daveno7
Reged: 04/03/2007
Posts: 651
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the lure of a challange on my bike has got too much - mrs daveno7 is not a lover of 2 wheels yet but i somehow twisted her index finger to allow me to do a sportive next season ( plan - hell of the ashdown 2009- will hopefully get an entry1)
this will hoperully be my first of many -my riding has improved as has my confidence and in the coming months my bike upgrades will hopefully happen..clipless etc(have to save up!)
on a personal and fitness level- what are really the best things to start doing now ? as the days are getting shorter (no room for a turbo!)- i will try and follow a training plan but time might go against me.
..and how much do i need to be able to ride to maintain a good time for a first sportive?
help will be listened too and appriciated
thanking all
daveno7
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Sly
Reged: 07/02/2008
Posts: 732
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Good news, Daveno7! I really didnt follow much of a training plan for my first. I just tried to ride slightly increased distances at the weekends, practice plenty of hills and do as many commutes as possible by bike. I was just aiming to complete though, if you're after a good time then maybe more structure is necessary.
Of course, you could chance your arm and try for permission to attend a winter training camp in the sun!
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daveno7
Reged: 04/03/2007
Posts: 651
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cheers sly - hope to get out on next mon am due to work commitments - but commuting might be the way to go at the moment - need to get the hybred ready!
thanks for the advice - getting around the course will my first aim! - i have this idea that i dont want to finish last on the course with the broomwagon close behind !
daveno7
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Sly
Reged: 07/02/2008
Posts: 732
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I fully expected to be swept up on my first event, but you'll be surprised at how many people will be behind you.
C+ published some sportive training guides over the past few months, but they are really detailed and involve riding pretty much every day for weeks on end and following a strictish plan. I didnt bother with these: a) this did not sound like much fun (too rigid for my liking), and b) who gets the chance to ride that often? You have ages to go, so plenty of time to build up to it without a panic.
General advice on here was to try for 70 / 80 percent distance in training at least once, and ensure you can cope with the terrain. Also, make sure you take lots of liquids, gels, flapjacks, etc... and load up at the feed stations even if you don't think yoo need to. Then force yourself to eat and drink little and often.
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plymchick
Reged: 17/09/2007
Posts: 251
Loc: World Of My Own
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If you can find the time, try to cycle the distance you need to cover (or further). I did this and it gave me the mental confidence to know that I was able to ride the miles - even though the route I'd previously ridden was on far easier terrain.
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newhero
Reged: 23/09/2008
Posts: 253
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Daveno7. Go for it and good luck, but get the training in and do those hills. I did the Cumberland Challenge last month and through circumstances beyond my control had not done enough training. Admitedly the Cumberland is a beast of a course but I realy suffered during the second half and it was my own fault. You need miles and hills.
Go for it boy, show Mrs Daveno7 these posts and you will have the perfect excuse to get more time on the bike.
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daveno7
Reged: 04/03/2007
Posts: 651
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mrs daveno7 is starting to get into the swing of things i feel - she finishes nights in the morning but i will get a ride in the afternoon i hope and again on saturady morning before i have to work at night - in my case time =distance and lack of time = hills or gym...
my little daughter is sick of been shown her dads bikes ( aged 1 - she decided to wash someone else bike !) so i need to hit the road for a while ...
my partner is being supportive and she knows i enjoy the bike - so hears hoping the support continues -
daveno7
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