Newbie wanting sportive advice

chorlton chimp

Dear all, I would like some BR forum users thoughts on the advisibility of entering a sportive.

I have had a road bike since October after reentering cycling 12 months ago with the purchase of that well known gateway drug, the hybrid.

I am cycling for pleasure and fitness with resulting weightloss being an added bonus. I have shifted 2st and have a similar amount to get shot of. My riding is typically a flattish 30-40 miler at around 14ish mph on saturday and/or sunday depending on commitments but I did knock out a 50 miler before christmas at the same pace. I ride with a couple of mates but as I usually end up on the front I'm not getting any group riding benefits apart from the company. I also do the micro commute of 8 mile round trip to work three times a week.

I am interested in entering a group event and am looking at the 50 mile version of the Jodrell Bank Classic which is described as 'fast and flat'. I am not worried about the distance but I am concerned about the speed. Specifically I am worried that I would end up watching a load of lycra-clad blurs vanish over the horizon and then doing the remaining 49.5 miles solo.

I am interested in the opinion of more seasoned cyclists as to whether I would enjoy this kind of event or if it would be more advisable to carry on working on fitness and endurance solo and doing a sportive later in the year.

* mods - if this is the wrong forum I apologise, I have posted here as it's more new rider advice than specific event advice I am after.

burtie

As the nike advert says Just do it. 14mph adverage is good going, but don't worry about everyone else just have fun.

markos1963

Go for it, sportives are meant to be non competitive so don't worry about 'fast' riders coming past. Find a group of similer ability riders and have some fun. If you can do 40 miles now then 50 will be a breeze with the extra adrenaline going through your body.

keef66

+2 Just go for it. There'll be people faster than you and there'll be people slower than you. Find somebody the same speed and have a chat.

jameses

+3 was similarly nervous the first time I rode a sportive, but needn't have been. As already mentioned, they're non-competitive, so most people are out to enjoy a good, long ride without killing themselves.
You can usually start at any time within a 1.5 hour window - just don't start right at the very beginning! I made that mistake once, quite depressing to ride for several hours being constantly passed (even though i managed a reasonable average speed).

gazman1

Hi C/C there is a sportive this Sunday starting in Poynton, and also another at the end of the month, there are 2 distances 50 and 30 miles if you google, north west winter series 2012 it will give you some details, its £15 pre booked or book on the day for £20 HTH,
Gaz

RoadMeridaBen

gazman1 wrote:

Hi C/C there is a sportive this Sunday starting in Poynton, and also another at the end of the month, there are 2 distances 50 and 30 miles if you google, north west winter series 2012 it will give you some details, its £15 pre booked or book on the day for £20 HTH,
Gaz

20 quid! thats alot of cash for a short ride, you sportivists are off your heads :P

chorlton chimp

Cheers Gaz, I had spotted the Poynton sportives but was wary of the short distance thinking it would be a total sprint. I am away this weekend so will miss the first one.

Thanks for the advice guys, makes me feel more confident. May will give it a whirl and report back.