London to Brighton Off Road Challenge
Discussion
Afternoon,
Yesterday I made the decision to sign up for the above through the BHF.
Id been looking for some kind of goal to set for myself, and also help with some weight loss and get my fitness sorted.
Today I realised that a 61 mile off road trek is probably going to require a fair bit of training, and maybe some new kit, so I thought I would turn to the wisdom of PH.
I currently own a Trek Marlin 5, the same as below, and been advised that I should upgrade the pedals to Metal or Composite.
If anyone could advise me on kit to get for the event, Padded Shorts, Shoes, bits for the bike (nothing that will break the bank) and any help training, would be appreciated. Im not a small guy, currently a 44/46 waist, so as a general rule, I struggle to get training gear, so any help there would be appreciated as well.
Also, if anyone fancies making a donation, let me know, and I can add my just giving page.
TIA
Yesterday I made the decision to sign up for the above through the BHF.
Id been looking for some kind of goal to set for myself, and also help with some weight loss and get my fitness sorted.
Today I realised that a 61 mile off road trek is probably going to require a fair bit of training, and maybe some new kit, so I thought I would turn to the wisdom of PH.
I currently own a Trek Marlin 5, the same as below, and been advised that I should upgrade the pedals to Metal or Composite.
If anyone could advise me on kit to get for the event, Padded Shorts, Shoes, bits for the bike (nothing that will break the bank) and any help training, would be appreciated. Im not a small guy, currently a 44/46 waist, so as a general rule, I struggle to get training gear, so any help there would be appreciated as well.
Also, if anyone fancies making a donation, let me know, and I can add my just giving page.
TIA
Well done on taking up the challenge! Depending on previous riding experience 60 miles off road is no easy job but if you can get out for a couple of decent rides a week in training you should be in good shape for it.
Your bike should be easily up to the job as long as its well serviced, in terms of pedals I've always liked the Nukeproof Neutron flats for good grip, stability, weight and price, but given the distance you might want to consider clips but that will depend on how confident you are on the bike too plus they're more money!
I terms of kit, for flat pedal shoes defo recommend to look at 5tens, they're super grippy and will aid pedalling efficiency and you can normally find them discounted online and they are nice enough to wear off the bike (albeit a bit stiff) For padded shorts look at Altura, Madison or shimano for decent without breaking the bank but they can a personal preference thing.
Finally make sure you've got a decent multi-tool, tubeless setup or space tubes, look at a back country research or similar strap to hold a tube under the seat
Your bike should be easily up to the job as long as its well serviced, in terms of pedals I've always liked the Nukeproof Neutron flats for good grip, stability, weight and price, but given the distance you might want to consider clips but that will depend on how confident you are on the bike too plus they're more money!
I terms of kit, for flat pedal shoes defo recommend to look at 5tens, they're super grippy and will aid pedalling efficiency and you can normally find them discounted online and they are nice enough to wear off the bike (albeit a bit stiff) For padded shorts look at Altura, Madison or shimano for decent without breaking the bank but they can a personal preference thing.
Finally make sure you've got a decent multi-tool, tubeless setup or space tubes, look at a back country research or similar strap to hold a tube under the seat
I don't know much about that Trek, but just changing the pedals won't have a massive effect, imho. Just looking at those pedals, it might be worth tyring clip ins of some kind. They definitely help keeping your feet attached when you are on a long bumpy off road descent. I have some Shimano ones that are half and half, so you can wear normal shoes on one side, but clip in on the other, with the right shoes. You might want to check how you fit the bike, it seems obvious but getting your position on the bike correct makes a huge difference when you are looking at a longer day in the saddle.
DHB tend to make reasonable quality kit at the value end of the market. Shorts are a very personal thing, like saddles, what I think is heaven you might find torture. Get all this stuff nailed as early as you can and get used to it, you don't want to be trying new shorts/shoes/saddles etc on the day itself.
Food and drink, you don't need to go down all the sciencey gels and bars and powders route. I find I need some sweet and some savoury stuff. Fig rolls are really good, small so you can eat one on the go quite easily. I quite often have a mini pork pie for that reason! I'd recommend two bottles of liquid, one with plain water and one with some replacement powder in it; it's likely to be warm in September. Eat a little and often, if you get to the point where you feel hungry it's too late.
I live near the route, down near Shoreham. I think the first 10-15 km will be fairly flat, then you have to get across the Surrey Hills. I haven't ridden off road there, but there are some short steep hills on the road so expect that. After Cranleigh you join the Downslink, which is an old railway line so really nothing hilly to worry about until 80 km. There is a downhill somewhere near Cranleigh but I think you join after that. Parts of the DL are in old railway cuttings and slightly curving so it feels like you can't see much for miles. There is a slight climb before Steyning where the DL leaves the old railway bed, but it isn't too bad. (The guy in the red jacket with his thumb up on the BHF page is photographed there).
The Milk Churn at Rudhwick is a good place to stop. Also, as you go through Henfield, there is a rise up to a road, with the Old Railway pub at the top. Then there's a short downhill through houses before you get back on the DL, and there's a cafe called the Cabin at Berretts Farm on your right, really good coffee and cake, but will be busy.
The climb after Upper Beeding is pretty tough. All kinds of off road surfaces, loose bits, chunks of flint and large pebbles, gullies where the rainwater runs off, a couple of drains and pipes, but the gradient is fairly steady. At the top of this, the climb continues on Tarmac and after the first 50m or so is pretty gentle. The youth hostel at Truleigh should have a cafe that's open, then there's a last little bumpy climb, before you have a long descent with the sea in front of you. Once in the houses it's pretty flat, cross the lock at Shoreham and then its flat along the sea front to Hove. A headwind here can be a b
d!
I'd build your endurance first, try and get up to 2 hours pedalling on the flat. The work in some hills and longer rides if you can.
DHB tend to make reasonable quality kit at the value end of the market. Shorts are a very personal thing, like saddles, what I think is heaven you might find torture. Get all this stuff nailed as early as you can and get used to it, you don't want to be trying new shorts/shoes/saddles etc on the day itself.
Food and drink, you don't need to go down all the sciencey gels and bars and powders route. I find I need some sweet and some savoury stuff. Fig rolls are really good, small so you can eat one on the go quite easily. I quite often have a mini pork pie for that reason! I'd recommend two bottles of liquid, one with plain water and one with some replacement powder in it; it's likely to be warm in September. Eat a little and often, if you get to the point where you feel hungry it's too late.
I live near the route, down near Shoreham. I think the first 10-15 km will be fairly flat, then you have to get across the Surrey Hills. I haven't ridden off road there, but there are some short steep hills on the road so expect that. After Cranleigh you join the Downslink, which is an old railway line so really nothing hilly to worry about until 80 km. There is a downhill somewhere near Cranleigh but I think you join after that. Parts of the DL are in old railway cuttings and slightly curving so it feels like you can't see much for miles. There is a slight climb before Steyning where the DL leaves the old railway bed, but it isn't too bad. (The guy in the red jacket with his thumb up on the BHF page is photographed there).
The Milk Churn at Rudhwick is a good place to stop. Also, as you go through Henfield, there is a rise up to a road, with the Old Railway pub at the top. Then there's a short downhill through houses before you get back on the DL, and there's a cafe called the Cabin at Berretts Farm on your right, really good coffee and cake, but will be busy.
The climb after Upper Beeding is pretty tough. All kinds of off road surfaces, loose bits, chunks of flint and large pebbles, gullies where the rainwater runs off, a couple of drains and pipes, but the gradient is fairly steady. At the top of this, the climb continues on Tarmac and after the first 50m or so is pretty gentle. The youth hostel at Truleigh should have a cafe that's open, then there's a last little bumpy climb, before you have a long descent with the sea in front of you. Once in the houses it's pretty flat, cross the lock at Shoreham and then its flat along the sea front to Hove. A headwind here can be a b
d!I'd build your endurance first, try and get up to 2 hours pedalling on the flat. The work in some hills and longer rides if you can.
Edited by Daveyraveygravey on Tuesday 29th April 13:21
Make sure your bike is checked over and running well before hand (obviously).
Maybe buy a hydration pack, or as a minimum fit a couple of bottle cages to your bike. Other than that I don't think you need any major bits of kit for the ride.
Decent shoes and pedals will help but not essential. Tubeless set up would be a definite for me.
I did the previous 75 mile route in 2017 and most of it is pretty flat - had 3 main climbs that year - the Bostal climb at Beeding was tough, but loads of people walked it.
I would just get out and do lots of riding - try and get some regular 30-40 mile rides done.
Maybe buy a hydration pack, or as a minimum fit a couple of bottle cages to your bike. Other than that I don't think you need any major bits of kit for the ride.
Decent shoes and pedals will help but not essential. Tubeless set up would be a definite for me.
I did the previous 75 mile route in 2017 and most of it is pretty flat - had 3 main climbs that year - the Bostal climb at Beeding was tough, but loads of people walked it.
I would just get out and do lots of riding - try and get some regular 30-40 mile rides done.
The only time I've seen people doing this is on the way out of London on the road. I'd check the route and see if tubed intermediate tyres would be better than the off-road ones you have on there at the moment.
If it picks up the disused railway line south of Guildford people are up and down this with pushchairs so any bike/tyre combination will be OK.
If it picks up the disused railway line south of Guildford people are up and down this with pushchairs so any bike/tyre combination will be OK.
river_rat said:
Make sure your bike is checked over and running well before hand (obviously).
Maybe buy a hydration pack, or as a minimum fit a couple of bottle cages to your bike. Other than that I don't think you need any major bits of kit for the ride.
Decent shoes and pedals will help but not essential. Tubeless set up would be a definite for me.
I did the previous 75 mile route in 2017 and most of it is pretty flat - had 3 main climbs that year - the Bostal climb at Beeding was tough, but loads of people walked it.
I would just get out and do lots of riding - try and get some regular 30-40 mile rides done.
I think hydration pack is a very good shout. Not only can you get a decent amount of water/electrolyte/energy drink in it, you can stash all your spares, tools, rain jacket, keys and wallet in there. I'm a fan of hydrapak/salomon as they are well designed easy to wash and pretty much no quibble warranty. Maybe buy a hydration pack, or as a minimum fit a couple of bottle cages to your bike. Other than that I don't think you need any major bits of kit for the ride.
Decent shoes and pedals will help but not essential. Tubeless set up would be a definite for me.
I did the previous 75 mile route in 2017 and most of it is pretty flat - had 3 main climbs that year - the Bostal climb at Beeding was tough, but loads of people walked it.
I would just get out and do lots of riding - try and get some regular 30-40 mile rides done.
I'd recommend two rides a week - it's getting to the time fo year when evening or morning 2 hours isn't out of the question. If you can work up to 40 or 50 miles off road on your longer ride before the event, the atmosphere of the day will carry you the extra 10 miles (as long as you don't get carried away and ride too fast at the start). You're a big lad - don't be afraid to get off and walk - your body and bike will thank you.
river_rat said:
Make sure your bike is checked over and running well before hand (obviously).
Maybe buy a hydration pack, or as a minimum fit a couple of bottle cages to your bike. Other than that I don't think you need any major bits of kit for the ride.
Decent shoes and pedals will help but not essential. Tubeless set up would be a definite for me.
I did the previous 75 mile route in 2017 and most of it is pretty flat - had 3 main climbs that year - the Bostal climb at Beeding was tough, but loads of people walked it.
I would just get out and do lots of riding - try and get some regular 30-40 mile rides done.
Yeah, I did the 2014 one and it was 75mi with the 3 climbs, 60 sounds almost short!Maybe buy a hydration pack, or as a minimum fit a couple of bottle cages to your bike. Other than that I don't think you need any major bits of kit for the ride.
Decent shoes and pedals will help but not essential. Tubeless set up would be a definite for me.
I did the previous 75 mile route in 2017 and most of it is pretty flat - had 3 main climbs that year - the Bostal climb at Beeding was tough, but loads of people walked it.
I would just get out and do lots of riding - try and get some regular 30-40 mile rides done.
I'd also say, apart from hydration, food. Make sure you don't run out of energy. Doesn't have to be anything great, my mate did it with a baguette and peanut butter, on the cheap!
Otherwise nothing else to add, sunscreen, glasses, good gloves for the inevitable hand pain and do some training. You'll be fine and you'll enjoy it!
Thanks for the advice so far guys, one thing I didn't mention is that I had a heart attack back in December 2023, do this is why I am doing this, so my fitness isn't quite where it could be.
I put my bike back together yesterday, changed the pedals for a set of cheap aluminium ones.
Going to try some different footwear that I have at home before buying anything, but these are the ones ive tried today and they seem ok
Been out for a tester today, done feel too bad after, but food and hydration are definitely a good shout.
I put my bike back together yesterday, changed the pedals for a set of cheap aluminium ones.
Going to try some different footwear that I have at home before buying anything, but these are the ones ive tried today and they seem ok
Been out for a tester today, done feel too bad after, but food and hydration are definitely a good shout.
Edited by Smurfsarepeopletoo on Wednesday 30th April 19:38
Smurfsarepeopletoo said:
Thanks for the advice so far guys, one thing I didn't mention is that I had a heart attack back in December 2023, do this is why I am doing this, so my fitness isn't quite where it could be.
I put my bike back together yesterday, changed the pedals for a set of cheap aluminium ones.
Going to try some different footwear that I have at home before buying anything, but these are the ones ive tried today and they seem ok
Been out for a tester today, done feel too bad after, but food and hydration are definitely a good shout.
Yeah, I think the general idea is that if you go hungry and thirsty, it is kind of too late, you are playing catch up. You need to hydrate and munch something at regular intervals. Not that I do it properly myself, but yeah! There's plenty of advice on the net if you look it up.I put my bike back together yesterday, changed the pedals for a set of cheap aluminium ones.
Going to try some different footwear that I have at home before buying anything, but these are the ones ive tried today and they seem ok
Been out for a tester today, done feel too bad after, but food and hydration are definitely a good shout.
Edited by Smurfsarepeopletoo on Wednesday 30th April 19:38
Good luck, I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
Smurfsarepeopletoo said:
Thanks for the advice so far guys, one thing I didn't mention is that I had a heart attack back in December 2023, do this is why I am doing this, so my fitness isn't quite where it could be.
I put my bike back together yesterday, changed the pedals for a set of cheap aluminium ones.
Going to try some different footwear that I have at home before buying anything, but these are the ones ive tried today and they seem ok
Been out for a tester today, done feel too bad after, but food and hydration are definitely a good shout.
Since you're using strava why not post the link to the activity and we can give you a kudos and a follow. Can help with motivation for some.I put my bike back together yesterday, changed the pedals for a set of cheap aluminium ones.
Going to try some different footwear that I have at home before buying anything, but these are the ones ive tried today and they seem ok
Been out for a tester today, done feel too bad after, but food and hydration are definitely a good shout.
Edited by Smurfsarepeopletoo on Wednesday 30th April 19:38
I'd suggest bib shorts rather than normal shorts, as they don't rely on being as tight around the waist to stay in position, so less uncomfortable for many people.
Take some time to get your saddle height correct, being a fraction low can noticeably be harder work.
Shoes, those look like trainers, which are largely fine, personally I prefer skate style shoes for flats. I have flats on all my bikes, too.
Other than that, best training for riding is just to go out riding and build up endurance/capacity.
Take some time to get your saddle height correct, being a fraction low can noticeably be harder work.
Shoes, those look like trainers, which are largely fine, personally I prefer skate style shoes for flats. I have flats on all my bikes, too.
Other than that, best training for riding is just to go out riding and build up endurance/capacity.
Smurfsarepeopletoo said:
oddman said:
Since you're using strava why not post the link to the activity and we can give you a kudos and a follow. Can help with motivation for some.
how do I do that lolFrom PC/Mac copy and paste address line.
If anyone here wants to look they can click the link and go from there.
Did this last year. It was a grand day out apart from it rained just as we were going over the North Downs.
If you're close enough, I would recommend doing what I did and going and cycling the section from Ripley-Cranleigh. It's the only really technical bit and having a rough feeling for the ups and downs through there will help you pace yourself.
If you're close enough, I would recommend doing what I did and going and cycling the section from Ripley-Cranleigh. It's the only really technical bit and having a rough feeling for the ups and downs through there will help you pace yourself.
oddman said:
From a phone there's an export/share function which includes copy/paste function
From PC/Mac copy and paste address line.
If anyone here wants to look they can click the link and go from there.
I cant find the event itself, and struggling to create the route as strava wont let me upgrade my account at the moment, I can share my profile though.From PC/Mac copy and paste address line.
If anyone here wants to look they can click the link and go from there.
This is the route, give or take. There's a bit at the beginning which isn't included - the event starts at Apps Court near Sunbury, next to the Thames.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37530573
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37530573
Smurfsarepeopletoo said:
oddman said:
From a phone there's an export/share function which includes copy/paste function
From PC/Mac copy and paste address line.
If anyone here wants to look they can click the link and go from there.
I cant find the event itself, and struggling to create the route as strava wont let me upgrade my account at the moment, I can share my profile though.From PC/Mac copy and paste address line.
If anyone here wants to look they can click the link and go from there.
I was suggesting pasting a link to one of your training rides here. Then posters can follow your progress/give kudos. Can be motivating for some.
Good luck.
I’ve done this ride a few times albeit starting from Reigate and heading along the NDW/ Box hill and then onto Cranleigh and as the route the BHF offer.
The last 30 miles are pretty dull and flat, it’s a smooth old railway line.
Chips at the seaside is nice.
It’s a nice spin.
I’ve done this ride a few times albeit starting from Reigate and heading along the NDW/ Box hill and then onto Cranleigh and as the route the BHF offer.
The last 30 miles are pretty dull and flat, it’s a smooth old railway line.
Chips at the seaside is nice.
It’s a nice spin.
Edited by Simes205 on Friday 2nd May 18:47
Smurfsarepeopletoo said:
From your first post I thought you'd of training, but honestly that ride looks pretty decent, and if you can get in a couple of 1hr+ decently challenging rides a week you'll smash it. Do try and plan some nice (steep!) hills in though, because that's where you'll get the most training benefit.One thing though, your saddle looks kinda low - either it needs raising or your bike is too big. The correct height will make your pedalling *much* more efficient, and reduce the risk of knee injury.
edit: One final thing, one year the weather was bad and apparently parts of the route were horrendous, so keep a close eye on the forecast and plan to buy some kit to deal with it.
Edited by Gareth79 on Friday 2nd May 19:14
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