120 miles, cycling noob, imminent death??
Discussion
Hi All!
Ok I spend all my time walking or driving.
Haven't ridden a bicycle in years.
But now considering doing this with a group of friends:
http://www.southwarkcyclists.org.uk/social/dunwich...
120 miles in total, overnight.
Generally im fairly fit, 13% body fat, fair amount of muscle.
The issue being i got to this kind of build by pretty much just doing weights etc at the gym, hardly any cardio.
The event is end of july, giving me approx 6 weeks to train up for it.
Can it be done?
Or am i kidding myself completely??
Ok I spend all my time walking or driving.
Haven't ridden a bicycle in years.
But now considering doing this with a group of friends:
http://www.southwarkcyclists.org.uk/social/dunwich...
120 miles in total, overnight.
Generally im fairly fit, 13% body fat, fair amount of muscle.
The issue being i got to this kind of build by pretty much just doing weights etc at the gym, hardly any cardio.
The event is end of july, giving me approx 6 weeks to train up for it.
Can it be done?
Or am i kidding myself completely??
Yep def seeing the seat as being a major issue.
I'm assuming gel sets aren't a wonder cure either?
Going to try and pick up a cheap racer this weekend to start hooning around on.
In terms of training, is it just cycle cycle then cycle some more?
Is it worth me concentrating more on my leg muscles when at the gym in terms of weight training?
I'm assuming gel sets aren't a wonder cure either?
Going to try and pick up a cheap racer this weekend to start hooning around on.
In terms of training, is it just cycle cycle then cycle some more?
Is it worth me concentrating more on my leg muscles when at the gym in terms of weight training?
ewenm said:
Nick_F said:
Nope. Just get out on the bike. A lot. And have a look at decent quality bike shorts etc.
100 miles is the cycling equivalent of a marathon, except it takes longer...
Definitely get some padded shorts. They don't have to be lycra but the padding is very helpful 100 miles is the cycling equivalent of a marathon, except it takes longer...
OK, for comfort, as well as the cycling shorts make sure the bike is set up properly for you. Saddle height is usually the one newbies get wrong. Your leg should be almost straight when you're sat on the saddle and the pedal is at the bottom of the stroke. Too high and you'll be rocking your hips from side to side as you pedal; too low and you'll not be efficient and I find I get sore knees.
Also make sure the handlebars are at a comfortable height and distance away from you (stem height and length adjustments)
Also make sure the handlebars are at a comfortable height and distance away from you (stem height and length adjustments)
If the seat is too soft, you will get pressure points in your soft tissue from not moving around and it will hurt a LOT more. A firm seat, plenty of acclimation, that's what you need.
Here's a potential training schedule. 10 weeks.
www.bicycling.com/fastcentury
Let me know how it goes. I am interested in doing some century rides too.
Here's a potential training schedule. 10 weeks.
www.bicycling.com/fastcentury
Let me know how it goes. I am interested in doing some century rides too.
10-14mph is pretty slow. I mean as in the only time I'll ever see that kind of speed on my odometer is when I'm stopping at light or a junction.
I'd look to be doing at least 28kph/17.5mph. If your riding a racer you'll find that they get a lot less stable down on the lower speeds. The thing to remember is that once you have a fluent speed its easier to keep that then constantly push the legs out when at a lower/less fluent speed. Keep the cadence (pedal rotations) high and you'll be fine.
To save your arse there are mens saddles with holes in the middle. I ride this on my training racer (http://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=s1098), but don't get that as it's too thin for longer distances (trust me - London to Paris on that brand new over three days and I was sure my chances of having kids were gone!).
Anyway, I've never heard of this race (I mean ride
) before. Think I might just see you there! Haha
I'd look to be doing at least 28kph/17.5mph. If your riding a racer you'll find that they get a lot less stable down on the lower speeds. The thing to remember is that once you have a fluent speed its easier to keep that then constantly push the legs out when at a lower/less fluent speed. Keep the cadence (pedal rotations) high and you'll be fine.
To save your arse there are mens saddles with holes in the middle. I ride this on my training racer (http://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=s1098), but don't get that as it's too thin for longer distances (trust me - London to Paris on that brand new over three days and I was sure my chances of having kids were gone!).
Anyway, I've never heard of this race (I mean ride
) before. Think I might just see you there! HahaSound advice there.
The average speed is guestimate by us, I've yet to sit on a racer and give it a go to see whats what in terms of speeds etc.
Might well have the SL in tow as a support car lol in case things get really bad, if you come along look out for the stragglers at the back holding on to the doors of a merc for a free ride!
The average speed is guestimate by us, I've yet to sit on a racer and give it a go to see whats what in terms of speeds etc.
Might well have the SL in tow as a support car lol in case things get really bad, if you come along look out for the stragglers at the back holding on to the doors of a merc for a free ride!
Those saddles are good. Make sure that any any new saddle, shorts, shoes etc are well worn in for several weeks before the ride. 12-15mph average inc. stops should be ok.
Get a few 70+ mile rides in before the event. It looks like fun.
Something like a Giant SCR2 or 3 would be a good choice for a cheap comfortable roadbike.
Get a few 70+ mile rides in before the event. It looks like fun.
Something like a Giant SCR2 or 3 would be a good choice for a cheap comfortable roadbike.
Nish ... you mentaller. If you put your mind to it, you can do a huge amount in 6 weeks, so I can't see any reason why you won't manage it, but there will be some pain involved.
Get someone who knows road bikes to help you pick a bike and then set it up for you. You've clearly got f/all time to waste, but there's no point rushing it and getting the wrong bike. If I were you I'd be looking for something clsoer to a fast tourer than an out and out racer. If you don't have a mate who you trust to get this right first time, go along to a proper old school bike shop run by enthusiastic mentallers, tell them what you're doing and let them help you.
If you haven't riddden a bike like this before, there will be quite a few things to get used to (toe clips or cleats, differnt ways to hold drop handle bars, changing gears to keep your foot speed efficient, and how to pace yourself). And it will probably feel bloody awful, wobbly and dangerous the first time you get on it, even if it is set up perfectly for you. Best to ride with someone with experience so they can advise you and you can watch what they do. After you've had some hours in the saddle, it'll all click and the bike will feel like an extension of your body.
Riding a long distance like that in a group, I'd get used to slip streaming too. Makes a big difference.
Get someone who knows road bikes to help you pick a bike and then set it up for you. You've clearly got f/all time to waste, but there's no point rushing it and getting the wrong bike. If I were you I'd be looking for something clsoer to a fast tourer than an out and out racer. If you don't have a mate who you trust to get this right first time, go along to a proper old school bike shop run by enthusiastic mentallers, tell them what you're doing and let them help you.
If you haven't riddden a bike like this before, there will be quite a few things to get used to (toe clips or cleats, differnt ways to hold drop handle bars, changing gears to keep your foot speed efficient, and how to pace yourself). And it will probably feel bloody awful, wobbly and dangerous the first time you get on it, even if it is set up perfectly for you. Best to ride with someone with experience so they can advise you and you can watch what they do. After you've had some hours in the saddle, it'll all click and the bike will feel like an extension of your body.
Riding a long distance like that in a group, I'd get used to slip streaming too. Makes a big difference.
ATG said:
Nish ... you mentaller.
Cheers for the advice- plus loads of useful stuff**
Will def pick up a bike this weekend and get going.
I'm sure I can complete the event its just a matter of the amount of pain/damage inflicted!
Is it wirth considering cheap second hand bikes? Or should I be going for something new and more suitable?
By cheap, I mean REALLY cheap.
To add to the challenge we're giving ourselves a 80 quid budget! But if this could cause serious issues we can avoid that part of the "fun".
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