to have riding companions.

Enjoy the journey. Set a big goal as a distant dream, but more importantly, set short goals and achievements within reach.
 
Last edited:
This is the bike you are riding correct?

It is not designed for pedaling distance.

Does your bike travel 28 miles with throttle and pedaling on a charge?
cause if it does, throttle more, pedal less, you'll make it.

51563.jpg
 
I theoretically could have cheated more with throttle and gone further. But yesterday the sun and heat were draining me, regardless of how much I was pedaling. I Do want to do it mostly myself, not pure throttle.

Another rookie factor was - lack of hydration. I need to have a big bottle of water or Gatorade right on the bars. Did not have that, and I paid a price.

Thanks everyone.
 
I have a 24 ounce water bottle I can reach when riding and just take a lot of small sips as I ride. It does help.
 
FrankR said:
I theoretically could have cheated more with throttle and gone further. But yesterday the sun and heat were draining me, regardless of how much I was pedaling. I Do want to do it mostly myself, not pure throttle.

Another rookie factor was - lack of hydration. I need to have a big bottle of water or Gatorade right on the bars. Did not have that, and I paid a price.

Thanks everyone.
Click to expand...
You're welcome.
Just remember the motor is there if you need it. No sense putting yourself at risk for a bike ride.
 
Nutrition is not as important as hydration, but still a factor. I carry raisins, a banana, and if going much over 30 miles a small peanut butter sandwich. If I go for something close to 50 miles, I also have tuna fish cans with the pop top lid. I'm not a gel nutrition kind of guy.
 
Hang in there Frank!
We’ve all done rookie mistakes. Some of us, me for example, have done the same ones more than once.
With warm weather and sun, lower gears and water are your friends. Stop every few miles and drink water, especially if you don’t feel thirsty.
And it’s ok to use your throttle! That’s why we have ebikes. Please post as your distance improves.
 
Last edited:
FrankR said:
Got humbled today trying to go too far too soon.
Most of my rides, often after work at night, are not very long - 5 to 7 mile sprints.
There's a ride happening in my area tomorrow that is 28 miles - 14 one way and 14 returning.

This morning, I tried to *test* if I could do it. With the heat and my lack of fitness, I was able to do 16, not 28. Pretty stupid of me to think otherwise.

Felt a bit of heat exhaustion on this ride. Need to calm down and just ride within my means and enjoy the rides I can do now.
Click to expand...
I just watched a guy gork out and was laying on the road with what I think is heat exhaustion here in Florida.
 
FrankR said:
Got humbled today trying to go too far too soon.
Most of my rides, often after work at night, are not very long - 5 to 7 mile sprints.
There's a ride happening in my area tomorrow that is 28 miles - 14 one way and 14 returning.

This morning, I tried to *test* if I could do it. With the heat and my lack of fitness, I was able to do 16, not 28. Pretty stupid of me to think otherwise.

Felt a bit of heat exhaustion on this ride. Need to calm down and just ride within my means and enjoy the rides I can do now.
Click to expand...
I once planned a 26 miler, knew I could get around 20 on one battery, I took a spare battery, but I took the wrong key to remove the original from the from the frame.
 
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