Doing Pedal for Scotland 94 mile, anyone else?

fuzzynavel

Hi,

I am doing the Pedal For Scotland 94 mile course next weekend (11th). Anybody else on here taking part?
I've only ever done 60 miles in one go last year....more recently it has been 20 mile hill intervals a couple of times a week......

I think I may struggle.....Never mind...what doesn't kill me will make me stronger

Nairnster

Not this year. If its what i think it is, i did the glasgow to edinburgh (50mile) a few years ago, in a time of 3 hours 7 seconds with hardly any training and hadnt ridden anywhere near that distance.

aiming to do it next year though and was thinking of the 'there and back' ride.

Just enjoy it and dont push too big a gear if you are not certain of your fitness for it.

if its still the same route, there is a nice steep climb after a church at about the 23 mile point.

fuzzynavel

Nairnster wrote:

Not this year. If its what i think it is, i did the glasgow to edinburgh (50mile) a few years ago, in a time of 3 hours 7 seconds with hardly any training and hadnt ridden anywhere near that distance.

aiming to do it next year though and was thinking of the 'there and back' ride.

Just enjoy it and dont push too big a gear if you are not certain of your fitness for it.

if its still the same route, there is a nice steep climb after a church at about the 23 mile point.

The 94 miler heads off south from Glasgow down to Loudon Academy....then to Douglas village, Carnwarth and up the A70 into edinburgh..
Maximum slope is supposed to be around 4% but it looks like it may go on for a few kilometers...that is around 20 miles so should be relatively fresh for that!

To make things better/worse....I went Paleo in dietary terms about 4 weeks ago now.....I'll have no fat left by the end of this!....

Nairnster

Ah ok. when.i did it, it was glasgow to edinburgh 50 (or so) or glasgow-edinburgh-glasgow (100 or so).

Either way, all the best for it and let us know how you do.

suzyb

Doing the 50 mile ride again this year. Haven't done as many long rides as last year though due to work so my aim of beating last years time is not looking good.

Nairnster

What did you do it in last year.

The year i did it, myself and 2 mates were an hour late for the start, and one of the organisers waiyed for us. He had us chainganging along for a bit wjich was fun and scary lol.

Turned out he had ridden on the same team as a certain Mr Armstrong back in his earlier pre-cancer days. Cant remember his name though.

suzyb

Only 4 hours. I'm a pretty slow cyclist although I was surprised not to be slower.

Nairnster

Its not all about speed though, should be about enjoyment too.

There is always a mix of all types of riders doing it, and its a good experience too.

I cant wait to do it next year.

the_spooks

Had planned on doing it this year but it lands on my first wedding anniversary, so not a chance of that happening. Good luck to ya, maybe next year for me.

Garryboy

I'm doing the 50 mile route, really wanted to do the 100 but it's come too early in my cycling 'career' and ive not done enough long rides.

Looking forward to it, hopefully weather holds up!

suzyb

Nairnster wrote:

Its not all about speed though, should be about enjoyment too.

There is always a mix of all types of riders doing it, and its a good experience too.

I cant wait to do it next year.

Yeah I did enjoy it. At least apart from the stretch between Linlithgow and the last feed stop. Didn't top at Linlithgow and ran out of steam a bit until I refuled at Kirkliston.

Why are you not doing it this year.

Nairnster

Well I get my bike tomorrow, and havent been properly cycling for a good 2-3 years at least.

I wont lie, my fitness is just too low to be able to do it, so fairplay to all those who will be doing it.

I will definitely be doing it next year though, possibly the hundred miler, and plan to raise money for Help For Heroes

fuzzynavel

I just saw the adverts popping up last week and thought I would go for it.....been planning doing a 100 miler for a year or so now but never got round to it....always some excuse that came up.....

Nairnster

Well all the best mate. Lok forward to hearing how it goes

Robert72

signed up for the 100 miles but injury and lack of training will mean it has to be the 50 miles, probably slower than last year. But still a good day out.

fuzzynavel

Robert72 wrote:

signed up for the 100 miles but injury and lack of training will mean it has to be the 50 miles, probably slower than last year. But still a good day out.

I have a complete lack of training too but I will push through it......not much to do when you are in the middle of nowhere but to keep going!

fuzzynavel

Someone has helpfully put up the GPS routes on ridewithgps.com

Challenge route (50 mile) http://ridewithgps.com/routes/664375

Sportive Route (94 mile) http://ridewithgps.com/routes/688994

Just in case they are helpful for anyone......I'll be sticking the route on my Garmin 705 just in case.

Garryboy

Daft question - I take it the route is ell signposted / marshalled? i have garmin edge 500 but dont want to faff about putting a course on it.

fuzzynavel

Garryboy wrote:

Daft question - I take it the route is ell signposted / marshalled? i have garmin edge 500 but dont want to faff about putting a course on it.

The official handout says the following:

"This ride is fully marshalled and signed and uses a mixture of closed roads, quiet back
roads and cycle paths. There are also some places where it uses busier roads. At all times
be aware of other road users so please take care and remember this is a fun ride and NOT
a race.
There will be first aiders and mechanics on route should you need them. Please ensure
your bike is serviced and don’t forget your helmet."

I have a Garmin 705 and putting a course on that isn't a faff....just a case of drag and drop.....will have it connected to my PC for charging so no real hassle.

here are the files to reduce the faff 8)

94 mile files:
CSV file http://ridewithgps.com/routes/688994.csv
GPX route file http://ridewithgps.com/routes/688994.gpx?sub_format=route
GPX track file http://ridewithgps.com/routes/688994.gpx?sub_format=track
TCX file http://ridewithgps.com/routes/688994.tcx

50 mile files:
CSV file http://ridewithgps.com/routes/664375.csv
GPX route file http://ridewithgps.com/routes/664375.gpx?sub_format=route
GPX track file http://ridewithgps.com/routes/664375.gpx?sub_format=track
TCX file http://ridewithgps.com/routes/664375.tcx

All links borrowed from RidewithGPS.com

Garryboy

Thanks Fuzzy much appreciated

Have a good ride

Long range forecast is showing strong gusty winds east to west for next Sunday, so that may provide some assistance!

nhoj

Aye, I'm doing the 94 miles, the full whack. Looking forward to it.

If you've done 60 miles before and weren't completely knackered, you'll manage this 94. The excitement of the day and the camaraderie spurs you on.

Parts of the route are more than 4 %, but they're short. The hills are all either short, sharp ones or long, gradual ones. That makes it a good route as a first sportive. The "big hills around Muirkirk" don't exist. There is a hill, but it's not bad.

If you're unsure of your stamina, go out easy, easier than you'd think. You can always pick up the pace half way round if your legs are still up to it. Eat and drink before you need to and it won't feel as much of a struggle.

The route is signposted and marshalled - don't worry about that - and there'll be plenty of other riders around too. There were some nutters last year coming out of Glasgow doing some dodgy manoeuvres - wrong side of road, RLJing, etc.

If you're after a quick time on this route, try to draft others as much as possible down to Galston. I'd keep to the road on the A77, though they'll put a sign up asking you to use the cycle path. At Galston you turn eastwards, and there's a good chance the prevailing westerly will give you a push. Aw the wey tae the Auld Reekie!

If you see me, gie us a shout. I'll have a thistle in my lapel. ...only kidding. White helmet and gold specs.

suzyb

Garryboy wrote:

Thanks Fuzzy much appreciated

Have a good ride

Long range forecast is showing strong gusty winds east to west for next Sunday, so that may provide some assistance!

Wont that mean a headwind if your cycling west to east.

In which case...I am in trouble

fuzzynavel

suzyb wrote:

Garryboy wrote:

Thanks Fuzzy much appreciated

Have a good ride

Long range forecast is showing strong gusty winds east to west for next Sunday, so that may provide some assistance!

Wont that mean a headwind if your cycling west to east.

In which case...I am in trouble

That's what I though initially but nhoj above seems to think it may be the other way.....I'm hoping for the shove in the back.

fuzzynavel

nhoj wrote:

Aye, I'm doing the 94 miles, the full whack. Looking forward to it.

If you've done 60 miles before and weren't completely knackered, you'll manage this 94. The excitement of the day and the camaraderie spurs you on.

Parts of the route are more than 4 %, but they're short. The hills are all either short, sharp ones or long, gradual ones. That makes it a good route as a first sportive. The "big hills around Muirkirk" don't exist. There is a hill, but it's not bad.

If you're unsure of your stamina, go out easy, easier than you'd think. You can always pick up the pace half way round if your legs are still up to it. Eat and drink before you need to and it won't feel as much of a struggle.

The route is signposted and marshalled - don't worry about that - and there'll be plenty of other riders around too. There were some nutters last year coming out of Glasgow doing some dodgy manoeuvres - wrong side of road, RLJing, etc.

If you're after a quick time on this route, try to draft others as much as possible down to Galston. I'd keep to the road on the A77, though they'll put a sign up asking you to use the cycle path. At Galston you turn eastwards, and there's a good chance the prevailing westerly will give you a push. Aw the wey tae the Auld Reekie!

If you see me, gie us a shout. I'll have a thistle in my lapel. ...only kidding. White helmet and gold specs.

Thanks for the info nhoj.....

Pretty much all of the 50 and 60 milers I have done have been solo so if I can get in a group and chaingang then that should make things a lot easier

I'll be on a giant SCR 1.5....white and grey...Black bib shorts...blue/grey helmet....Black Glasses and possible a black Altura Night Vision Jacket depending on the weather....just stripped it down and cleaned the bike today.....drip drying at the mo before I lube it up.. Gear tuning and brake tightening shall occur at some point this week..

Garryboy

fuzzynavel wrote:

suzyb wrote:

Garryboy wrote:

Thanks Fuzzy much appreciated

Have a good ride

Long range forecast is showing strong gusty winds east to west for next Sunday, so that may provide some assistance!

Wont that mean a headwind if your cycling west to east.

In which case...I am in trouble

That's what I though initially but nhoj above seems to think it may be the other way.....I'm hoping for the shove in the back.

Yep, sorry I got it wrong way round wind should be behind us going west to east. That said I dont put a huge amount of faith in long range forecasts, fingers crossed.

nhoj

fuzzynavel wrote:

Pretty much all of the 50 and 60 milers I have done have been solo so if I can get in a group and chaingang then that should make things a lot easier

Definitely. It's easy enough getting in a group, a bit more hit and miss getting in one that's going at your speed.

I've been wondering whether it's better to start early, go slowly and wait until a group passes you then tag along, or start later and hopefully catch up with a decent group. With the last way, there's the danger you don't catch up with a decent group. With the first way, you'll have a choice of groups but your time will be slower than theirs. Hmm.

fuzzynavel wrote:

I'll be on a giant SCR 1.5....white and grey...Black bib shorts...blue/grey helmet....Black Glasses and possible a black Altura Night Vision Jacket depending on the weather....just stripped it down and cleaned the bike today.....drip drying at the mo before I lube it up.. Gear tuning and brake tightening shall occur at some point this week..

Yes, it's a good feeling knowing your bike is running well - it's not slowing you down in any way.

It's shorts and short-sleeve jersey for me. My waterproof's too bulky to carry around, so I'll make a decision on the day whether to wear it or not.

fuzzynavel

nhoj wrote:

Definitely. It's easy enough getting in a group, a bit more hit and miss getting in one that's going at your speed.

I've been wondering whether it's better to start early, go slowly and wait until a group passes you then tag along, or start later and hopefully catch up with a decent group. With the last way, there's the danger you don't catch up with a decent group. With the first way, you'll have a choice of groups but your time will be slower than theirs. Hmm.

I'm getting the transport from Edinburgh at 6am so hopefully I will get away nice and early...I'm hopeful of getting around 6 hours for the ride but I think more likely to be 7 hours.

What I am thinking about your statement above is that you can't catch up with a decent group if you are solo......if you are going faster than them on your own then they will be slowing you down....they only thing that they will be good for is possibly stopping you going too hard too early.

nhoj wrote:

Yes, it's a good feeling knowing your bike is running well - it's not slowing you down in any way.

It's shorts and short-sleeve jersey for me. My waterproof's too bulky to carry around, so I'll make a decision on the day whether to wear it or not.

I'll make the decision on the morning too...there is a fair chance it will be Bib shorts and short sleeve jersey....may tie my jacket to my frame somewhere if it is changeable....don't want to be getting too cold 50 miles from home!

sumosprintstar

I will be on the start line on Sunday also. Really looking forward to it. See you all there.

nhoj

fuzzynavel wrote:

I'm getting the transport from Edinburgh at 6am so hopefully I will get away nice and early...I'm hopeful of getting around 6 hours for the ride but I think more likely to be 7 hours.

The only thing about getting away early, I think, is that the only other riders you'll see are ones who are faster than you. I'm in two minds. There's the time factor but the social factor too.

What I am thinking about your statement above is that you can't catch up with a decent group if you are solo......if you are going faster than them on your own then they will be slowing you down....they only thing that they will be good for is possibly stopping you going too hard too early.

Yeah, I'm not really sure. What I was thinking was that you could go faster than you otherwise would until you reach a fast-ish group, stay with them a while and see if you can go it alone again, using the group as a way to catch your breath. I suppose it depends how fast you are and how fast they are

The last sportive I did had about 100 riders, and I rode the first half well below steam. It wasn't until about 50 miles that another solo rider overtook me and I thought "what the hell", caught him up, and we rode together to the end. I'm sure both our times were better because of that, though he was half an hour faster than me. Grr!

The PfS sportive has more competitors than any other I've done but a smaller starting window (7:00 - 7:30 last year), so maybe it's not going to make as much difference.

nhoj

Yes, sumosprintstar, I hope you, fuzzynavel, and everyone else has a good day. Fingers crossed, as Garryboy says, about the weather.

There's a week to go. We can still discuss bikeradar tactics

afcbian

I am doing it this year albeit the 50 mile route.
Having had the best part of 4 months off the bike for injury, winter and moving from Bournemouth to Aberdeenshire I thought the 90 miler might be a tad ambitious. My fitness levels are getting better week by week but it has just come too early.
Roped my brother in-law into doing it too and he doesnt ride very much at all. His bike is sooo rusty and shite I have leant him my Ribble winter bike to do it on.
Looking forward to it. Fingers crossed for the weather.