London to Brighton Off-Road - September 23rd 2017

[Dr Murdoch]

Anyone else taking part this year?

This will be my first attempt and I'll be using my Genesis CDF (CX/Adventure bike). Any tips? Should I get bigger tyres (currently using Kenda Flintridge 700x35c 60TPI)

I note that they've moved the start, which makes it a bit trickier, but I think Teddingtion station will be the closest, will need to cross the Thames at Teddington Lock.

[Dr Murdoch]

I'm hoping to set off at around 7.30am. I hope to do it in around 6 hours, my last ride which took in two laps of Richmond Park and lots of stop starting on the tow path, was 30mils and it it took 2 hours. So allowing for a 1 hour stoppage at some point, hopefully roll into Brighton at 1.30 ish?

Realistic, or wishful thinking?

[Dr Murdoch]

Agent XXX said:

Wishful thinking. Yu'll be stopping for more than an hour. Also, pace yourself out, there are a couple of good hills but the most energy sapping bit is the Downs Link (about 20-25 miles of it roughly) and then of course you have the lovely ascent up to Truleigh Hill 5 miles from the end.

Edited by Agent XXX on Tuesday 22 August 15:39

Cheers, I suspected that might be the case! Its been a decade since I last done the london to brighton (on-road).

What tyres are people running on there road / cx bikes? Fattest possible, or are they not critical? I assume the weather will play a decisive factor.

[Dr Murdoch]

Just under a week to go, fingers crossed the weather sorts it self out.

Managed a 40miler off-road on Sunday, 10m on-road Monday and then 25 miles on-road yesterday. My shoulder blades are fairly painful now so I've decided to have a at least one days rest (today) maybe tomorrow as well depending how I feel tomorrow when I get up.

When do folk stop cycling before an event to ensure energy levels are peaking?

[Dr Murdoch]

Agent XXX said:

Shoulder blades or muscle just below?

If below it will be your upper traps. Had it last year after having done lots of riding, apparently quite a common complaint in cycling. Two sessions of deep tissue massage and accupuncture sorted it right out.

Right between my neck and shoulder (right side). Almost like a stiff neck, but its not (if you know what I mean?!)

[Dr Murdoch]

Daveyraveygravey said:

It depends on the individual and what you have done recently. I would say at least 5 days, maybe 7-9. Recovery is a big part of training; if you never stop pushing you won't get the real benefit of training.

Thanks

I've got a 50mile ride planned for Sunday, then after that I'll park the bike until the ride.

I'll try and walk in the evenings just to keep muscles working.

[Dr Murdoch]

Heads up

They've shifted the start (again) to Kempton Park race course.

Could be a pain those travelling by train, as its about 55mins from Waterloo

[Dr Murdoch]

Great going, what time did you set off?

Our group of 4 suffered 6 punctures which hindered us.

I've posted some pics in the 'pictures from today's ride' thread.