First Sportive today

[Harleyboy]

After starting riding in mid april, i entered my first 50 mile Sportive in Bath today. Really enjoyed it, riding with three mates. We stuck together, waited for each other when required and enjoyed the achievement and riding in an organised event.

Didnt think i would be doing something like this considering my very low fitness start point just a few weeks ago. I built up from 10 mile circuits to 20 and then onto weekend rides of 40+

I feel as if I have finally found something healthy to do that I enjoy...and you can buy cool stuff for it too!

My other ‘sporting’ hobby is shooting and that’s not exactly great for fitness!

I think I could do more so will maybe stretch to a longer ride in a few weeks. Anyway, feeling rather chuffed with myself!

Edited by Harleyboy on Sunday 1st July 21:17

[Dave2t]

Good work

[anonymous-user]

Well done.

[mike80]

Nice one, I did my first earlier this year and it was good fun. Actually a lot easier that expected, did 50 miles having only done 25 max previously.

Hope to do another before the end of the year, working most weekends makes that difficult though!

[millen]

Great start
i hang my head in shame when I say I've never done a sportive, though some friends in the club do several each year - it just sounds an unnecessary expense for rides in the local area.

That said. today I rode my 2nd Audax - 200km being my longest ride ever. Brilliant organisation and value for money (being run by volunteers, not for profit), with unlimited drinks and home made cakes and breakfast and soup at the start/ finish and at one control point. Indeed the start/ finish hall opened at 2.00 am (gulp!) for the 300km riders and closed at 10.00pm. There were also 150km and 100km routes. Only downside for me was severe cramp starting 30km from the finish, necessitating a few stops to stretch then more on the drive back. It was extremely hot in the afternoon sun though.

[Harleyboy]

thanks for the replies - I've been searhcing for other events and have organsed a weekend on the Isle of Wight in September. Meant to be good for cycling

[ALawson]

I tend to only do Sportives where all the proceeds go to charity. There is a good one on in Farnham this weekend, but I am busy.

Maybe you talk up cross country sking and combine your other sport.

Or there could be a new sport, shooting and cycling.......

[splodge s4]

Good stuff & well done! I did my first this year at the Tour De Bristol back in April for St Peters Hospice, 65k route & i was pleasantly surprised to get the 4th quickest time out of 276, its not a race but as i was riding on my own it was good to get it on a bit, poured down all day!

I can recommend it for next year if your local

[Harleyboy]

ALawson said:

I tend to only do Sportives where all the proceeds go to charity. There is a good one on in Farnham this weekend, but I am busy.

Maybe you talk up cross country sking and combine your other sport.

Or there could be a new sport, shooting and cycling.......

The Beretta might throw my balance off a little!

[Harleyboy]

splodge s4 said:

Good stuff & well done! I did my first this year at the Tour De Bristol back in April for St Peters Hospice, 65k route & i was pleasantly surprised to get the 4th quickest time out of 276, its not a race but as i was riding on my own it was good to get it on a bit, poured down all day!

I can recommend it for next year if your local

Cheers and well done on the 4th. Will look out for it next year

[nammynake]

Well done but beware it's addictive! Your fitness will build up quickly if you ride regularly and target longer/tougher rides. Make the most of the weather and maybe set some goals for next year to keep you motivated through Winter. How about one of tough sportive such as the Fred Whitton? Plenty of time to get fit enough and tough enough that it should hopefully motivate you (scare you!) to build up to longer and hillier rides.