How do you train for long distance on a cr@ppy bike

Will Nunez

Ive been challenged to do the Manchester Blackpool cycle ride on this:
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos- ... 6810_n.jpg either that or a pink BMX

Just to make it more fun I have to cycle to the start, so all in 110 miles for me. Did it last year on a road bike no problem.

But something tells me this will hurt a whole lot more and last an awful lot longer. Any genuine tips to avoid doing myself an injury.

Im reluctant to take up weekend ride time actually practising on the thing, but think, I have to get my legs used to the saddle, the upright position, the fact that my seat will take the weight with none on my arms.

Yossie

Do the miles at night so no one can see you. Or do it on a turbo trainer. Or in fancy dress all the time so if anyone does say anything you can just say that you're on a charity ride.

daviesee

Adjust the bike to suit you and fit your saddle & pedals?

Maintenance - Make sure it is running as good as possible and won't break.

Tyres & pressure.

Wear good bib shorts & mitts. Along with other clothes too

Will Nunez

Good idea re pedals and seats, although something tells me iwouldnt want to be clipped in!!!! Ive had a car park ride and they dont corner well ;-)!!

Although the reach is really short. My biggest worry is back ache as my bum will take the weight for 10 hours, maybe a race seat wouldnt be a good idea after all as they assume a lower position and a distribution of weight between bars and seat. Maybe wide springy seat and lots of inner thigh vaseline

ride_whenever

Oh god, do it on the bmx.

Seriously, riding a trike is murder on the upper body because you're always fighting the camber.

Will Nunez

So ive not just got back ache to look forward to? BMX has been bagsied by a partner in crime.Hoping we'll do swapsies along route.

So would you guys do practice runs on it or just do your usual pedalling on your usual bike and see the challenge as something you need to be fit for but theres little prep other than a few test runsof5-10 miles to ensure a reasonable damage limitation set up.

eede

On the downhills, can you not just stand in the rear carrier and give your back a rest?

Wirral_paul

Fill the basket with bricks for training? The actual ride will feel a lot lighter then!!

Race saddle is a no-no - its not designed to be ridden in a sit up n beg position.

Cleat Eastwood

some guy did it on a tall bike, I remember chatting to him at the golf course feed station - you're gonna be knackered.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhbGI1QlqkM

Will Nunez

Im budgeting on 10mph setting off from Lytham 3am, 45 miles to old trafford. Leave there at 8:30, blackpool by 3pm. torch the bike at 3:30pm.

The more I think about it the more I think the only way is to harden my arse and back and do a couple of long runs and ensure 10mph is feasible. 60 mile runs on a road bike isnt enough prep

Chrissz

Fill the basket with a plentiful supply of rum and fruitcake - the rum will help dull the pain/shame and the cake will sustain you through what is obviously going to be a long, uncomfortable ride

You can't polish a turd - no matter how much you train you're not going to be quick on that thing so why not make the experience as enjoyable (alcohol fueled) as possible? LOL

arthur_scrimshaw

convert it to drops, that will move you're weight forward or does it have to be standard trim?

Will Nunez

Did think about tha shiftes t but I've then got to find shifters that work. its also a seriously short reach. ashas been pointed out its a turd that cant be polished

cyco2

I reckon your estimated average is pretty optimistic. You ought to do a trial 10 miles to see how you get on. I bet you are going to be really sore in places you didn't think you had.

zippypablo

Tilt the bars forward so they are further away and lower down.
Try a few short runs to see what the most comfortable position is.
By most comfortable I mean least uncomfortable.

bugsrabbit

At least if they send us through hague hall you won,t fall off under the trees

Frank the tank

Mis-leading title to the thread, it's actually a TRIKE.

hstiles

Fit aero bars so you can lean further forward for extra leverage. Plus, it'll look priceless.

Will Nunez

@Bugsrabbit, ill be the first off, on corners it leans the wrong way, I struggle to keep 3 wheels on the road even at slow speeds!!

Sorry Frank I stand corrected!

hstiles, thats not a bad idea!!

hstiles

Make sure you wear an aero helmet, skinsuit and bright yellow overshoes to complete the look.

Will Nunez

Already been told im Robin while Batman rides a pink BMX. So some yellow, but red and green too. Aero helmet? Nah....just a super hero eye mask. Will skip cape, may get tangled in chain