Setting myself a challenge
Discussion
I've tentatively started cycling to try and just feel a bit more active and help my general well being. So far I've not done too much, getting used to doing it and the bike and the roads/traffic etc. I'm late forties, unfit, a bit overweight but I know that I won't get the benefit unless I set myself a challenge: Would it be unrealistic to try to aim for a 400k ride over 2 days in June? Pegasus Bridge in Northern France is about this distance from my home and if I set the 4/5 th June as the dates this would coincide nicely with the 72nd anniversary of the taking of the bridge.
Is this too ambitious? Can 400k be done in two days? Would 6 months training for a wobbly git be enough?
I'd be interested in peoples opinion and advice.
Hopefully
d2t
Is this too ambitious? Can 400k be done in two days? Would 6 months training for a wobbly git be enough?
I'd be interested in peoples opinion and advice.
Hopefully
d2t
I think it's possible (hard but doable)
Start ridding every weekend (ideally long steady rides 4 hours+) perhaps a second shorter ride on the Sunday
By March start doing a couple spin classes during the week (or a couple hours on a turbo trainer)
Ideally you need to do a 100 miler by around April
What will make it a lot easier, is if you do the event in a group (ideally 4+), the moral support and drafting will make a huge difference.
Good luck.
Book yourself on something like this - 10 weeks to go :-)
https://www.ukcyclingevents.co.uk/events/wiggle-as...
Start ridding every weekend (ideally long steady rides 4 hours+) perhaps a second shorter ride on the Sunday
By March start doing a couple spin classes during the week (or a couple hours on a turbo trainer)
Ideally you need to do a 100 miler by around April
What will make it a lot easier, is if you do the event in a group (ideally 4+), the moral support and drafting will make a huge difference.
Good luck.
Book yourself on something like this - 10 weeks to go :-)
https://www.ukcyclingevents.co.uk/events/wiggle-as...
It's 125 miles per day for two days. It's definitely doable, but for someone in your position it'll be tough. For most people it'd be tough.
There are plenty of faster folk than me, but I've been riding for a long time and I'd be looking at 8 or 9 hours, maybe even up to 10 hours to cover such distances. My longest trip to date was 113 miles, but that was an "off the cuff" ride that just outgrew itself. All my long rides have been loops though, except for a PH homage to stage 3 of the Tour De France from Cambridge to London last year. https://www.strava.com/activities/359974339
I wouldn't worry too much about training for pace. Duration will be the key, as you'll just need to be able to tap out a rhythm until you get to your destination. Point-to-point stuff seems easier (psychologically) for me to keep going to the end, as it's possible to trim some of a loop to cut distance.
In my opinion anyone physically capable of riding 50 miles can push that to 100 miles with relatively little 'training'. Key for you will be avoiding injury, and keeping yourself inspired/focused while you train and prepare. Making sure your bike is fitted to you is one important consideration, so that you aren't fighting yourself and causing injury and undue fatigue. Sorry but I can't offer advice on kit and luggage as I've no experience of this kind of ride, and none of my advice has any scientific basis, it's just my opinion. There are plenty of folk better placed to offer advice based on experience of this sort of riding.
Good luck though. I'd love to do something like this but I'm not a long term planning type of person, and would never be organised enough to plan something like this as far ahead as June.
There are plenty of faster folk than me, but I've been riding for a long time and I'd be looking at 8 or 9 hours, maybe even up to 10 hours to cover such distances. My longest trip to date was 113 miles, but that was an "off the cuff" ride that just outgrew itself. All my long rides have been loops though, except for a PH homage to stage 3 of the Tour De France from Cambridge to London last year. https://www.strava.com/activities/359974339
I wouldn't worry too much about training for pace. Duration will be the key, as you'll just need to be able to tap out a rhythm until you get to your destination. Point-to-point stuff seems easier (psychologically) for me to keep going to the end, as it's possible to trim some of a loop to cut distance.
In my opinion anyone physically capable of riding 50 miles can push that to 100 miles with relatively little 'training'. Key for you will be avoiding injury, and keeping yourself inspired/focused while you train and prepare. Making sure your bike is fitted to you is one important consideration, so that you aren't fighting yourself and causing injury and undue fatigue. Sorry but I can't offer advice on kit and luggage as I've no experience of this kind of ride, and none of my advice has any scientific basis, it's just my opinion. There are plenty of folk better placed to offer advice based on experience of this sort of riding.
Good luck though. I'd love to do something like this but I'm not a long term planning type of person, and would never be organised enough to plan something like this as far ahead as June.
Wilmslowboy said:
I think it's possible (hard but doable)
Start ridding every weekend (ideally long steady rides 4 hours+) perhaps a second shorter ride on the Sunday
By March start doing a couple spin classes during the week (or a couple hours on a turbo trainer)
Ideally you need to do a 100 miler by around April
What will make it a lot easier, is if you do the event in a group (ideally 4+), the moral support and drafting will make a huge difference.
Good luck.
Book yourself on something like this - 10 weeks to go :-)
https://www.ukcyclingevents.co.uk/events/wiggle-as...
I'll book this, seems like a good short term goal to start off. There is a group of us who did the 3 peaks back in 2011 so once I have sorted out a goal I will put it out there and I'm fairly certain some of them will be up for it.Start ridding every weekend (ideally long steady rides 4 hours+) perhaps a second shorter ride on the Sunday
By March start doing a couple spin classes during the week (or a couple hours on a turbo trainer)
Ideally you need to do a 100 miler by around April
What will make it a lot easier, is if you do the event in a group (ideally 4+), the moral support and drafting will make a huge difference.
Good luck.
Book yourself on something like this - 10 weeks to go :-)
https://www.ukcyclingevents.co.uk/events/wiggle-as...
Thanks for the tips.
d2t
yellowjack said:
It's 125 miles per day for two days. It's definitely doable, but for someone in your position it'll be tough. For most people it'd be tough.
There are plenty of faster folk than me, but I've been riding for a long time and I'd be looking at 8 or 9 hours, maybe even up to 10 hours to cover such distances. My longest trip to date was 113 miles, but that was an "off the cuff" ride that just outgrew itself. All my long rides have been loops though, except for a PH homage to stage 3 of the Tour De France from Cambridge to London last year. https://www.strava.com/activities/359974339
I wouldn't worry too much about training for pace. Duration will be the key, as you'll just need to be able to tap out a rhythm until you get to your destination. Point-to-point stuff seems easier (psychologically) for me to keep going to the end, as it's possible to trim some of a loop to cut distance.
In my opinion anyone physically capable of riding 50 miles can push that to 100 miles with relatively little 'training'. Key for you will be avoiding injury, and keeping yourself inspired/focused while you train and prepare. Making sure your bike is fitted to you is one important consideration, so that you aren't fighting yourself and causing injury and undue fatigue. Sorry but I can't offer advice on kit and luggage as I've no experience of this kind of ride, and none of my advice has any scientific basis, it's just my opinion. There are plenty of folk better placed to offer advice based on experience of this sort of riding.
Good luck though. I'd love to do something like this but I'm not a long term planning type of person, and would never be organised enough to plan something like this as far ahead as June.
Given I'm a complete novice I'm sensing that 250 miles in 2 days might be pushing a bit. I might bring that down to 175-200 and start off in France rather than from home which would have cluttered the journey with a ferry crossing.There are plenty of faster folk than me, but I've been riding for a long time and I'd be looking at 8 or 9 hours, maybe even up to 10 hours to cover such distances. My longest trip to date was 113 miles, but that was an "off the cuff" ride that just outgrew itself. All my long rides have been loops though, except for a PH homage to stage 3 of the Tour De France from Cambridge to London last year. https://www.strava.com/activities/359974339
I wouldn't worry too much about training for pace. Duration will be the key, as you'll just need to be able to tap out a rhythm until you get to your destination. Point-to-point stuff seems easier (psychologically) for me to keep going to the end, as it's possible to trim some of a loop to cut distance.
In my opinion anyone physically capable of riding 50 miles can push that to 100 miles with relatively little 'training'. Key for you will be avoiding injury, and keeping yourself inspired/focused while you train and prepare. Making sure your bike is fitted to you is one important consideration, so that you aren't fighting yourself and causing injury and undue fatigue. Sorry but I can't offer advice on kit and luggage as I've no experience of this kind of ride, and none of my advice has any scientific basis, it's just my opinion. There are plenty of folk better placed to offer advice based on experience of this sort of riding.
Good luck though. I'd love to do something like this but I'm not a long term planning type of person, and would never be organised enough to plan something like this as far ahead as June.
I have a reasonably new mountain bike which I find comfortable to ride, rather than have to change it, is it possible to add/change things to make it suitable for a trip like this?
d2t
200k a day is some going but as said before, if you can ride steadily for 10 hours it's only average 20kph, not a difficult pace. I'd be getting a trip computer for your bike and Strava for your phone. The trip computer will give you something to keep an eye on whilst you're riding. If you're determined you'll get there.
One thing for sure, if you don't start trying you will never do it. Best of luck.
One thing for sure, if you don't start trying you will never do it. Best of luck.
drive2tractors said:
I have a reasonably new mountain bike which I find comfortable to ride, rather than have to change it, is it possible to add/change things to make it suitable for a trip like this?
d2t
Mountain bike - you've just made it about 20% harder d2t
Hopefully no rear suspension ?
Things to do
Slick tyres
SPD pedals
Lock out the front suspension (if you can)
Cut down the bars (or get narrow ones)
I
drive2tractors said:
Given I'm a complete novice I'm sensing that 250 miles in 2 days might be pushing a bit. I might bring that down to 175-200 and start off in France rather than from home which would have cluttered the journey with a ferry crossing.
I have a reasonably new mountain bike which I find comfortable to ride, rather than have to change it, is it possible to add/change things to make it suitable for a trip like this?
d2t
STRONGLY recommend switch to something with road tyres (hybrid or 'drops'). I cycled the London to Paris back in 2010 on a hybrid that I picked up from Gumtree for £125 so there's the proof that you can do it on the cheap. To echo some comments above.... Road bike is MUCH easier than mountain bike ... I think the 20% is understated. Also, cycling in a pack save between 20-40% depending on speed, wind conditions etc. Don't underestimate the benefit of this. You need to be practiced at cycling in a group (preferably with the riders you do the event with) as you need to learn each other's ability, find the right speed for the pack, get comfortable with being just off someone's back wheel and trust the other riders to hold a steady pace. Doing Sportif's as a group before the event is a good idea. I would suggest 3-4 60+ milers as a group before now and then. Organised Sportif's are easy and supported, but you can equally just find a route around your area. Finally, I suggest finding some sort of training plan and using that as a base. Stick it on the fridge so it is nice and visible when you miss a ride... If your family is anything like mine it helps get them on board and gives you the necessary 'pass' to disappear off for a few hours every weekend. I have a reasonably new mountain bike which I find comfortable to ride, rather than have to change it, is it possible to add/change things to make it suitable for a trip like this?
d2t
Ed
Many thanks for all your suggestions above, very motivating and has got me on the saddle albeit in a less ambitious manner.....
Did some miles on my mountain bike with road tyres on, then bought this and have not looked back! I know it's relatively cheap but what an improvement on the mountain bike!!
As suggested I have done this:
http://www.ukcyclingevents.co.uk/events/wiggle-no-...
I am booked in to do this tomorrow:
http://www.ukcyclingevents.co.uk/events/wiggle-ash...
Not sure I will make the full circuit but I will give it a bash. I'm not quite as far forward as I would like having had a bad attack of gout in my foot during Feb and had a bereavement in the family in the last 2 weeks which has disrupted training. I am completely loving cycling, far more than I expected and now I'm at the stage when I get twitchy if I can't get on the bike at least every other day or so even if only for 3/4 of an hour.
The only thing I'm not on top of is I seem to get very cold feet even if I'm riding hard and generating heat. I've got some nice foot covers to keep the wind out but on a long ride it's bizarre as I have to stop pedalling to let my feet warm up, the opposite of what I would expect. Does anyone else find this?
d2t
Did some miles on my mountain bike with road tyres on, then bought this and have not looked back! I know it's relatively cheap but what an improvement on the mountain bike!!
As suggested I have done this:
http://www.ukcyclingevents.co.uk/events/wiggle-no-...
I am booked in to do this tomorrow:
http://www.ukcyclingevents.co.uk/events/wiggle-ash...
Not sure I will make the full circuit but I will give it a bash. I'm not quite as far forward as I would like having had a bad attack of gout in my foot during Feb and had a bereavement in the family in the last 2 weeks which has disrupted training. I am completely loving cycling, far more than I expected and now I'm at the stage when I get twitchy if I can't get on the bike at least every other day or so even if only for 3/4 of an hour.
The only thing I'm not on top of is I seem to get very cold feet even if I'm riding hard and generating heat. I've got some nice foot covers to keep the wind out but on a long ride it's bizarre as I have to stop pedalling to let my feet warm up, the opposite of what I would expect. Does anyone else find this?
d2t
That Looks a bit lumpy that one tomorrow , 4.7 k climbing is not to be taken lightly, just take you're time & spin up the slopes.
As for cold feet i pull off a perfect square of tin foil fold it 4 times & just use it as an extra insole, usually does it for me.
It's going to be cold tomorrow , have you got overshoes ?
As for cold feet i pull off a perfect square of tin foil fold it 4 times & just use it as an extra insole, usually does it for me.
It's going to be cold tomorrow , have you got overshoes ?
Black can man said:
That Looks a bit lumpy that one tomorrow , 4.7 k climbing is not to be taken lightly, just take you're time & spin up the slopes.
As for cold feet i pull off a perfect square of tin foil fold it 4 times & just use it as an extra insole, usually does it for me.
It's going to be cold tomorrow , have you got overshoes ?
I'm planning to go for a steady ride with the aim of covering distance rather than breaking speed records.As for cold feet i pull off a perfect square of tin foil fold it 4 times & just use it as an extra insole, usually does it for me.
It's going to be cold tomorrow , have you got overshoes ?
I'll try the foil and see how I get on. I have overshoes but can still suffer the cold.
Ta
d2t
drive2tractors said:
I'm planning to go for a steady ride with the aim of covering distance rather than breaking speed records.
I'll try the foil and see how I get on. I have overshoes but can still suffer the cold.
Ta
d2t
Yup , just go at a comfortable pace, You won't be last & you won't be first.I'll try the foil and see how I get on. I have overshoes but can still suffer the cold.
Ta
d2t
Black can man said:
That Looks a bit lumpy that one tomorrow , 4.7 k climbing is not to be taken lightly, just take you're time & spin up the slopes.
As for cold feet i pull off a perfect square of tin foil fold it 4 times & just use it as an extra insole, usually does it for me.
It's going to be cold tomorrow , have you got overshoes ?
Can you expand on the tin foil suggestion? My feet are always cold too; I have some sealskinz hydrostop socks which are the best yet but they are so thick my feet feel squashed in the shoes and I know that doesn't help. I will save up and get some proper winter boots for next winter.As for cold feet i pull off a perfect square of tin foil fold it 4 times & just use it as an extra insole, usually does it for me.
It's going to be cold tomorrow , have you got overshoes ?
That Wiggle Ashdown ride is tough, good luck d2t!
My cold feet tin foil solution, it works for me.
Fold in half
And again
Unless you have huge feet the foil will be too long so just fold about 3 inches again
I put the folded bit in the shoes first so effectively you are getting 8 layers of foil under the toes
VOILA !
I'm not saying this is a cure for cold feet but i do this every time i go out in the cold & it works well for me.
Fold in half
And again
Unless you have huge feet the foil will be too long so just fold about 3 inches again
I put the folded bit in the shoes first so effectively you are getting 8 layers of foil under the toes
VOILA !
I'm not saying this is a cure for cold feet but i do this every time i go out in the cold & it works well for me.
Back home now after a ride through all types of seasonal weather: Sun, rain, hail, sleet and snow. There is now no hot water left in the tractor household, I don't think I've ever spent so long in a shower.
I did the standard ride, not the epic, in 5h 10mins including 4h 50mins of riding time averaging just shy of 18kmh. Figures from Strava:
86.3km
Distance
4:50:03
Moving Time
970m elevation
https://www.strava.com/activities/509095670
Really felt the cold today but I can vouch for the tin foil shoe inserts! Made such a difference but I think one will still battle cold feet in the weather we had. I wore wind-proof gloves with silk under gloves from my ski apparel. I stopped 3 times, half way to a feed stop where I drank 1l water and ate a banana, at the feed stop I ate one of my cold bacon rolls and had 2 cups of hot sweet tea. The last stop was 10k before the end when I was really flagging and I finished a bottle full of the energy drink they were providing at the feed stop. I don't know if it helped, I think just stopping and drawing breath was enough to get motivated and going again. There were lots of free powerbars, gel etc but I did not partake, are they any good? I quite enjoy my bacon rolls and tea, devoured the last one when I finished.
Again, I really loved it, but this ride was marred by what seemed to me to be an enormous amount of traffic. I guess Sussex is like that when compared to my home patch on the North Downs.
Now planning the next one........
d2t
I did the standard ride, not the epic, in 5h 10mins including 4h 50mins of riding time averaging just shy of 18kmh. Figures from Strava:
86.3km
Distance
4:50:03
Moving Time
970m elevation
https://www.strava.com/activities/509095670
Really felt the cold today but I can vouch for the tin foil shoe inserts! Made such a difference but I think one will still battle cold feet in the weather we had. I wore wind-proof gloves with silk under gloves from my ski apparel. I stopped 3 times, half way to a feed stop where I drank 1l water and ate a banana, at the feed stop I ate one of my cold bacon rolls and had 2 cups of hot sweet tea. The last stop was 10k before the end when I was really flagging and I finished a bottle full of the energy drink they were providing at the feed stop. I don't know if it helped, I think just stopping and drawing breath was enough to get motivated and going again. There were lots of free powerbars, gel etc but I did not partake, are they any good? I quite enjoy my bacon rolls and tea, devoured the last one when I finished.
Again, I really loved it, but this ride was marred by what seemed to me to be an enormous amount of traffic. I guess Sussex is like that when compared to my home patch on the North Downs.
Now planning the next one........
d2t
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