Bank holiday rides - my first 50

MrKawamura

This is what I'm planning to do on Sunday while partner is at work. It's not my route, but thought I'd give it a whirl:

http://www.bikeradar.com/routes/?bpath= ... -the-beach

A good way to get the beach without getting stuck in the car in a traffic jam. This will be my first attempt at a 50 miler and I'll be getting the train back from Chichester.

Anyone else planning a horizon expanding ride at the weekend?

John C.

I don't know the area but as it's a hot forcast don't forget to drink plenty, starting with the first turn of the crank. Enjoy

pompey-dude

MrKawamura,
can I suggest a detour via Liphook to Petersfield, then a great climb up through South Harting and Harting hill. this then leads onto the back road from South Harting to Chichester.
it's a great ride and a really good climb up from South Harting to the top of the southdowns and all the way down to Chichester.

MrKawamura

Thanks for these replies - I left work early so didn't see them in time.

I took lots of water, a sports drink and an energy bar and made it to Chichester. I didn't realise what some of the hills would be like! it was a BIG step up from my usual local 20-30 mile loops. The constant ups and downs left me with nothing in my legs after about 35 miles and I had to walk the two biggest hills. I was laughing at myself and cursing in equal measure. A bit of a reality check that gave me a real sense of taking a step into a wider world. An enjoyable if overambitious day.

heavymental

Always good to push your limits. Well done Mr K.

MrKawamura

Thanks. I've learnt a lot from the ride. My usual 20 milers have been about how fast I can go, not whether I'll complete the route - very different limits to test. I could hack round flat 20 mile routes forever without feeling the need to seriously address my excess body fat and smoking habit.



Not so when attempting a series of hills over a longer distance...

heavymental

Ah well....good motivation to address those issues then!