My Lancashire Loop Challenge

Hope you don't mind me sharing this with you.

Today I did the toughest and longest ride I've done to date. I got a new bike in June after agreeing to take part in the Lancashire Loop Challenge and training has been somewhat erratic.

I hadn't ridden for four years previously and even then never ever to this extent.

So last night had fairly sleepless night as thought I'd bitten of more than I could do. This morning at 10am I started a 48 mile ride (was 50 but the route was changed and 2 miles lost so cyclists didn't have to go onto the A6). I actually did 51 in the end after going the wrong way a couple of times and backtracking :oops:

I did the ride in five hours and 20 minutes, including breaks, and am pleased because I planned to complete it in around five hours by covering ten miles per hour. I was very chuffed with my top speed which was 32mph down a steep hill - scary and exciting.

The first hour or so was full of steep climbs and I have to admit to eventually getting off the bike and walking up part of three of the hills as my legs just couldn't do it. The rest of the ride I remained firmly on the bike and rode the best I could. The last 8 miles or so were the worst as pain really started to kick in and I really needed the loo.

I felt tired and hungry at the end. I made mistakes - the biggest was not eating and drinking enough on the bike. I'm stronger than I thought I was but still a lot of work to do - want to do some sportives next year :P

At the end of the ride discoved that my back tyre had a bit of wood sticking into it. I took it out when I got home and down went the tyre - talk about lucky.

So lots of improvement to be made but I'm chuffed with myself and erm just wanted to share it. Next step - join a club and build a training plan.

Does anyone fancy recommending some good sportives to attempt?

Apologies for rambling on :? I'm just pleased and really love cycling.