Sushmitha

Weekend Cycling Practice Update: A Steady Ride at 6.4 mph 🚴‍♂️

This weekend’s cycling practice was a great opportunity to focus on consistency and building endurance. I kept the pace steady at around 6.4 mph, and although the ride was a bit shorter than usual, I covered a total of 12.3 miles.

Route Highlights

The route I chose was a smooth, familiar trail, with a mix of flat stretches and gentle inclines. The weather was perfect for a ride—cool enough to keep me comfortable but sunny enough to make the whole experience feel uplifting. There’s something about being out on the bike, feeling the breeze and taking in the sights, that makes everything feel right.

Focus: Building a Strong, Consistent Pace

This week, my main focus was to maintain a steady pace of 6.4 mph throughout the entire ride. I wanted to see if I could keep a consistent rhythm without burning out too quickly. The first half of the ride felt pretty smooth, but towards the end, my legs were definitely feeling it! I’m happy with how it went overall, though, and it felt good to know I was pushing my limits while staying within a sustainable effort level.

What I Learned

• Pacing is Key: Keeping my pace at 6.4 mph helped me avoid the fatigue that can come with pushing too hard early on. It’s a good balance of challenging myself without overexerting.

• Saddle Comfort: I made a small adjustment to my saddle, and I noticed a big difference in comfort, especially towards the end of the ride. It’s amazing how little tweaks can have such a positive impact!

• Hydration and Snacks: Even on a shorter ride like this, I learned the importance of staying hydrated and having a snack before heading out. I made sure to pack some water and a small energy bar, and it really helped keep my energy up throughout the ride.

Next Steps

I’m excited to level up my cycling practice in the coming weeks. My new goal is to target a steady pace of 10 mph for longer rides. I’ll gradually increase both my speed and distance to get there.

In addition, I’d like to focus on pushing my speed in certain stretches of the course. I hit a max of 19.4 mph during one of the longer downhill sections this weekend, and I’m curious to see how I can increase my top speed on more sections of the route.

The next step will be to balance endurance with speed, finding that sweet spot where I can maintain a strong pace over longer distances, but still have the legs to push for those higher speeds when the course allows.

🚴‍♂️ Back on the Bike After 20 Years! 🚴‍♀️

Yesterday(16th Sep), I completed an 8-mile ride at a steady pace of 6 mph, marking my first bike ride in 20 years! 🚴‍♂️ I had no idea how much I had forgotten about riding… and how challenging it would be to get back in the saddle.

The first few miles were a struggle – my legs were burning, cramps started to kick in, and I kept wondering how I ever rode long distances back in the day. 😅 But I pushed through, one pedal stroke at a time. The road felt unfamiliar yet oddly comforting, and each mile I covered was a small victory.

It was a local ride, giving me the chance to reconnect with the roads, get a feel for the traffic...😊 I also took the opportunity to visit some friends(water points, I call them my saviours as I haven't carried water considering a local ride) along the way, which was a much-needed boost of motivation. It was hard, but those moments made the ride worth it. 💪

It felt amazing to be back out there, exploring familiar routes with a fresh perspective. It’s been a long time since I’ve ridden, and today was all about getting back in the groove, re-learning the road, and enjoying the journey.

It’s amazing how much a simple ride can remind you of the challenges, but also the joy of pushing through and rediscovering your strength. Looking forward to more rides, even if it means sore legs and cramps along the way as I continue to build my stamina and enjoy the freedom of cycling again! 🚴‍♂️

Stay tuned for further updates...

Not Pedalling Yet - gearing up...

Why my first day of cycling practice was all about walking???

When I signed up for this cycling event, I pictured myself gliding through training sessions on two wheels, wind in my face, legs pumping, and sweat pouring. What I didn't expect was to spend the first day of practice... walking. Not just a casual stroll either—this was intense, uphill, leg-burning walking.

But as odd as it seemed, it made perfect sense once I got started.

The Power of Walking for Cyclists…

Turns out, walking—especially power walking on inclines and uneven terrain—does wonders for cycling prep. Here’s why:

• Low-impact conditioning: It eases your body into endurance training without the immediate strain of cycling.

• Muscle activation: Walking engages the glutes, calves, and hamstrings—the very muscles that fire up when you ride.

• Posture check: It gave us a chance to observe each other's form, gait, and identify any imbalances.

• Mental warm-up: It was a great opportunity to mentally connect with the group and start building team morale.

By the end of the 90-minute walk this morning, my legs were shaking like I’d already done a 30km. And I hadn’t even touched my bike yet!

Lessons from Day One

• Start slow to go fast - It's tempting to rush into saddle time, but laying the groundwork off-bike pays off big time.

• Walking isn’t easy - When done with intention, it can be just as intense as a ride.

What's Next?

Post today’s session, I’m not underestimating any part of this training plan again. Every step, literally, is moving us closer to race day readiness.

If you're prepping for a cycling event, don’t skip the basics. Lace up, lean in, and don’t be afraid to start with your feet on the ground.