Charity Bike Ride can i do it?

996JAT

I brought a trek 1.7 in march.

So far i have done 300 miles on the bike.

My route is normaly coventry to leicster through the villages.The issue i have after 50 miles is my legs go weak.

Thing is after this 50 mile run i'm done and legs cant take anymore. I have the below event

http://www.charitybikeride.com/

I have to go from Birmingham to luton in 1 day. I'm dreading it already as i have less than 2 weeks to train.

I know about carying food such as special k bars, energy drinks which i dont use on the 50 mile runs exept from water.

I have specialized shoes but no spd pedals, am toying to get them fitted if they can make much of a difference. I know the shoes alone really helped even though they are heavy.

I was thinking my best method in the bad weather is to go to a bike shop and go on a turbo trainer to improve my position and cycling technique, maybe that might be at fault.

Would a better model such as a trek 6.9 madone make such a difference or is it all me.

Also am hitting the gym this week to do squats and pump up the leg muscles as much as possible but anyone got any better ways to sovle the leg issue.

Thanks
Jat

P.S The event is open to all and there is a 1 day longer ride for pros.

http://www.charitybikeride.com/

Doobz

nah the bike is fine mate - I would try and do some training without over doing it

Jez mon

To be brutally honest, the training you do in the last week won't make any difference and will probably tire you out. Having said that, don't take a week off the bike, just do easy rides.

DO take in energy drink during the ride, however, make sure you try it out in training as certain brands give certain people dicky tummys.

You don't need a better bike.

Once it gets to the big day, remember to take in plenty of food and drink, but take it easy.

Rich Hcp

Take your time, as said above, over training now won't help at all.

After 50 miles I think you're hitting 'The Bonk'

This is when you suddenly run out of energy.

You need a good brekfast and pasta the night before.

Then some food, mars bars etc. with you. And take advantage of the food stops,.

I always carry a large packet of Skittles, sugery sweets that give a sugar rush when you need it

In my opinion (I'm not trained or anything) you need to have taken on some food before 40 miles before your reserves run out

The other thing is to not go mad at the start.

Keep topped up, bannanas are great for that too

IF you can do 50 miles, you should be able to do this one, just make sure there is enough energy food to keep you going.

You don't need a new bike

fluff.

Reading the webby, it looks like it's done at touring type pace (they estimate 10-12 hours for the 100m on day 1) and you have regular stops every 10-15m for snacks, and a lunch break for proper food. I wouldn't worry too much really, it's suprising how far you can go in a day when you approach it like this. Not sure about stuffing your pockets with mars bars though, they are OK to you going again near the end of a ride but you'll end up with a bigger sugar crash not too long after.

julietp

I would definitely invest in the pedals - you can get a pair for £30 and for the difference they make they will be worth it. What shoes do you have?

I think you will be fine. If you do 50miles without much of a decent break, 100miles with several breaks and a long lunch break is a totally different kettle of fish. After lunch, you'll feel like it is a new ride for the first 25miles or so.

CrookedCucumber

Birmingham to Luton is about 80 miles, depending on route. That's about seven hours in the saddle at, say, 11mph.

Or

2.5 hours
30 minute rest (snack?)
2.5 hours
1 hour rest (lunch?)
2 hours

Or something like that.

Total journey time, about 8.5 hours.

Every year thousands of people who never sit on a bike from one year to the next cycle from London to Brighton, which is about 70 miles. So long as you eat sensibly, go at a planned pace, and take proper breaks, you should be fine.

My main problem with long rides is a sore a*se. It's advisable to take something to help with that if you don't often cycle long distances.

robmanic1

Definitely invest in some padded shorts, get some easy miles in during the next few days, don't take sugery foods - try cereal bars etc. If there are food stops more likely they'll be handing out banana's so make full use of these. Drink plenty and take some bottles with you, and as mentioned above, make sure you eat well the day before. Have a good breakfast (not a fry-up by the way) a good couple of hours before the start.

Little too close to the event to be trying out spd's for the first time, although they will make a massive deifference once you get the bug.

Enjoy the ride, it's not a race and I doubt you'll be last.

996JAT

Thanks Guys,

I guess your right about the pace i do the 50 miles without more than a 5 min stop.

I might try the SPD, i have some specialized shoes cant remember the version but shop did say i can cut the sole to fit the pedals they were about 50 quid. They do make an amazing difference as it is compared to 200 miles riding on addidas samba's

I will def take some lucozade and banana's with me.