Am I being a bit ambitious?
Discussion
About 2 months ago I completed a 68 mile road ride on my MTB with slicks. The frame geometry made my wrists and neck ache by the time I finished, so I vowed to try again on a road bike.
I have recently been given an 18 year old Dawes Super Galaxy and am planning to do the ride again this Saturday morning (Binfield, Berkshire to Ferring, West Sussex). I had planned on getting a few 20 milers in before Saturday but it looks unlikely that I am going to get the chance now. So far I have managed a total of about 5 miles on the Dawes, and aside from feeling a little under-geared it was quite a decent (if slightly heavy) ride.
My question is, am I being a little too ambitious by setting off on a 68 mile ride without getting much saddle time in?
I have recently been given an 18 year old Dawes Super Galaxy and am planning to do the ride again this Saturday morning (Binfield, Berkshire to Ferring, West Sussex). I had planned on getting a few 20 milers in before Saturday but it looks unlikely that I am going to get the chance now. So far I have managed a total of about 5 miles on the Dawes, and aside from feeling a little under-geared it was quite a decent (if slightly heavy) ride.
My question is, am I being a little too ambitious by setting off on a 68 mile ride without getting much saddle time in?
No, just go for it. Whilst the Dawes may feel a bit heavy the frame geometry should mean you are more relaxed than on the MTB for a long ride.
As has been said before, plenty of fluids, some snacks, phone and money and just go for it. Life would be very boring if we didn't occasionally challenge ourselves
As has been said before, plenty of fluids, some snacks, phone and money and just go for it. Life would be very boring if we didn't occasionally challenge ourselves
OK, I have decided that as long as the weather is not too bad I will be going for it. I am going to set off at about 6am Saturday from Binfield with the aim of getting to Ferring for 11-ish.
I have popped out today and purchased a couple of additional water bottles, so will have a 1.5l hydration pack plus 2 x 800ml bottles - a couple of bananas and a couple of mars bars - any other food suggestions?
I have popped out today and purchased a couple of additional water bottles, so will have a 1.5l hydration pack plus 2 x 800ml bottles - a couple of bananas and a couple of mars bars - any other food suggestions?
MadDad said:
OK, I have decided that as long as the weather is not too bad I will be going for it. I am going to set off at about 6am Saturday from Binfield with the aim of getting to Ferring for 11-ish.
I have popped out today and purchased a couple of additional water bottles, so will have a 1.5l hydration pack plus 2 x 800ml bottles - a couple of bananas and a couple of mars bars - any other food suggestions?
Good traditional energy sources (in addition to your list):I have popped out today and purchased a couple of additional water bottles, so will have a 1.5l hydration pack plus 2 x 800ml bottles - a couple of bananas and a couple of mars bars - any other food suggestions?
- Malt Loaf
- Kendal Mint Cake
- SIS Gels and drinks
MadDad said:
About 2 months ago I completed a 68 mile road ride on my MTB with slicks.
I am doing exactly this on Saturday, only round the Isle of Wight. Like you say, it can be painful, but definitely possible - I did it last year as part of the round the island sailing event - last year, the lockout on my rear shock (yes, it's a full-sus MTB too..!) decided to pack up at the start line and so I proceeded to bounce round the 70-odd mile course - not so much fun - and that was before the swingarm decided to detatch itself too resulting in some roadside bodging! Managed to complete it in about 5 hours which IMO wasn't bad going considering.
As has been said, stock up on energy drinks and snacks and you'll be fine. Most importantly though, make sure there is a pub near the finish line for a well-deserved pint..!
Thanks all of the suggestions and words of advice.
I decided to go ahead with the ride despite not having more than 15 mins in the saddle before setting off.
I was up at 6 on Saturday and had a breakfast of Weetabix with a sliced banana on top and a small sprinkle of sugar, then set off at 06.30. Thankfully the weather was perfect, dry, no breeze and not too warm - also I was able to get most of the A roads out of the way before 07.30 - which was a big of a blessing!
I made Bracknell to Guildford in about 50 mins, and stopped in Guildford for 5 mins and downed a Mars bar. I then stayed in the saddle for another hour and a half but gobbled down a banana on route. I made a final stop Ashington and polished off another Mars bar. As well the sugary food I also drank 1.5l of water, 800 ml of SIS energy PSP22, and 800 ml of SIS Rego recovery in the last couple of miles of the ride.
The all important stats! I borrowed a Garmin forerunner which recorded the route as 58.5 miles, a total travel time of 3 hours and 40 mins and a top speed of 35.8 mph going down the South Downs towards the coast.
I was surprised (although I don't know why), at what a significant difference riding a road bike made. As I said earlier in the thread I rode this route about 2 months ago in nearly 5 1/2 hours, to shave over an hour off the time was quite a shock. Also, due to the frame geometry (and being slightly better prepared) I did not suffer from any muscle burn, in fact the only thing that hurt was my backside - new saddle will be on order tomorrow!
Overall, I am quite pleased with myself - I think it was a reasonably good time, especially when you consider I was riding an almost 20 year old bike!
If you are contemplating a 'big' ride but are a bit aprehansive about getting in the saddle I would say go for it! I know a lot of hardcore road bikers would use a route like this to warm up but for me I had a great sense of achievement at the end of it!
If you are even slightly interested in the route it is here; http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-kingdom/-binf...
I decided to go ahead with the ride despite not having more than 15 mins in the saddle before setting off.
I was up at 6 on Saturday and had a breakfast of Weetabix with a sliced banana on top and a small sprinkle of sugar, then set off at 06.30. Thankfully the weather was perfect, dry, no breeze and not too warm - also I was able to get most of the A roads out of the way before 07.30 - which was a big of a blessing!
I made Bracknell to Guildford in about 50 mins, and stopped in Guildford for 5 mins and downed a Mars bar. I then stayed in the saddle for another hour and a half but gobbled down a banana on route. I made a final stop Ashington and polished off another Mars bar. As well the sugary food I also drank 1.5l of water, 800 ml of SIS energy PSP22, and 800 ml of SIS Rego recovery in the last couple of miles of the ride.
The all important stats! I borrowed a Garmin forerunner which recorded the route as 58.5 miles, a total travel time of 3 hours and 40 mins and a top speed of 35.8 mph going down the South Downs towards the coast.
I was surprised (although I don't know why), at what a significant difference riding a road bike made. As I said earlier in the thread I rode this route about 2 months ago in nearly 5 1/2 hours, to shave over an hour off the time was quite a shock. Also, due to the frame geometry (and being slightly better prepared) I did not suffer from any muscle burn, in fact the only thing that hurt was my backside - new saddle will be on order tomorrow!
Overall, I am quite pleased with myself - I think it was a reasonably good time, especially when you consider I was riding an almost 20 year old bike!
If you are contemplating a 'big' ride but are a bit aprehansive about getting in the saddle I would say go for it! I know a lot of hardcore road bikers would use a route like this to warm up but for me I had a great sense of achievement at the end of it!
If you are even slightly interested in the route it is here; http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-kingdom/-binf...
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