150-200 mile training ride, week of March 25th?
Discussion
I need to seriously up the training for the London-Edinburgh RatRace ride in May, and since I have to take my remaining holiday days before April I'm looking at a 2 day mid-week excursion from Woking area possibly to Salisbury ish. 75-100miles each way (no exact route planned yet), travelling light with a B&B or such like at half way is the basic plan. The most I've managed in the past was a very steady 108 miler overnight (St Chrispin's Day Night ride) and that hurt A LOT!
My partner for the London Edinburgh is working that week so if anyone fancy's tagging along the company would be much appreciated. I'm certainly not going to break any records - more of a plodder (especially on hills) so don't worry about slowing me down!
Also, any recommendations route-wise would be greatly appreciated.
My partner for the London Edinburgh is working that week so if anyone fancy's tagging along the company would be much appreciated. I'm certainly not going to break any records - more of a plodder (especially on hills) so don't worry about slowing me down!
Also, any recommendations route-wise would be greatly appreciated.
Sounds good. Had a rough look at a possible outbound route last night out via Farnborough, Fleet, Upton Grey, Winchester and on to Shaftsbury should give us about 80+ miles. Might be nice to come back via Stone Henge, but the roads are pretty busy that way.
Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday are best for me, might need to invest in a decent waterproof as mine is about as breathable as a bin liner!
Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday are best for me, might need to invest in a decent waterproof as mine is about as breathable as a bin liner!
Here's my attempt at a 100 mile return leg. Should be lovely following the river from Marlborough down to Newbury (hopefully making that bsard climb worth it) - I'm also not particularly keen on the climbs out of Pangbourne and Henley - I guess we'll just have to 'Man Up'! Nice finish round Windsor Park up 'The Long Walk' from the castle to the horse statue and along part of the Olympics cycle route.
What do you recon folks?
What do you recon folks?
Edited by LotusMartin on Wednesday 20th February 15:52
If you fancy stretching your legs before your longer ride there's a 300km nearish you in April
http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/13-417/
The sort of pace you are describing will put you in the bulge of riders, so you'd have good company for the day.
http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/13-417/
The sort of pace you are describing will put you in the bulge of riders, so you'd have good company for the day.
crisisjez said:
Ok 
Name the day and we'll meet up.
I'm looking at Tuesday 26th for the outbound leg via Well, Arlesford and Sailsbury (90miles), overnight at the Holiday Inn @ Amesbury (I have a free extra room for anyone who wants it) return leg Wednesday 27th via Marlborough, Pangbourne, Henley and Windsor (101 miles)Name the day and we'll meet up.
If the weather looks nasty for Tuesday I may do Wed/Thu instead but rain might be a good test for the new Paramo Jacket
If anyone is up for both days I'm planning on dropping a change of clothes at the hotel on Monday so can coordinate if you like.
LotusMartin said:
Here's my attempt at a 100 mile return leg. Should be lovely following the river from Marlborough down to Newbury (hopefully making that bsard climb worth it) - I'm also not particularly keen on the climbs out of Pangbourne and Henley - I guess we'll just have to 'Man Up'! Nice finish round Windsor Park up 'The Long Walk' from the castle to the horse statue and along part of the Olympics cycle route.
What do you recon folks?
This may be a problem. Last time I was up there, the Long Walk was off limits to cyclists, and it looks like long term policy too. Aside from that, the whole thing looks to be a great idea. It's just a shame I have been off the bike for 3 months now, so no chance of me putting in those kind of miles over two days in my current state.What do you recon folks?
Edited by LotusMartin on Wednesday 20th February 15:52
yellowjack said:
This may be a problem. Last time I was up there, the Long Walk was off limits to cyclists, and it looks like long term policy too. Aside from that, the whole thing looks to be a great idea. It's just a shame I have been off the bike for 3 months now, so no chance of me putting in those kind of miles over two days in my current state.
Just checked their website and it looks like you're right - I'll have to create an alternative route
Sorry!
Still, there are some great alternatives in the Great Park itself. Through the deer park, or up and over, past the Guards Polo Club. You'll just have to stick to the road to get around the Long Walk. Alternatively, get yoursen a fixie, some flipflops, and some of them stupid white louvred sunglasses - judging by experience last summer, you'd be exempt from the no cycling rule on the Long Walk. But then they're exempt from any and all of the rules anyway, aren't they?
Still, there are some great alternatives in the Great Park itself. Through the deer park, or up and over, past the Guards Polo Club. You'll just have to stick to the road to get around the Long Walk. Alternatively, get yoursen a fixie, some flipflops, and some of them stupid white louvred sunglasses - judging by experience last summer, you'd be exempt from the no cycling rule on the Long Walk. But then they're exempt from any and all of the rules anyway, aren't they?
Still on, but a slight change of plan!
Given that its going to be VERY windy (14mph north easterly) I've decided to keep going after Salisbury to Exeter and get the train back. should be about 104miles for the second day.
I've booked the Holiday Inn in Amesbury and will stay in the Holiday Inn Exeter if I miss the last train back - if anyone else wants to join me let me know and I'll book another room at the Amesbury H.I.
Going to head down the route in the car to Amesbury tomorrow to check it out and drop an overnight bag at the hotel.
I'll try and post updates here along with photos of punctures and RTAs LOL
Given that its going to be VERY windy (14mph north easterly) I've decided to keep going after Salisbury to Exeter and get the train back. should be about 104miles for the second day.
I've booked the Holiday Inn in Amesbury and will stay in the Holiday Inn Exeter if I miss the last train back - if anyone else wants to join me let me know and I'll book another room at the Amesbury H.I.
Going to head down the route in the car to Amesbury tomorrow to check it out and drop an overnight bag at the hotel.
I'll try and post updates here along with photos of punctures and RTAs LOL
Drove the route to Amesbury today to drop a bag - all looks ok just a couple of minor changes to take advantage of some cycle routes - 82 miles all in couple of nasty wet muddy potholed sections around Well and Bighton but the roads are soo nice round there that I think I'll just go slow/walk the worst.
Here is the revised 2nd day - now to Exeter @ 102 miles! Need to get to Exeter by 20:25 to catch the train back to Woking!! There is a fair bit on the A30 but I've tried to use parallel back roads where I can (doesn't really show that well on the pic)
Wish me luck!!
Here is the revised 2nd day - now to Exeter @ 102 miles! Need to get to Exeter by 20:25 to catch the train back to Woking!! There is a fair bit on the A30 but I've tried to use parallel back roads where I can (doesn't really show that well on the pic)
Wish me luck!!
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