Dartmoor Classic Training

DartmoorChamp32

Is there anyone out there training on Dartmoor for the classic in June?

Keen friends and I have put our names down for the 100miler and I wondered if there are any old hands out there with any advice. I'm building up slowly - pretty much riding the route which seems to make sense. Went out for a 45 miler to two bridges and feel absolutely knackered!

I'll get the miles up gradually, but I'd suggest if there are any fellow first timers out there who have signed up; to get there backsides out there on those Dartmoor hills as soon as possible as it was a bit of a shock today.

Any tips or ideas gratefully received.

Paul C, Devon

I have also entered for this event - did 45 miles today around east devon.

Any training tips gratefully received

softlad

there really is no secret - just ride 3-5 hours, as often as you can. Time on the bike is priceless..

Flambes

Off to do a bit of the course tomorrow, going to try the first bit to Princetown then towards Moretonhampstead.
Should be a cracking day for it, but under no illusions that it'll be tough. Using it as a benchmark for how much more training to do before June.
Hopefully my 39x27 will be low enough.

DartmoorChamp32

Thanks fellas, I've thought about getting a trainer and all that nonsense but the best logic seems to be getting out there on the moor. I've always ridden Dartmoor on 39/53 but am re-thinking that approach after yesterday. Have a good ride – amazing conditions out there today.

pbracing

I'm going to start riding the route after Easter. I figured best testing, best training and on the day I'll know which way to go. The bonus is that there couldn't be a better place to train, beautiful.
btw +1 for what a cracking day it is today

Maybe put a post when going out there so can get a group together?

Flambes

Just got back. Absolutely cracking ride! Pretty much did the "short" 60 mile route.
A couple of sharp hills, but got up them OK on a 39x25 (I did have a 27, but couldn't get in it!).
The bit after Postbridge is surprisingly bumpy, woe betide us if there's rain and cross/headwinds on the day.
After Moretonhampstead, a significant hill again, just to REALLY break you, then pretty much fantastic descending to the finish.
Happy with how I was going, but add another 40 miles and I would have been in a bit of a state.

Maybe this thread should be moved to the "Sportive" section if we're going to natter about it.

And will do the course again, good to have some more people out!

Paul C, Devon

Would like to ride some of the route - and if there is a group going that would be good

However its my first sportive and I would not want to slow down the racers amongst you, I'm aiming at the bronze level time for the event itself.

Flambes

I'm also doing a "warm up" event in early June, the Devon Coast-Coast, still about 100 miles, but less hilly than the Dartmoor Classic:

http://www.coast-coast.co.uk/

DartmoorChamp32

Great to hear that there are a good few of us out there training on the route - perfect conditions out there today. I ride out of Newton Abbot and would be happy to join up at the start in Kingsteignton? If the weaher is good then next sat 21st is on.

ThreeLionsBrian

Depends if you are riding for time or the enjoyment. The hiils are perfectly rideable with the right gears although not many "newbies" will be sprinting up them. Practice a few long drags and there can be some nasty short steep bits.
I did it last year, i'm obese and i went round on a 30/32 i managed to ride every bit of it apart from stopping a few times for air!! Practice and fitness and a bloodyminded attitude no problems ENJOY!!! a great ride.

symo

DartmoorChamp32 wrote:

Great to hear that there are a good few of us out there training on the route - perfect conditions out there today. I ride out of Newton Abbot and would be happy to join up at the start in Kingsteignton? If the weaher is good then next sat 21st is on.

Sorry to jin this too late, I live near the fire station in Newton, more than happy to tag along one Sunday.