Training Tips

mrDMH

Good evening!

I would like some tips for training toward a long distance ride. I have signed up for a sportive (83 miles) in April 2013 and I would like some advice for training.

I am out on the bike every Sunday doing a long(?) ride; today I did 33, the week before I did 25. I'm trying to cycle to work twice a week (12 miles) but this is becoming a royal nightmare because of the weather and darkness. I don't currently own a turbo trainer - but I read this may well be the key?

Sorry for the rather open ended question.

Thanks,
Daniel

simon_masterson

I think a turbo trainer is a great thing to own (I would have one but I can't even have a bike where I live at the moment!), but honestly I think you would be better to buy some lights and cyclewear and put the miles in riding to work; at least to begin with. The best way to maintain your fitness is regular exercise.

mrDMH

I've been looking at getting an Elite Crono Fluid, but they don't seem to be in stock anywhere.

I do own lights and what not, problem is my work is shift based, and it's a tad scary at some of the times I have to start/finish. Maybe I should just get on with it!

DavidJB

mrDMH wrote:

I've been looking at getting an Elite Crono Fluid, but they don't seem to be in stock anywhere.

I do own lights and what not, problem is my work is shift based, and it's a tad scary at some of the times I have to start/finish. Maybe I should just get on with it!

I own this turbo its pretty good! Had a year in service with no big issues (just tighten the quick release fine)

Training wise a turbo trainer wont help you with distance training because I doubt you'll be able to stand being on it for more than an hour...I know I can't. Keep trying to get out at the weekends and increase the distance by 5 miles a week and try to get in as much as you can in the week. Keep the pace steady and no massive efforts. You can start doing a bit more in terms of bigger efforts as you get closer to the date which should bring up your speed a bit.

Gizmodo

You need to get the miles in, one way or another. Cycling in the dark can be scary, but then a Turbo trainer in the garage can be boring - take your pick. It depends on where you live and your confidence. There are loads of web sites with training plans as well as a Training section to this forum.

Try these for a start:
http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/article/training-for-a-sportive-33724/
http://www.bikeradar.com/fitness/article/training-get-in-shape-for-sportive-season-part-1-29340/
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=training+for+a+sportive&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&client=safari

You've got loads of time, if you can manage a 50 mile ride before you do your sportive, you'll manage 83 miles easily (hills dependant).

daxplusplus

mrDMH wrote:

problem is my work is shift based, and it's a tad scary at some of the times I have to start/finish

Why do you find it scary?

Sprool

Got some rollers a few weeks ago. If the weathers bad or its dark I spend 40 mis spinning on the rollers, great exercise, and really improves balance, fitness and pedal technique. Now I've not trie d a turbo but i think i'd agree with the people here that find them too boring to keep up regularly; the rollers really keep you focused or you'll fall off. I try to do at least 40 mins 5 days a week.

mrDMH

Thanks for all the replies everyone :-)

Cheers for the links, I'll take a look over them now. I decided to cycle in today, cycling in the pitch black wasn't too bad, 1 hour in the morning, 1 hour this evening. Might not have been a good idea considering I did 33 miles yesterday though... rest required..

sub55

Sprool wrote:

Got some rollers a few weeks ago. If the weathers bad or its dark I spend 40 mis spinning on the rollers, great exercise, and really improves balance, fitness and pedal technique. Now I've not trie d a turbo but i think i'd agree with the people here that find them too boring to keep up regularly; the rollers really keep you focused or you'll fall off. I try to do at least 40 mins 5 days a week.

:?: the OP want's to do some endurance training,so you recommend rollers because you can spin for 40 minutes. :!:
did i miss something?


IMO you need to get on the road.