Did my first 100k yesterday - totally chuffed!
Discussion
I have posted in this section sporadically over the past few years.
About 6 years ago I bought myself a hybrid to get back into cycling and do some commuting as my work at the time was suitable for cycling to.
I used and enjoyed the hybrid for the next 3 years or so and then thought about buying a road bike for evenings/weekends as the hybrid had full length mudguards, pannier rack, etc.
I bought a Triban 5 and ran that for the past 2 years and really enjoyed it (once I got used to cycling with drop handlebars having never owned one before).
I have always wanted to increase my annual mileage but work/life tends to get in my way, also being an IT contractor, I have been working in places that don't really work for me to commute - either distance, available routes, amenities like showers, lockers, etc.
So this year I decided to sign up for my first Sportive - I am doing the Tour O The Borders next Sunday. It's a 120km route, with around 4,800ft of climbing which I believe is quite a lot?.
Having signed up, I decided to try and raise some money for charity alongside so I have been getting sponsored and raising money for Marie Curie as they helped look after my mother in law for her last couple of weeks in January this year. The sponsorship has been a real help in forcing me out when the weather hasn't been the best and I have been pushing myself more and more.
Until yesterday, I had done 3 rides around 50-54 miles, and the bulk of my rides were all around the 30-40 mile distance for the past couple of months.
I wanted to break 100km for the first time so I set off yesterday morning, and managed to do 70 miles in 4hr 23m which I am really chuffed with. It was kind of lonely as the 3 guys I am doing the sportive with couldn't make it yesterday but a)I stayed dry and b)I managed to hit my target and then some.
I felt really chuffed once I got back home and checked the results.
My right thigh was twinging a wee bit over the last 10 miles or so, I am resting this week, with maybe a 10 mile run on Thu but that's it until next week when we do the Touro.
I know next week will be harder, I did roughly 3,000ft of climbing yesterday so next week will be worse, there are also around 2,000 people signed up so the roads are going to be quite busy.
Anyway, just wanted to share my good news, thanks for all the advice i've received in this section over the years, it does make a difference!
Oh, and so glad I bought some chamois cream last week
About 6 years ago I bought myself a hybrid to get back into cycling and do some commuting as my work at the time was suitable for cycling to.
I used and enjoyed the hybrid for the next 3 years or so and then thought about buying a road bike for evenings/weekends as the hybrid had full length mudguards, pannier rack, etc.
I bought a Triban 5 and ran that for the past 2 years and really enjoyed it (once I got used to cycling with drop handlebars having never owned one before).
I have always wanted to increase my annual mileage but work/life tends to get in my way, also being an IT contractor, I have been working in places that don't really work for me to commute - either distance, available routes, amenities like showers, lockers, etc.
So this year I decided to sign up for my first Sportive - I am doing the Tour O The Borders next Sunday. It's a 120km route, with around 4,800ft of climbing which I believe is quite a lot?.
Having signed up, I decided to try and raise some money for charity alongside so I have been getting sponsored and raising money for Marie Curie as they helped look after my mother in law for her last couple of weeks in January this year. The sponsorship has been a real help in forcing me out when the weather hasn't been the best and I have been pushing myself more and more.
Until yesterday, I had done 3 rides around 50-54 miles, and the bulk of my rides were all around the 30-40 mile distance for the past couple of months.
I wanted to break 100km for the first time so I set off yesterday morning, and managed to do 70 miles in 4hr 23m which I am really chuffed with. It was kind of lonely as the 3 guys I am doing the sportive with couldn't make it yesterday but a)I stayed dry and b)I managed to hit my target and then some.
I felt really chuffed once I got back home and checked the results.
My right thigh was twinging a wee bit over the last 10 miles or so, I am resting this week, with maybe a 10 mile run on Thu but that's it until next week when we do the Touro.
I know next week will be harder, I did roughly 3,000ft of climbing yesterday so next week will be worse, there are also around 2,000 people signed up so the roads are going to be quite busy.
Anyway, just wanted to share my good news, thanks for all the advice i've received in this section over the years, it does make a difference!
Oh, and so glad I bought some chamois cream last week
Thanks guys.
I have been thinking about doing another sportive in September, this one "only" has around 1,200ft of climbing over 110km so I think it should be an easier proposition than this Sunday.
I fear this could get addictive
And yes, the imperial century is now my next mileage target - some day!
To all the others doing similar, best of luck.
I have been thinking about doing another sportive in September, this one "only" has around 1,200ft of climbing over 110km so I think it should be an easier proposition than this Sunday.
I fear this could get addictive
And yes, the imperial century is now my next mileage target - some day!
To all the others doing similar, best of luck.
Well I finally ticked the 100 miles box on Saturday!
Me and a mate left my house at 7.10am (just south of Ikea in Edinburgh) and followed mostly NCR1 from Peebles down to Coldstream where we lost it so did the final 12 miles along the A698 to Berwick Upon Tweed.
Moving time was 6hr 53m, total time bang on 8 hours - we stopped at 70 miles for a toastie at Floors castle.
Cracking weather for it and very happy to tick another cycling challenge off.
Unfortunately on the way home (his Mrs came and picked us up), a young lad drove into the back of us as we were sitting on the slip road to exit the A1.
Their 2 month old new car has a nice big BMW sized dent in the rear - the bikes were on the roof thankfully or they'd be gonners!
All inhabitants a wee bit stiff and sore but nothing major so all good.
Onwards and upwards...
Me and a mate left my house at 7.10am (just south of Ikea in Edinburgh) and followed mostly NCR1 from Peebles down to Coldstream where we lost it so did the final 12 miles along the A698 to Berwick Upon Tweed.
Moving time was 6hr 53m, total time bang on 8 hours - we stopped at 70 miles for a toastie at Floors castle.
Cracking weather for it and very happy to tick another cycling challenge off.
Unfortunately on the way home (his Mrs came and picked us up), a young lad drove into the back of us as we were sitting on the slip road to exit the A1.
Their 2 month old new car has a nice big BMW sized dent in the rear - the bikes were on the roof thankfully or they'd be gonners!
All inhabitants a wee bit stiff and sore but nothing major so all good.
Onwards and upwards...
R8Steve said:
AmiableChimp said:
R8Steve said:
Off topic but do you work for Tesco Bank?
No, round the corner at Aegon just now (Contractor)I did it's predecessor the 4 abbeys when i worked there.
Congrats on completing the 100k though, i'm currently working my way up to it as well.
- cough* it's up to 100 miles now *cough*
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