Starley Sportive
Author
Discussion

craig r

Original Poster:

219 posts

189 months

Tuesday 9th January 2018
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In my quest to keep motivated this year I am trying to do some sort of event most months. My theory is this will make me train consistently as I always have something to train for. So far I have a 10k around Rockingham at the end of January, Wolf Run at the start of April and a sprint tri at the end of April. February's event could is the Starley Sportive in Coventry. I am targeting the 30 mile route as so far my longest ride has only been 30km, so still quite a jump. I know I can finish the distance, but it will not be quick!

So my question is...what is the craic with a sportive, is it like a proper timed event that I'm going to be at the back of, or more of a nice few hours pedaling about the Warwickshire countryside with lots of people that I'm going to be at the back of?

Any thoughts / comments / experiences are welcome!

Edited by craig r on Tuesday 9th January 09:41

anonymous-user

80 months

Tuesday 9th January 2018
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From here https://www.riderhq.com/events/75606/coventry-road... it looks like you will get a timing chip - you will get a time for the ride.

There are surely going to be some faster riders doing the long course, but I expect there will be a very wide range of abilities on the shorter ride

If you can ride 30km and run 10km then you are unlikely to be the slowest rider

If you have a chance to do a bit of training in the next few weeks to get you more used to riding up towards 30 miles in one go, so much the better.

There are cakes at the finish so the sooner you get there, the better choice you will have!

Enjoy it.

craig r

Original Poster:

219 posts

189 months

Thursday 11th January 2018
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Thanks for the reassurance, I was worried it would be a 'proper race'.

Cake is always a good motivating tool!

Zippee

14,058 posts

260 months

Thursday 11th January 2018
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Last couple of sportives I've done (similar distance to you) have been a mix of levels. I'm fat and unfit but was not the slowest. 1 was timed the other 2 none timed.
You still get the odd serious racer in there but I find them much more friendly and relaxing than a race.

MOBB

4,463 posts

153 months

Thursday 11th January 2018
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As a newbie to road cycling, I might give this a go myself.

BTW I'm also doing the Rockingham 10k with Mrs MOBB this month :-)

craig r

Original Poster:

219 posts

189 months

Thursday 11th January 2018
quotequote all
Awesome! It will be a bit like a game of 'spot the PH member'

Clues would be:

Powerfully built
Goatee
Have a can of Red Bull
Arrive in an MX5

scratchchin

MOBB

4,463 posts

153 months

Wednesday 24th January 2018
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MOBB said:
As a newbie to road cycling, I might give this a go myself.
Just booked the 30 mile one.

Maximum I've done to date in one go is about 20 miles so let see how it goes <gulp>

Zippee

14,058 posts

260 months

Wednesday 24th January 2018
quotequote all
MOBB said:
Just booked the 30 mile one.

Maximum I've done to date in one go is about 20 miles so let see how it goes <gulp>
Good luck, I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Was thinking of doing it myself but hard to do Sundays.

craig r

Original Poster:

219 posts

189 months

Monday 12th February 2018
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Got the course info through today.

It's just dawned on me that it's this Sunday and since entering I've only had one 20km ride! I'm sure it'll be fine...but if you do see someone struggling on a black and white giant contend it'll be me!

Zippee

14,058 posts

260 months

Monday 12th February 2018
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Where abouts are you based? My mate and I are not 'that' fit' and if you fancy a training partner on the odd Saturday let us know...

MOBB

4,463 posts

153 months

Monday 12th February 2018
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craig r said:
Got the course info through today.

It's just dawned on me that it's this Sunday and since entering I've only had one 20km ride! I'm sure it'll be fine...but if you do see someone struggling on a black and white giant contend it'll be me!
I've done even less..................though I've recently ramped up my efforts on my spin bike and at the gym on the static bike.

Should be fun, weather looks "ok"

I'll be the plump one on a matt black specialised puffing away!

craig r

Original Poster:

219 posts

189 months

Monday 12th February 2018
quotequote all
Zippee said:
Where abouts are you based? My mate and I are not 'that' fit' and if you fancy a training partner on the odd Saturday let us know...
Very kind offer - thanks!

I am in Northampton.

MOBB

4,463 posts

153 months

Sunday 18th February 2018
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That was a nice ride, I did it in 2.06 for the 30 miler and I'm happy with that

Really enjoyed my first one and will definitely be doing more, and longer ones

craig r

Original Poster:

219 posts

189 months

Sunday 18th February 2018
quotequote all
MOBB said:
That was a nice ride, I did it in 2.06 for the 30 miler and I'm happy with that

Really enjoyed my first one and will definitely be doing more, and longer ones
Exactly the same time as me!

Road cyclists are really friendly, loads of people saying hello as they were overtaking me

anonymous-user

80 months

Sunday 18th February 2018
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Well done, glad you enjoyed it.

What’s the next one?