50 mile charity ride, bad back, no training, help!

sem69
sem69 Posts: 106
edited July 2008 in Road beginners
I commute by bike 9 miles each way, but the longest I've riden in one trip is only about 18 miles.
I have a 50 mile charity ride this sunday, but I haven't been able to get in any longer training rides as I've got a problem with my shoulder/neck. Been treated by chiropractor and osteopath so I'm hoping it will be a bit less sore by sunday.

My question is... shall I try and fit in a longer ride of say 30 miles before the charity ride? In order to get some training? Or would I be better off giving my shoulder a rest?

I did a fairly hilly 18 miles at about 16mph average speed, and could have gone on to do more if I'd had more time. The 50 mile ride will be mostly flat, so do you think it won't be too much of a problem?

Cheers for any advice!

Comments

  • Bronzie
    Bronzie Posts: 4,927
    sem69 wrote:
    My question is... shall I try and fit in a longer ride of say 30 miles before the charity ride? In order to get some training? Or would I be better off giving my shoulder a rest?
    No - leave your legs fresh for Sunday - eat and drink little and often during the ride and you'll be surprised how far you can go. Mind, you'll probably have a sore backside on Monday :oops:
    It's a Lifestyle! -+-+- Coggan Training Levels
  • idaviesmoore
    idaviesmoore Posts: 557
    :D Do what we all do before a race and take some drugs......what do you mean you don't!....is is just me then?!.....oh bugger... :wink:
    Seriously, you'll be fine. A lot will depend on the weather. Take it easy and don't get pulled along with any mad breaks.
    Good luck
    'How can an opinion be bullsh1t?' High Fidelity
  • ride_whenever
    ride_whenever Posts: 13,279
    You'll be fine as above, I did 65miles on monday, id probably only done 10miles offroad on my mtb as the longest ride for 4 months, I was knackered, but alive...
    Neeermad
    Carbon 456
    456 lefty
    Pompino
    White Inbred
  • on the road
    on the road Posts: 5,631
    I agree with what's been said.

    If your back starts playing up, then maybe keep stopping for rests every so often, afterall it's not a race and it doesn't matter if you take ages to finish the ride.
  • madturkey
    madturkey Posts: 58
    Echo what everyone else says. It's not the distance, it's the speed. Slow and steady and you'll be fine.
  • sem69
    sem69 Posts: 106
    Cheers for the advice everyone!
  • biondino
    biondino Posts: 5,990
    You'll be absolutely fine. A charity ride isn't going to be quick, and there'll be plenty of stops, so your only concern should be whether your back can handle several hours in the saddle. So focus on that, if possible, and enjoy the ride!
    My Focus / My Bob Jackson
    Blog (incl. bikes)
  • patchy
    patchy Posts: 779
    which ride? Capital 2 Coast, the London one or another one?
    point your handlebars towards the heavens and sweat like you're in hell
  • sem69
    sem69 Posts: 106
    patchy wrote:
    which ride? Capital 2 Coast, the London one or another one?

    The London Bikeathon

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