Is it too hard?

Question

Today I got a new bike... I am not a huge guy, but I realized after I'd bought the bike that I'd never learned how! So I took a few minutes to try learning, etc, all went well ....
Then after about half an hour riding in circles in the little concrete area by my house, I decided I'd go all the way down the block and back (which is about a half mile round-trip). I did this twice, and when I got back, I was so tired I was shaking, could barely stand up, and in excruciating pain. It was a labor just to walk back into the house.
Maybe my stamina just isn't so great. Or maybe I'll just never get better. I read all these stories about people riding dozens of miles in a 1.5-2 hour time frame. Will I ever get better? Please answer. I need some motivation =\

The bike fits extremely well.

Answer 1

Yes it gets better! Right now you don't know if the bike is tuned and adjusted properly, you don't know how to shift ( if you have shifters). and your muscles have NEVER done this before.

So you are operating at about 10% efficiency, partly because you are nervous and tight.

With practice and experience, you loosen up, get relaxed, stronger and more efficient, a little more efficient each time if you stay at it.

To be sure have the bike shop check the tires and adjustments. Have then watch you ride for a few minutes to see if they detect any major issues.

Take easy short rides every day, the same route, low traffic. Add a little more distance and a little variety to the terrain. Check your bike. As your confidence, strength and skills improve , increase your speed.

I was a tour guide and led trips across the USA. A 60 year old lady started the tour and was quite inefficient with little strength or skills.
But, She made it all the way across the US that summer.

good luck

Answer 2

Heck yes you will get better, if you keep riding. Cycling, especially for distance is easy for anyone to improve. Ride for two weeks maybe 5 times a week and you will feel like a new man on the bike. You won't believe how much better you are. And from there, the skys the limit. You could be riding for 2 hours probably in 4-6 weeks.

Answer 3

You'll get better

I started mountain biking like 6 months ago, and the place where i usually go is at the bottom of a huge hill.
To get back home, I have to ride up it..

I ended up walking it at first, few weeks later i could do it, it just be exhausted at the top. I don't break a sweat doing it these days, not to mention i climb the hill fairly fast too...

Great way to tell progress.

Good luck

Answer 4

I've had Bicycles and it took me awhile to even get out of training wheels and even longer to get out of my yard.But once I did,it was a little tiring in my first bit of freedom.Hills were the worst going up.I ended up walking them then riding it the rest of the way.It will get a little easier and become Great Fun!

Answer 5

Does the bike fit you properly? That is the most important thing.

If so, then yes, the more you ride, the better you'll get.

Answer 6

I would say your bike fit is off also

Answer 7

It's just out of practice. Don't worry too much about it. Keep working at it steadily, and you'll get there.

Answer 8

maybe it will