Cyclists Society

Overdraft extension refused, no clipless for me

Does anyone know why the Vastus Medialis muscle hurts so much after a ride? The pain is literally right where the black line ends in the diagram below.

After all my injuries it feels good to be able to go get back into training again. Did a 15km cycle last night and this morning, clocked at 29 and 30mins respectively. Looking to improve my time as I become fitter.

It sounds like a hell of a mission but I actually want to try and do 15km at least twice a day for a few weeks! Then I shall progress on to running. I have the motivation to get my triathlon stamina back!

In fact, I'm about to go for a cycle now.

Good luck dude XD It's always nice to have a goal.

I remember when I was training for a duathlon I was doing a 3 mile run followed by a 20 mile ride followed by another 3 mile run. ( I didn't do the duathlon in the end, but I was fit )

Now my goal is a race this Sunday, haven't done any training per-se, just 60km hilly rides and this is a rather flat course... I just keep telling myself it's for the experience and coming last doesn't matter God help me tbh ;p

What's your diet like? I always find it difficult to stick to a proper diet. It's getting better but I don't want to become a calorie counter, just want a sensible diet that I know won't set me back.

Today I planned what looks like a pretty good 27 mile route that I want to ride soon. Think it's more of a confidence thing that stops me going out there though if I'm honest. What sort of prep do you guys do for long rides? Inner tubes, food etc?

My diet is nothing special really, I sometimes skip breakfast lunch is usualy after my ride so is something like banana on toast with honey or a sandwich. Tea is probably my best meal; potatoes, meat, veg and a salad or pasta or rice etc.

Drink wise it's water, tea and sometimes a fizzy drink like coke after a ride.

OK, on the bike for rides longer than 40km I'll take two drinks: One with a carbohydrate/electrolyte drink (bought as a powder and mixed into water) and one with just plain water. Regarding food on the bike, I take things like flapjacks, cereal bars and maybe a banana. (Note that these will usually substitute my breakfast if I miss it before my ride )

I use a saddlebag, in it I keep a spare innertube, multitool, patches and tyre levers. I then keep this pump in my jersey pocket:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=11313&utm_source=google&utm_medium=shopping&utm_campaign=Google-Products-UK

It's tiny and really light.

I also take a lightweight rain jacket (altura pocket rocket) no matter what the weather (after a sweaty 4 mile uphill comes a cold 40mph downhill ) It packs down to the size of a fist and I keep it in my jersey pocket

Thanks man, loads of info there. Looks like I need to spend a bit more money on a saddle bag, pump, jacket and a spare inner tube!

I've started use protein shakes and recovery shakes. I think I'm noticing the effects but hard to tell really. Also have some caffeine tablet things I was recommended that I put into a 500ml bottle of water that I drink before I go out. My legs get tired up hills very fast though.

This is a great little doc about what it takes to become a track sprinter.

See this post for a bit of cycling heartbreak.

Nice video. Thanks for posting.

Out of interest, do any of you listen to music when cycling? I have my doubts as to how safe it is to have earphones in when on the roads.

Argh. Lots of headwind today.

This is well worth a watch - http://vimeo.com/25178245

Those roads look absolutely incredible.