Peak_ing
stranger
Reged: 17/09/2008
Posts: 21
Loc: High Peak
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Hi Andy,
I got into mountain biking late and have been doing it for 3 years now, either going out on my own or with my son. My avarage speed is around 5.5 mph whether I do 2 hours or 6 hours. This is usually in hilly areas (high peak or pennines).
Next March is my 50th and I want to enter a couple of events during the year and finish a decent level in the results.
I would ideally like to target an average of 10mph but would be happy around 8.
Can you give me some tips for a training plan over the next 6 months?
Cheers Martin
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I wonder why I am here and not there
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Tango
Carpal \'Tunnel
Reged: 16/09/2008
Posts: 3142
Loc: Preston Lancs
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Martin
5.5 mph average sounds ok to me, you seem to be setting yourself too high a target. in fact i think 10 mph would be above normal mortals.
But then i am fat and forty and the only events i go to involve live music and beer.
But to increase speed, i would join a local club abd ride with other people, as when on your own you ride in your comfort zone. other riders may pedal harder for longer and this will make you push yourself to keep up.
Good luck with the events
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JonnyB
newbie
Reged: 10/08/2008
Posts: 35
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Yeah what he said, don't beat yourself up over an average of 5.5 on a hilly ride, I tend to average 5 - 7 on techy/hilly rides and on a long but fairly easy route on the moors I can't break 12. Remember your computers average speed is mean and not mode which I find doesn't always reflect the effort you put in, and at this time of year amongst the gloop averages won't be high anyway.
Try finding a less hilly route to get your speed and confidence up a bit, dunno how confident a rider you are and I don't wana patronise but working on your handling skills will help too as your ability to carry speed through rough stuff will up your average and save you some energy for the climbs. Be water my friend.
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JAG
stranger
Reged: 22/01/2009
Posts: 3
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Get a road bike - I know I said a dirty word, Sorry!
But seriously; MTB requires a different kind of effort. By riding a road bike you will develop different muscles and it will help you to build some speed when you get out on the MTB.
I can do a 30 mile route at 8mph average on Exmoor (where I live) so it is possible.
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Troj
member
Reged: 14/03/2009
Posts: 110
Loc: London
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I agree with Jag but not that a road bike is a dirty word. It is a useful training tool.
But anyway you need to get a heart rate monitor and just to cover my back make sure your doctor says you are fit and health to raise your heart up high even up to your recomended max.
Now that you have done this then you work out training zones all this can be done via info on the t'internet.
To go fast for long periods you need to be fit enough to physically be able to sustain that effort. So a good base fitness is step one. Step two strenght to have power to convert fitness in to forward motion. And finally speed work.
Step one easy just get out there and ride. Step two do times efforts in a target training zone at a low cadence ie pushing a big gear so you develop power. And finally once again timed efforts at a target training zone working purely speed. Some of these training techniques are better done on a road bike. There will by a lot information out there on putting a training program together. Finally don't forget you also need to improve your bike handling skills. No point being able to ride fast if you are not able to control the bike and are slowly yourself down. good luck.
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Keep on keeping it real.
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