Possible in 5 weeks?
Discussion
I've been asked to join my dad on a 25 mile sponsored bike ride at the end of April.
In terms of preparation so far, well I own a bike
I take my son for a whizz round the park about once a month, and that's the extent of my keep fit routine.
Nothing to be proud of and this could be the kick up the arse I need to get into shape.
It's for a good cause and as my mum is ill currently it feels like the right thing to do and it'd be good to support my dad at the same time.
However he goes to spin classes at least twice a week and has done similar stuff before.
So my question...how much do I need to train, how often and what distances?
Bear in mind I leave for work at 7.30am and get back 12 hours later, so Mon-Fri rides need to be short only leaving weekends for longer distances.
Can't use my commute as it's 85 mile round trip and we don't have showers at work.
I just want to make it round without needing medical attention and preferably without getting off to walk up the hills
In terms of preparation so far, well I own a bike
I take my son for a whizz round the park about once a month, and that's the extent of my keep fit routine.
Nothing to be proud of and this could be the kick up the arse I need to get into shape.
It's for a good cause and as my mum is ill currently it feels like the right thing to do and it'd be good to support my dad at the same time.
However he goes to spin classes at least twice a week and has done similar stuff before.
So my question...how much do I need to train, how often and what distances?
Bear in mind I leave for work at 7.30am and get back 12 hours later, so Mon-Fri rides need to be short only leaving weekends for longer distances.
Can't use my commute as it's 85 mile round trip and we don't have showers at work.
I just want to make it round without needing medical attention and preferably without getting off to walk up the hills
You'd be better investing your money in cycle shorts and chamois cream! No need to change your bike although maybe take a look at the tyres (also check pressures and pump them up to towards the top end of their allowed pressure).
25 miles is fine. Just go out for a few 1 or 2 hour rides each weekend before and then be sure to go at your own pace on the day. Plenty of water and plenty of food and you will be absolutely fine. It sounds farther than it is.
Enjoy it!
25 miles is fine. Just go out for a few 1 or 2 hour rides each weekend before and then be sure to go at your own pace on the day. Plenty of water and plenty of food and you will be absolutely fine. It sounds farther than it is.
Enjoy it!
1 or 2 hours! I've just done 25 mins and think I need to be sick!
When you say look at tyres do you mean swap the knobbly ones for something more intermediate?
If I don't need to swap the bike I won't but the gears aren't working particularly well on the one I've got, not changing immediately and then doing so with a big jerk. Not ideal when trying to maintain my snail like pace up hill
When you say look at tyres do you mean swap the knobbly ones for something more intermediate?
If I don't need to swap the bike I won't but the gears aren't working particularly well on the one I've got, not changing immediately and then doing so with a big jerk. Not ideal when trying to maintain my snail like pace up hill
Depends on if you are mentally strong enough.
I prepared for 100 miles off road with 5 training rides. I was not fit or strong enough and carrying 17kg of spare flab. Fitness didn't get me to the end. Shear bloody minded determination not to let the hills win and to finish on my terms got me to the end.
Always respect Rule # 5
I prepared for 100 miles off road with 5 training rides. I was not fit or strong enough and carrying 17kg of spare flab. Fitness didn't get me to the end. Shear bloody minded determination not to let the hills win and to finish on my terms got me to the end.
Always respect Rule # 5
antspants said:
1 or 2 hours! I've just done 25 mins and think I need to be sick!
When you say look at tyres do you mean swap the knobbly ones for something more intermediate?
If I don't need to swap the bike I won't but the gears aren't working particularly well on the one I've got, not changing immediately and then doing so with a big jerk. Not ideal when trying to maintain my snail like pace up hill
Get the bike serviced at your local bike shop.When you say look at tyres do you mean swap the knobbly ones for something more intermediate?
If I don't need to swap the bike I won't but the gears aren't working particularly well on the one I've got, not changing immediately and then doing so with a big jerk. Not ideal when trying to maintain my snail like pace up hill
On the side of the tyres there's a pressure rating. If the route you're doing isn't too rough, pump them up to near the top of the rating (less rolling resistance).
Gooby said:
Depends on if you are mentally strong enough.
I prepared for 100 miles off road with 5 training rides. I was not fit or strong enough and carrying 17kg of spare flab. Fitness didn't get me to the end. Shear bloody minded determination not to let the hills win and to finish on my terms got me to the end.
Always respect Rule # 5
This!I prepared for 100 miles off road with 5 training rides. I was not fit or strong enough and carrying 17kg of spare flab. Fitness didn't get me to the end. Shear bloody minded determination not to let the hills win and to finish on my terms got me to the end.
Always respect Rule # 5
I've done numerous events where I shouldn't have either entered or finished, but sheer determination gets you through, I've got at the end of may a 500 miles in 4 days ride I'm organising and only started training this week, did the same last year.... Yes you hurt when riding with better fitter riders but I got through all unaided as did 43 others...
Good luck get te bike serviced and pump those tyres up and enjoy least your not running it!
Ok so it sounds like I'm fine with the bike I've got, just get it serviced to sort out the issue with the gears and sort tyre pressures.
My intention is to go out for about 25 minutes every morning and then try to extend that at the weekends on both days.
Is this the right kind of routine and I'm assuming a couple of days rest before the event will be a good idea?
Sorry for all the newbie questions
My intention is to go out for about 25 minutes every morning and then try to extend that at the weekends on both days.
Is this the right kind of routine and I'm assuming a couple of days rest before the event will be a good idea?
Sorry for all the newbie questions
I assume that the run is not time related? If so then 25 miles is easily acheivable, dependent on how quickly you want to do it.
If you want to do an average speed of 15-18 miles an hour, forget it, you need deep reserves to manage that and in 5 weeks your not gonna manage that, however if you plan to go 8-10 MPH then it will be no problem.
Get the bike set up properly as has been said, get down to tesco or aldi and pick up a pair of cycling shorts (cheap but do the job) and off you go.
Drink a litre of liquid for every hour you are out and take some food with you, enery bars or gels if you want or flapjacks or similar if you have a sweet tooth.
Go out and enjoy it.
If you want to do an average speed of 15-18 miles an hour, forget it, you need deep reserves to manage that and in 5 weeks your not gonna manage that, however if you plan to go 8-10 MPH then it will be no problem.
Get the bike set up properly as has been said, get down to tesco or aldi and pick up a pair of cycling shorts (cheap but do the job) and off you go.
Drink a litre of liquid for every hour you are out and take some food with you, enery bars or gels if you want or flapjacks or similar if you have a sweet tooth.
Go out and enjoy it.
ewenm said:
Get the bike serviced at your local bike shop.
On the side of the tyres there's a pressure rating. If the route you're doing isn't too rough, pump them up to near the top of the rating (less rolling resistance).
+1On the side of the tyres there's a pressure rating. If the route you're doing isn't too rough, pump them up to near the top of the rating (less rolling resistance).
Should cost around £25. The shop might tempt you into getting a new chainset but as long as the chain isn't slipping I would bother as that is too much work for a £50 bike.
Also you might want to buy either a spare tube or two (or puncture repair kit), some tyre levers and a small pump.
I'd look at places like http://sheldonbrown.com/saddles.html for some basic advice on fit - by far the most important thing is to be comfortable. With your knees bent because your saddle is too low, or hips rocking because it's too high, 6 miles will feel exhausting, in the same way that walking a mile in a 'ministry of silly walks' fashion would be. Get your position right and you'll be able to ride longer & harder (fnarr).
Then just go out and practise - 5 weeks should be fine. Most important is just to get a feel for pace - i.e. how long can you maintain a given effort level for, so you don't go pop halfway through. Things that are nice but not necessary: Slick or semi-slick tyres, learning to 'spin' your legs in a low gear rather than 'grinding' in a high gear (the latter is easier to maintain for long periods), and good clothing. I'd also take a drink, and possibly a snack (although you probably won't need it, but better to have and not need than need and not have).
Then just go out and practise - 5 weeks should be fine. Most important is just to get a feel for pace - i.e. how long can you maintain a given effort level for, so you don't go pop halfway through. Things that are nice but not necessary: Slick or semi-slick tyres, learning to 'spin' your legs in a low gear rather than 'grinding' in a high gear (the latter is easier to maintain for long periods), and good clothing. I'd also take a drink, and possibly a snack (although you probably won't need it, but better to have and not need than need and not have).
Gooby said:
Depends on if you are mentally strong enough.
I prepared for 100 miles off road with 5 training rides. I was not fit or strong enough and carrying 17kg of spare flab. Fitness didn't get me to the end. Shear bloody minded determination not to let the hills win and to finish on my terms got me to the end.
Always respect Rule # 5
Always make sure your testicles are out of the way when you jump onto your seat?I prepared for 100 miles off road with 5 training rides. I was not fit or strong enough and carrying 17kg of spare flab. Fitness didn't get me to the end. Shear bloody minded determination not to let the hills win and to finish on my terms got me to the end.
Always respect Rule # 5
rhinochopig said:
Gooby said:
Depends on if you are mentally strong enough.
I prepared for 100 miles off road with 5 training rides. I was not fit or strong enough and carrying 17kg of spare flab. Fitness didn't get me to the end. Shear bloody minded determination not to let the hills win and to finish on my terms got me to the end.
Always respect Rule # 5
Always make sure your testicles are out of the way when you jump onto your seat?I prepared for 100 miles off road with 5 training rides. I was not fit or strong enough and carrying 17kg of spare flab. Fitness didn't get me to the end. Shear bloody minded determination not to let the hills win and to finish on my terms got me to the end.
Always respect Rule # 5
Well 4th time out today and seem to be making slight progress.
Been doing around 2.8m miles before work each morning, and been quite knackered after each session, but had more time today and found the pain started to go off a bit the longer I was out. So did around 6.5 miles this morning and was out for about 40-45 minutes, and think I could have stayed out longer if I hadn't supposed to be working
I've got a route planned of 3.3 miles which I can do every morning (although not sure if I should have any rest days??) and then I'll increase the distance at weekends.
I appreciate all the advice and encouragement
I half expected a few responses of "mtfu it's only 25 miles you big girl"
I'm off to buy some shorts this afternoon along with a trip computer thingy. Bike will go in for service next week.
Do I really need chamois cream for the distance I'm doing?
ETA - my back aches from left shoulder blade down, is this normal as I get used to the exercise or does it mean I've got my saddle set up wrong?
Been doing around 2.8m miles before work each morning, and been quite knackered after each session, but had more time today and found the pain started to go off a bit the longer I was out. So did around 6.5 miles this morning and was out for about 40-45 minutes, and think I could have stayed out longer if I hadn't supposed to be working
I've got a route planned of 3.3 miles which I can do every morning (although not sure if I should have any rest days??) and then I'll increase the distance at weekends.
I appreciate all the advice and encouragement
I half expected a few responses of "mtfu it's only 25 miles you big girl" I'm off to buy some shorts this afternoon along with a trip computer thingy. Bike will go in for service next week.
Do I really need chamois cream for the distance I'm doing?
ETA - my back aches from left shoulder blade down, is this normal as I get used to the exercise or does it mean I've got my saddle set up wrong?
Edited by antspants on Friday 23 March 13:33
Well done mate, sounds like the bug is catching! Important thing is to enjoy it and you'll stick at it.
Chamois cream, along with proper, well fitting, padded Lycra shorts is KEY to comfort when cycling. If you dont like being seen in lycra, just wear baggies over the top. Important to note - no undercrackers/boxers underneath the padded lycra - surprisingly large amount of people dont get this!
Bike computer is a great idea. Get one with average speed/pace indicator. Concentrate on maintaining a steady pace for longer rides. Its also really satisfying to see the Odo steadily going up over the days weeks and months.
Bike service is also a good idea.
RE Pain - this does not sound right, any pain is an indicator somethings wrong.
Hopefully you have found a decent local shop. Get them to look at you on your bike, and suggest how to adjust it to help. Its VERY important to note here that adjusting bikes is something to really think about logically. Dont just go changing things, moving things, swapping things wildly. Make measured, reasoned adjustments, and trial them, and not how it makes you feel.
When adjusting saddle angle, for instance, do it no more than couple of degrees at a time and do a proper test ride each time. A good bike shop will have handy staff though who can help you out.
"Do I really need chamois cream for the distance I'm doing?"
After you have a rash or a saddle sore ie a small spot that feels like a golf ball and rubs on all you other cloths all day for days you will see or feel why.....
On the MTFU bit just for fun..........
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger [also a song]
Pain is only temporary loosing is forever....
Pain is weakness leaving your body.
After you have a rash or a saddle sore ie a small spot that feels like a golf ball and rubs on all you other cloths all day for days you will see or feel why.....
On the MTFU bit just for fun..........
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger [also a song]
Pain is only temporary loosing is forever....
Pain is weakness leaving your body.
Thought a quick update was in order after all the helpful advice.
Just been out for 13 miles in the wind and rain, think I'm starting to enjoy this
Early morning rides between 3.5 to 6 miles around 4 times a week and then 9, 11 and 13 miles in last 4 days making the most of a few days off.
Ignored some of the advice and bought a different bike which has helped as it's lighter and I can lock front suspension on the road.
Back pain disappeared after I adjusted saddle, only issue today was pins and needles in my hands. Is this just me getting used to being on bike for longer?
Seem to be averaging around 12-13mph which feels like my 'natural' pace if that makes sense, should I try to slow down for longer distances or stick with what feels normal?
Just been out for 13 miles in the wind and rain, think I'm starting to enjoy this
Early morning rides between 3.5 to 6 miles around 4 times a week and then 9, 11 and 13 miles in last 4 days making the most of a few days off.
Ignored some of the advice and bought a different bike
which has helped as it's lighter and I can lock front suspension on the road. Back pain disappeared after I adjusted saddle, only issue today was pins and needles in my hands. Is this just me getting used to being on bike for longer?
Seem to be averaging around 12-13mph which feels like my 'natural' pace if that makes sense, should I try to slow down for longer distances or stick with what feels normal?
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