How much prep needed for a 47 mile ride?

tigger_geek

Hi,

I have been doing the 3.7 mile each-way commute to work for the last couple of months and am interested in participating in a Glasgow to Edinburgh ride that is taking place in September. Other than my ride to work I haven't done any other training but I feel my fitness is pretty reasonable. I'm not overweight and am generally in decent shape, but I am in my late 40's so to prevent me doing something stupid, I'd be interested in the thoughts of experienced cyclists - would I be biting off more than I could chew, or am I likely to make it but just feel a bit stiff and sore for a few days after? The bike I ride just now is a fairly heavy hardtail mtb with slick tyres, but I am considering buying a road bike.

I'd love to hear anyone's thoughts, opinions or advice.

Thanks,

Michael

redvee

If you're commuting daily then you'll have a reasonable level of fitness but you need to do more miles tbh. I recently rode the Great Weston Ride which is 56 miles in just over 3 1/2 hours with a 15 mile daily commute as my only training. I set a target of 4 hours and could have done it quicker had I fed myself better nearer the begining.

t4tomo

You have some time to build up, so get out there and ride 10-15 miles , then get a couple of 20 - 25 milers in and then 47 will be fine, the occasion and adrenaline will carry you there.

tigger_geek

Thanks guys. I'll try to get some extra miles in, but due to holidays and other factors I'm unlikely to be able to get much proper prep done. I'm thinking that I'll register, do however many extra miles as I can, then just go for it unless I lose my nerve at the last minute. The worst that can happen is my wife has to come and rescue me in the car!

sloppyschleckonds

tigger_geek wrote:

Thanks guys. I'll try to get some extra miles in, but due to holidays and other factors I'm unlikely to be able to get much proper prep done. I'm thinking that I'll register, do however many extra miles as I can, then just go for it unless I lose my nerve at the last minute. The worst that can happen is my wife has to come and rescue me in the car!

Easiest way is to extend your commute, probably easier for the journey home.

Dekodawg

I reckon you won't need rescued but might be worthwhile getting some chamois butter. Was thinking about participating in this aswell.

Phil562

Give it a go, just take it easy and don't get carried away with the faster riders.

Took my wife out today on her second cycle of the year, she rode my old hybrid, and she managed 42 miles. She is pretty ft though.

That said her sit bones are a tad tender at the moment ;-)

markhewitt1978

Problem is with a short commute your body isn't used to spending several hours on a bike no it is used to supplying ergergy for that long. You are probably going to need to eat along the way too.

Phil562

Decent breakfast, stick some stuff to eat in your pockets (plenty of ideas on here to choose from) just in case and stay hydrated.

tedmaul

tigger_geek wrote:

Hi,

I have been doing the 3.7 mile each-way commute to work for the last couple of months and am interested in participating in a Glasgow to Edinburgh ride that is taking place in September. Other than my ride to work I haven't done any other training but I feel my fitness is pretty reasonable. I'm not overweight and am generally in decent shape, but I am in my late 40's so to prevent me doing something stupid, I'd be interested in the thoughts of experienced cyclists - would I be biting off more than I could chew, or am I likely to make it but just feel a bit stiff and sore for a few days after? The bike I ride just now is a fairly heavy hardtail mtb with slick tyres, but I am considering buying a road bike.

I'd love to hear anyone's thoughts, opinions or advice.

Thanks,

Michael

If its the Pedal Scotland, you'll manage fine. It's v flat and you can take it at whatever pace you like. You get all sorts doing it - young kids, folk who not been on a bike in years, tandems, unicycles. You name it. It's geared to being a fun family day out. Maybe get a couple of longer rides in but no need to do specific training.

The 100 mile sportive route is a different kettle of fish however - 2000m of climbing and some quite severe gradients.

tigger_geek

Thanks all - your advice is greatly appreciated! It is the Pedal Scotland event, so I was hoping it wasn't too challenging. I will try extending my commute - probably in both directions if I can get up early enough in the morning! I will also investigate chamois butter - not exactly sure where to put it, but I'm guessing it's not in my sandwich ;-)

Thanks again,

Michael