Velothon Wales 2018
Discussion
It can be done. I managed to sneak in sub-4 the first year https://www.strava.com/activities/325102194
That was tough! I couldn't get up tumble or caerphilly mountain due to the heat. So oppressive and i was sweating so much I couldn't see, eyes stinging, hand slipping.
I actually set a faster time than last year up to the cattle grid on the tumble, but I was in all sorts of trouble when I got into the direct sun.
Still, did it in 5:52, a little quicker than last year when my chain snapped 5k from the finish. Quite pleased with that given conditions.
I actually set a faster time than last year up to the cattle grid on the tumble, but I was in all sorts of trouble when I got into the direct sun.
Still, did it in 5:52, a little quicker than last year when my chain snapped 5k from the finish. Quite pleased with that given conditions.
That was certainly an interesting day. After a slightly awkward start I had to work hard to get back onto the front group. Struggled to stay in by seemingly getting stuck behind people intent at moving backward through the group. One minute I was half way up, then I was at the back again. That figured in my decision to leg the group go when we hit the first climb at Langstone. To that point I'd averaged 40kph.
Once I let things go, with the intention to enjoy it and try to stay as close to 4hour mark as possible I joined a group or two through to the Tumble where it all split up. I'm seemingly not a bad climber as I passed tons of people up there while holding my planned level of effort. Entirely within expectation was being passed by most of them on the way back down. I'm a terrible at descending.
After the Tumble the heat was really up and I think I started to suffer badly. Perception of effort vs power output were way out of shape by that climb along the dual carriageway.
Caerphilly mountain was far worse than I'd expected. Heat and general fatigue at that point obviously taking their toll too. Some kind spectators informed me the top was just round the corner. Clearly the corner in front of me wasn't 'the' corner as it turned out I was only 1/3rd the way up! Never been to happy to get to the top of a climb but glad not to have stopped on any of them.
For the last 90mins ish (I think pretty much after Caerphilly) I could feel various leg muscles on the edge of cramp. I thought I'd managed to keep it at bay until c.2km to go when my right hamstring cramped hard. Managed to keep going in the easiest gear and grovelled home for 4hr 19min 31sec finish. 20mins slower than I'd aimed for (and my mate achieved) but happy just to get to the end without total disaster. I went through 2L of High5 zero and about another 1L of plain water plus 7 SIS gels in total. My shorts were really salt stained too. I knew I was a heavy sweater but not sure if it's also highly salty and that's the cause of cramp for me. I certainly didn't like the taste of salt by the end and that's usually a good sign of needing it.
Once I let things go, with the intention to enjoy it and try to stay as close to 4hour mark as possible I joined a group or two through to the Tumble where it all split up. I'm seemingly not a bad climber as I passed tons of people up there while holding my planned level of effort. Entirely within expectation was being passed by most of them on the way back down. I'm a terrible at descending.
After the Tumble the heat was really up and I think I started to suffer badly. Perception of effort vs power output were way out of shape by that climb along the dual carriageway.
Caerphilly mountain was far worse than I'd expected. Heat and general fatigue at that point obviously taking their toll too. Some kind spectators informed me the top was just round the corner. Clearly the corner in front of me wasn't 'the' corner as it turned out I was only 1/3rd the way up! Never been to happy to get to the top of a climb but glad not to have stopped on any of them.
For the last 90mins ish (I think pretty much after Caerphilly) I could feel various leg muscles on the edge of cramp. I thought I'd managed to keep it at bay until c.2km to go when my right hamstring cramped hard. Managed to keep going in the easiest gear and grovelled home for 4hr 19min 31sec finish. 20mins slower than I'd aimed for (and my mate achieved) but happy just to get to the end without total disaster. I went through 2L of High5 zero and about another 1L of plain water plus 7 SIS gels in total. My shorts were really salt stained too. I knew I was a heavy sweater but not sure if it's also highly salty and that's the cause of cramp for me. I certainly didn't like the taste of salt by the end and that's usually a good sign of needing it.
Was my first Velothon yesterday and the furthest (by 40km) that I had ever cycled in one go before. I cramped really badly in both hamstrings after about 50miles (literally just before the tumble) and had to wait 15 mins for a salt and caffeine tablet to take effect before I could even consider getting back on the bike. The cramping was then intermittent every 90 mins or so thereafeter - was a struggle, and there were a couple of times when I doubted if I was going to be able to finish due to the cramp. Although I had ridden Caerphilly mtn a few times before, after 120km it felt a LOT steeper than I had remembered!! haha! Still, was hoping for 6hrs and did it in 6hrs 2 mins so was pretty pleased in the end! 
Need to review the sodium content in my energy gels and electrolyte drinks I think going forward.....still the conditions yesterday were fairly extreme (for this country!)
Need to review the sodium content in my energy gels and electrolyte drinks I think going forward.....still the conditions yesterday were fairly extreme (for this country!)Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff