A beginners 200km
knownothingbozo
Posts: 168
At 46 years old, 13 stone and having started cycling only in April last year, I still consider myself a beginner. I've well and truly caught the bug, but see cycling as more about journeys than training. In fact I hate the very idea of it becoming a routine where i have to do this on that day etc.
Anyhow, at the beginning I set myself some targets, first being 50 miles, then 100km, then 100 miles. All achieved last year.
This year my target was to achieve a metric century every month - going well so far. In the last few weeks though I had it in mind that I should try for a 200km ride. Yesterday I did it.
Holy Crap! That was hard.
Things I have learnt though:
Planning the route is key. I had underestimated the amount of hills in the first half - bike route toaster would have been a good thing to look at when planning, not just on the morning of the ride when my son said "do you realise how hilly it is over there" Also planning a long flat element in the next half is not necessarily a good idea. Nothing to make you move but pedalling. It's also just you against the wind.
I read in one the cycling mags about visualising the sense of achievement when you get to the end as a motivator. It certainly seemed to help, though slightly worrying I was thinking about it in the first ten miles.
Telling a few people you are going to do it also helps as a motivator.
My invisible friend is a wheelsucker.
The equipment:
Ribble Sportive Bianco - no issues whatsoever.
Specialised Romin seat - 8 hours and 41 minutes in the saddle, and only started to get uncomfortable along with everything else towards the very end. I think this may be more down to me just being totally in the red and surviving on willpower alone.
Garmin Edge 200 - used to plot and guide route - did an excellent job.
Fuel - High 5 juice 3x 750 mil bottles, (two carried one filled up half way) High 5 gels x 3. Bananoffee vitality ceral bars from Asda x 3. In truth probably nowhere near enough and contributed to me finding it so hard at the end.
In the end I was exhausted, totally spent, but elated that I had achieved the magic (for me) 200km, or 124 miles in old money. This was actually 52 miles further than my longest ride this year. Today I feel fine, and can actualy walk.
Proof that at my age, and with limited preparation, a basic bike, you can achieve some pretty big stuff.
Anyhow, at the beginning I set myself some targets, first being 50 miles, then 100km, then 100 miles. All achieved last year.
This year my target was to achieve a metric century every month - going well so far. In the last few weeks though I had it in mind that I should try for a 200km ride. Yesterday I did it.
Holy Crap! That was hard.
Things I have learnt though:
Planning the route is key. I had underestimated the amount of hills in the first half - bike route toaster would have been a good thing to look at when planning, not just on the morning of the ride when my son said "do you realise how hilly it is over there" Also planning a long flat element in the next half is not necessarily a good idea. Nothing to make you move but pedalling. It's also just you against the wind.
I read in one the cycling mags about visualising the sense of achievement when you get to the end as a motivator. It certainly seemed to help, though slightly worrying I was thinking about it in the first ten miles.
Telling a few people you are going to do it also helps as a motivator.
My invisible friend is a wheelsucker.
The equipment:
Ribble Sportive Bianco - no issues whatsoever.
Specialised Romin seat - 8 hours and 41 minutes in the saddle, and only started to get uncomfortable along with everything else towards the very end. I think this may be more down to me just being totally in the red and surviving on willpower alone.
Garmin Edge 200 - used to plot and guide route - did an excellent job.
Fuel - High 5 juice 3x 750 mil bottles, (two carried one filled up half way) High 5 gels x 3. Bananoffee vitality ceral bars from Asda x 3. In truth probably nowhere near enough and contributed to me finding it so hard at the end.
In the end I was exhausted, totally spent, but elated that I had achieved the magic (for me) 200km, or 124 miles in old money. This was actually 52 miles further than my longest ride this year. Today I feel fine, and can actualy walk.
Proof that at my age, and with limited preparation, a basic bike, you can achieve some pretty big stuff.
Some people are like slinkies - not much use for anything, but they bring a smile to your face when you push them down the stairs.
http://knownothingbozoandhisbike.blogspot.com/
http://knownothingbozoandhisbike.blogspot.com/
0
Comments
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Well done! Good post.
I did 52 miles on a mountain bike last weekend & my legs were pretty much shot by the end!B'TWIN Triban 5A
Ridgeback MX60 -
Congrats 8)
200Km's is my next target. Broke the 100 miles last weekend on the Ride with Brad Sportive, and that was pretty brutal with the hills, especially the last quarter :!:
Typically came down with a cold on Wednesday, but getting over it now, so long club ride tomorrow, and may plan a 200km target ride for the following weekend, now you have inspired me Share The Road Event http://www.sharetheroadride.co.uk
Lancashire Cycle Link Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/126682247491640/0
