Quote:
Originally Posted by JonDuke
Can anyone tell me what a total beginner mountain biker should expect for time and distance when starting out and what I should be aiming for?
My first day, I went 8km in 45 minutes,
Day 2 was 12km in 75 minutes
Today I went 9km in 40 minutes.
Every one of these rides consisted of 3-4 water breaks.
I realize those are probably pathetic distances for the time, but for me, it's a start.
I am trying to set a semi realistic goal by summers end, but don't know what "semi realistic" should be for someone who is not extremely active, and a smoker who is riding in the hill riddled Rocky Ridge/Bearspaw area.
Any advice for a goal to set? I would really like to do this daily and am hoping to use it as motivation to help me quit smoking too. Also, any recommendations for a distance time tracking app? I'm currently using the lite version of Roadbike, but am wondering if there is something better I can buy?
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Great motivation, it was a big factor in myself quitting.
There are a lot of variables, but on my road bikes I try and average out about 32-35 KPH factoring in hills etc.
On my mountain about 25 KPH.
I work 20.4 kms from home, on the days I ride in, I usually get here in about 42-45 mins on my road bike, and it it a steady incline the whole way with a couple big hills. Also don't avoid hills or dismount, tackle them, and suffer if you have to.
Get a
good computer. I nice wireless Bontrager will run about 60 bucks, and it will track your speed, elapsed time, and averages. Unless you are on something really high end, don't worry about cadence. I would shoot for an average speed between 15-18 KPH. That is a pretty decent clip for a beginner.
edit: If you have an iPhone, you can also just buy the cyclemeter app for 5 bucks, it is awesome. It will even trace your path on google maps and keep all your stats for you.