Cyclists trip logs
 

I was wondering how you guys are calculating your MPG and such?

I got this fancy Polar HRM and now I can't figure out how to gloat and show it off other than making this thread. :p

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...ling-52808.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...ing2-52808.jpg

Haha, nice! We're currently working on a cycling log to add to the garage so people can keep track of their cycling commutes and how much driving it offsets and whatnot, :)

All right, cool deal. Any ETA?

Laz needs chime with how he calculates his mileage. :p

Darin sent me a graphic a few days ago...so hopefully soon?

Just log what the cycle computer gives me.:) I'm trying to simplify. I have a lot of years staring at some kind of gauge trying to make it be where it needed to be.:) Now I just dodge cars.

Looks like you got about 6 lights on your commute.

I am sure there are a few more, but I managed to make i through those lights or just acted like I stopped for the signs (last four dips on the first graph).

Given the data provided on the graphs how would you log the trip, Laz?

The polar software is great and will track all the info for you. I would just list miles, time. In the comments section you could list conditions and Kcal. I always over do and start listing lots of stuff and then a month later I'm lazy and am down to the basics.:)

Is the monitor set up right for you those numbers look a little high. You have to have all the parameters set correctly for the kcal to be correct?

Might be able to just put the graph link in the comments sections like the polar sofware does. That way you can just click on it out of the comment section.

Might start a thread about kcal to empg. I think I know how to do it but it would be better to get a consensus on it and then you could just stick that in your log.

Humph, thanks for calling me out. I just believed what it was telling me was accurate (point and case how we put too much faith in technology). So I calculated my smallest trip, which is daily to the gym 1.3 miles according to my car and 1.3 according to the Polar S725X. I can do that distance in 5:30 pretty leisurely, so a 5 minute mile means I am going 12 mph.
So there is definitely something off with the speeds, I guess I am not the bad ass I thought I was, hahah.

I'll work on getting the calorie counter working accurately too, it's kind of rough because from what I remember there were like four settings which were basically: sedentary, somewhat active, active, and very active.

If you're not going 25 you're not cool!

No I was talking about the kcal not the speed. In order for the kcal to be right you'll have to have the user setup done so that it can calculate it right.
Moderate pace 75-80% max heart rate usually is around 500 or so. Your HR would be under that number thats why I asked.

I'm L7

My heart rate is right in line with the 75%+, I max out at 197 so anything above 150 is good for me, it's rare for me to go above 175 too. So I'm not exactly sure what you're saying. Is the caloric burn too high in your opinion?

Disregard everything I've said I miss read the chart. I though your average heart rate was 127 and you burned 460 calories for the 40 minute trip.

Now I see it was 140 and 460cal/60 minutes which is about right. I figured you would burn between 230-280 for the trip at a moderate pace. Sorry for the confusion.

Just curious how did you figure your max HR?

From what I remember the medical formulation is 220 - (your age), but I didn't trust the default the system gave me so I went to a sports medicine doctor Wednesday morning and had a cardiovascular stress test done which is basically walking/running on a treadmill at inclines and speeds that are increased every 3 minutes for as long as you can hang. The doctor concluded that the 197 was accurate and that I am pretty healthy because I don't "redline" often - even went as far to call me an athlete.

I can scan the EKG if you want to see it. :thumbup:

Haha due to the concern of the calorie burn, I reset it.
It's now on the highest setting (Top) which is "You participate regularly in heavy physical exercise at least 5 times a week. E.g. you exercise to improve performance for competitive purposes."

Today's circuit
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...ing3-52908.jpg

The 220- age deal is usually way off. Sounds like your doing it right taking the stress test.:thumbup: Keep in mind that max HR differs for each style of exercise. Running will be higher then cycling and swimming will be lower then cycling. Not much anywhere between 3-5 beats. Max heart and resting pulse are pretty worthless in the grand scheme of thing anyway.

I have stayed at a holiday inn but would not be able to make heads or tell of the EKG:D

Sorry about messing your setting up but I think your in the right setting now.

You're a grinder. I bet your legs and knees are pretty tough to average 59 rpm. 25 miles, good effort.

How are you dealing with carrying your stuff? just using a back pack or do you have panniers(?)

Is that cadence bad? There are really only two gear on that bike that feel "right" in my area the rest feel way too loose for me. I am not using to gears. :\

Currently I am carrying 1.5 liters of water, in three different bottles, in my backpack. As I near my goal of 50 miles round trip, I will probably begin carrying food banana(s), clif bar(s), some type of bread (from what I gather that's what cyclists need?), and maybe an energy drink since my trainer is concerned about me passing out from loss of electrolytes. Once I begin doing the 50 daily I will also need to carry a change of clothes and probably a few text books.

I was clearing the clutter off my desk and found a sheet I got at the gym awhile back for predicted heart rates while Spinning/X-Biking (stationary cycling). According to this sheet my max would be 198, 92% is 181, 85% is 167, 75% is 148, 65% is 128, 50% is 99.

Anybody want info off this sheet before I shred it?

Not necessarily bad just not as efficient. Here's a good link on the subject. It does put a little more wear and tear on the knees. Are you only riding with the big ring in front?

Did some reading on cadence after posting that and came across and article that stated 80-95 is good for n00bs so I tried to maintain that for the duration of today's ride. Anything above about 105 I feel like I am drowning and strongly dislike it.
Also I have noticed I am unable to maintain the same intensity of speed at higher cadence, as well as having a much lower heart rate, while I am sure this is great for endurance racing. I am looking to get my daily exercise in on my commute. :X

By big ring, I am assuming you mean the handle bars and yes I am almost always in a tuck with my hands on the curved bars rather than straight.

For today's ride, I began training specifically for my commute by traveling to what I consider the half way point (San Jacinto is the goal) and then began experiencing some hip/pelvic pain on my inner left thigh (where the joint is) so I turned back due to that.

Anyway here's the map

And here's the HRM readout:
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b1...ling-53008.jpg

Definitely going to need a more comfortable seat if I am going to be doing this day in and day out.

By big ring I meant the Big Chainring in the Front where the chain goes around.

You will self regulate the cadence. It kind of a function of power and gearing. The stronger you get the faster you can spin a higher power output. I would just go what feels comfortable but I think in the long run shooting for over 80 rpm will help.

Can you explain the graph? I have not used polar in years. Is the shaded portions terrain?

Chain is on the smallest front chainwheel and chain is on the second smallest rear chainwheel.

I am still learning cadence, I am going to go out today and practice with this some more. According to my trainer 5/29 was a better cardiovascular ride, 5/30 was a better fat burning ride.

As far as the graphs, blue is speed, green is cadence, red with red is altitude, red with white is heart rate.