Thinking about doing my 1st long distance ride...advise please.

All,

My Mum has a caravan in Bridlington (well, just outside) which we frequently
use and I was wondering whether I could cycle there in the summer.

I live in Alfreton, Derbyshrie and according to RAC route planner its 100
miles to Brid.

Now, i commute to work by bicycle each day (8 miles here, 8 miles back) and
it takes me about 30 mins my questions a

1. Do you think i could make it?
2. How long would you expect it to take (bearing in mind fatigue etc)
3. What kit would I need?
4. Do you think ill need to build upto the 100 mile mark first?
5. Any better routes than the RAC route planner (dont fancy A roads if at
all possible)

I like the idea of doing it (my better half thinks I am insane for even
contemplating it).

Cheers

Lee

Lee wrote:
All,

My Mum has a caravan in Bridlington (well, just outside) which we
frequently use and I was wondering whether I could cycle there in the
summer.

I live in Alfreton, Derbyshrie and according to RAC route planner its
100 miles to Brid.

Now, i commute to work by bicycle each day (8 miles here, 8 miles
back) and it takes me about 30 mins my questions a

1. Do you think i could make it?
2. How long would you expect it to take (bearing in mind fatigue etc)
3. What kit would I need?
4. Do you think ill need to build upto the 100 mile mark first?
5. Any better routes than the RAC route planner (dont fancy A roads
if at all possible)

I like the idea of doing it (my better half thinks I am insane for
even contemplating it).

Cheers

Lee

100 miles in 6 hours non stop means an average of 16.666 mph, what is your
average speed ? Have you done a 6 hour ride before ? I have done 100 miles
in 5.5 hours but for a ride such as this I would allow 6 to 8 hours, not
including stops, I would plan on 4 stops of about 20 minutes each. I prefer
a structure like this to give me targets a I go. Of course you can go at
whatever speed you want but your body needs to get accustomed to being in
the saddle for longer than 30 minutes at a time. Only you will know if you
can do it, I reckon you can, you will be surprised at your physical
abilities, you will feel like giving up long before your body demands that
you do. You will finish and be very proud of yourself.

Build up to it, do longer and longer rides until you are confident that you
could do the distance. Get used to eating and drinking whilst out for the
day. Make sure your bikes is in proper working order as you do not want it
to fail whilst your half way there. You don't really need much with you,
maps of course, I use 4 miles to 1 inch road atlas, tear out the pages that
cover the route. You should take sufficient tools to fix minor mechanicals
and of course punctures. Take a rain jacket and any other clothes you think
you'll need depending on the likely weather. You will be outside for a long
time so it may be cool if your start early or finish late and it may be hot
during the day. It may be cool all day. Take sunscreen. Take some water in
your bottle, money, mobile phone, usual stuff.

I try to avoid A roads too, I spend ages scouring maps to find alternatives,
its part of the fun for me.


--
The Reply & From email addresses are checked rarely.
http://www.mseries.freeserve.co.uk

"Lee" gnippernospampleasemuchly@nospampleasemuchlyverym uch.btinternet.com
wrote in message ...
All,

My Mum has a caravan in Bridlington (well, just outside) which we
frequently
use and I was wondering whether I could cycle there in the summer.

I live in Alfreton, Derbyshrie and according to RAC route planner its 100
miles to Brid.

Now, i commute to work by bicycle each day (8 miles here, 8 miles back)
and
it takes me about 30 mins my questions a

1. Do you think i could make it?

No probs, just get a couple of 50 milers in beforehand, maybe 1 a week

2. How long would you expect it to take (bearing in mind fatigue etc)

8-10 hours, taking it relatively easy, including a 15 min break in the a.m.,
half an hour or so for lunch and 15 mins in the afternoon. Riding for
approx.2 hours at a time.

3. What kit would I need?

A bike ;-) and whatever you feel comfortable in. (lycra is good - multilayer
to allow for cooling down / warming up). A hydrapack is very useful. dried
fruit and unsalted peanuts are great for energy, easy to munch and don't sit
heavily in the stomach.
Also, plan it for a sunny day rather than rainy ;-)
A bit of dosh and a credit card just in case things go really pear shaped
and you have to book into a B&B.
A puncture repair kit / couple of spare innertubes and a reliable pump.

4. Do you think ill need to build upto the 100 mile mark first?

See 1.

5. Any better routes than the RAC route planner (dont fancy A roads if at
all possible)

Sit down with a road atlas and work it out fo yourself. Suprises such as
f*ckin' steep hills add to the experience.


I like the idea of doing it (my better half thinks I am insane for even
contemplating it).

Go for it and remember, enjoy!! - sounds like you'll have the awe of your
better half afterwards, worth it for that alone 8-D

Cheers

Y'welcome

Lee


Dave.

"Lee" gnippernospampleasemuchly@nospampleasemuchlyverym uch.btinternet.com
wrote in message ...
All,

My Mum has a caravan in Bridlington (well, just outside) which we
frequently
use and I was wondering whether I could cycle there in the summer.

I live in Alfreton, Derbyshrie and according to RAC route planner its 100
miles to Brid.

Now, i commute to work by bicycle each day (8 miles here, 8 miles back)
and
it takes me about 30 mins my questions a

That would be enough to make up a fair bit of training, but I believe you
have only been doing it for less than a year.
I also think I've seen you state that you always do it as fast as possible.
In doing this you will be "training" yourself for short distances - and you
might find over 30 miles very "interesting".

4. Do you think ill need to build upto the 100 mile mark first?

Yes.
You need to get in more longer slower rides, and find out how easy/difficult
30,50, 70 miles is for you.
I've done one century with only a bit of "training" for it, but I've also
done a lot of 50-70 miles in a day, and know what that feels like - so I had
no surprises, but still ended the day with a bad knee, and trundled the last
10 miles in an hour.

Lee wrote:

I live in Alfreton, Derbyshrie and according to RAC route planner its 100
miles to Brid.

May well be the case that a route you'd want to cycle on is longer
(backroads rather than rural A roads, for example)

1. Do you think i could make it?

If you're a regular cyclist then, yes, you'd almost certainly make it
IMHO. The tricky bit is whether you'd actually *enjoy* it.

3. What kit would I need?

Clothes to ensure you stay warm and comfortable with special attention
paid to backside/saddle interface, spare tube, puncture kit and
multitool for minor tweaks, bike in good repair with road tyres, light
refreshments, money for heavier refreshments. Any luggage, however
light, should be hanging on the bike and not on you.

4. Do you think ill need to build upto the 100 mile mark first?

I think it would be a very good idea. There's a difference between being
able to do something and actually enjoying the process. Choose a route
locally with plenty of variations possible so you can change it to a
variety of distances. Choose something you feel is reasonable and then
you can extend it if it's too easy, cut back if it's too hard. You may
find that the saddle you're happy on for 8 miles starts killing you at
25 or similar. On my old upright tourer my limit was about 60 miles
because my wrists, elbows and arms were quite uncomfortable at that
point, even though my legs felt they could go on.

I like the idea of doing it (my better half thinks I am insane for even
contemplating it).

A former gf thought I was superhuman because 30 miles was something I
could do any time I wanted. Which just goes to show that perspectives
of folk that don't cycle much are a bit skewed! If you like the idea of
doing it, then do it!

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch University of Dundee
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Medical Physics, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

On Tue, 02 Mar 2004 08:26:50 +0000, Lee wrote:
All,

My Mum has a caravan in Bridlington (well, just outside) which we frequently
use and I was wondering whether I could cycle there in the summer.

I live in Alfreton, Derbyshrie and according to RAC route planner its 100
miles to Brid.

Now, i commute to work by bicycle each day (8 miles here, 8 miles back) and
it takes me about 30 mins my questions a

1. Do you think i could make it?

Absolutely. I wish I had as far to ride to work as you do - it sounds as
if you're probably fitter than I am and I know I can cycle that
distance without having to go into training.

2. How long would you expect it to take (bearing in mind fatigue etc)

I have averaged 10-14mph over similar distances - depends on the terrain +
bike. It's important to pace yourself - ideally cycling for long distances
should be like jogging or hill walking. You can keep on doing them
indefinitely, provided you don't use your short-term energy reserves
faster than they're replenished from long term energy reserves (fat!
hooray!).

3. What kit would I need?

A good repair kit including a chain tool, pump, repair kit and inner tube
(even if you know how to fix them), allen keys, maybe a spanner set. Some
people might take a spare tyre. If you normally use a rucksack for
goodness sake leave it at home and get a set of panniers.

Drink lots of fluids; eat little and often - and before you have to.
Energy drinks can save the day if you suddenly find your legs going all
wobbly - which you shouldn't if you're eating right. I don't reckon
energy bars work as well, and they're expensive.

In this weather, obviously warm waterproof clothing is a must. I'd suggest
a pair of gloves, even if you don't normally need them.

Whatever other people mention that I've forgotten.

4. Do you think ill need to build up to the 100 mile mark first?

Not necessarily - but you may enjoy it more if you do. And if you haven't
done any long rides before then a dress rehearsal may let you know if you
need to adjust the saddle, or whatever. Little things that don't matter
over short distances can become exponentially bigger things as the
distances increase.

5. Any better routes than the RAC route planner (dont fancy A roads if
at all possible)

Remember little roads may add quite a lot on to those 100 miles - I don't
know your area but I would try to avoid busy A-roads on any pleasure trip.
My preference is to compromise by setting off on the A-roads at 3/4 am and
moving onto small roads round about breakfast time. There is the risk of
sleepy drivers, but there are far fewer cars overall.

Normally I don't mind A-roads, but I find that 8 hours of cars whizzing
past me really gets me down even if they're all behaving.

You could consider camping/B&Bing overnight and do the trip in 2 stages?

I like the idea of doing it (my better half thinks I am insane for even
contemplating it).

Well, you found your way to the asylum OK,

The important thing is have fun, and let us know how it goes. If I recall,
http://www.audax.uk.net/ has some good articles that may be useful.

AC

"MSeries" wrote in message
...
Lee wrote:
All,

My Mum has a caravan in Bridlington (well, just outside) which we
frequently use and I was wondering whether I could cycle there in the
summer.

I live in Alfreton, Derbyshrie and according to RAC route planner its
100 miles to Brid.

Now, i commute to work by bicycle each day (8 miles here, 8 miles
back) and it takes me about 30 mins my questions a

1. Do you think i could make it?
2. How long would you expect it to take (bearing in mind fatigue etc)
3. What kit would I need?
4. Do you think ill need to build upto the 100 mile mark first?
5. Any better routes than the RAC route planner (dont fancy A roads
if at all possible)

I like the idea of doing it (my better half thinks I am insane for
even contemplating it).

Cheers

Lee

100 miles in 6 hours non stop means an average of 16.666 mph, what is your
average speed ?

(8 miles here, 8 miles back) and
it takes me about 30 mins my questions a




Have you done a 6 hour ride before ? I have done 100 miles
in 5.5 hours but for a ride such as this I would allow 6 to 8 hours, not
including stops, I would plan on 4 stops of about 20 minutes each. I
prefer
a structure like this to give me targets a I go. Of course you can go at
whatever speed you want but your body needs to get accustomed to being in
the saddle for longer than 30 minutes at a time. Only you will know if you
can do it, I reckon you can, you will be surprised at your physical
abilities, you will feel like giving up long before your body demands that
you do. You will finish and be very proud of yourself.

Build up to it, do longer and longer rides until you are confident that
you
could do the distance. Get used to eating and drinking whilst out for the
day. Make sure your bikes is in proper working order as you do not want it
to fail whilst your half way there. You don't really need much with you,
maps of course, I use 4 miles to 1 inch road atlas, tear out the pages
that
cover the route. You should take sufficient tools to fix minor mechanicals
and of course punctures. Take a rain jacket and any other clothes you
think
you'll need depending on the likely weather. You will be outside for a
long
time so it may be cool if your start early or finish late and it may be
hot
during the day. It may be cool all day. Take sunscreen. Take some water in
your bottle, money, mobile phone, usual stuff.

I try to avoid A roads too, I spend ages scouring maps to find
alternatives,
its part of the fun for me.


--
The Reply & From email addresses are checked rarely.
http://www.mseries.freeserve.co.uk

On Tue, 2 Mar 2004 08:26:50 -0000, Lee wrote:

All,

My Mum has a caravan in Bridlington (well, just outside) which we frequently
use and I was wondering whether I could cycle there in the summer.

I live in Alfreton, Derbyshrie and according to RAC route planner its 100
miles to Brid.

Now, i commute to work by bicycle each day (8 miles here, 8 miles back) and
it takes me about 30 mins my questions a

1. Do you think i could make it?
2. How long would you expect it to take (bearing in mind fatigue etc)
3. What kit would I need?
4. Do you think ill need to build upto the 100 mile mark first?
5. Any better routes than the RAC route planner (dont fancy A roads if at
all possible)

I like the idea of doing it (my better half thinks I am insane for even
contemplating it).

Cheers

Lee

Here's a programme from an old book called "Riding and Racing Techniques".
It's designed for someone who is regularly doing 50-75 miles/week with a
longest ride of 30 miles.

Week Wednesday Sunday
1 20 30
2 25 35
3 30 43
4 35 53
5 30 63
6 30 73
7 30 75
8 20 100

It says that the remaining 2-3 rides each week should be no longer than 15
miles. You need to spend a few weeks building up your longest ride to
something like 30 miles before starting this programme. You also need to
rest so you shouldn't ride on Saturday if you're riding to work every day.
The book also says _not_ to pick up the pace of your rides. This is a
programme to let you complete a century, not race it.

It should take 7-8 hours.
--
Michael MacClancy
Random putdown - "I have never killed a man, but I have read many
obituaries with great pleasure." - Clarence Darrow
www.macclancy.demon.co.uk
www.macclancy.co.uk

in message , Lee
('gnippernospampleasemuchly@nospampleasemuchlyvery much.btinternet.com')
wrote:

All,

My Mum has a caravan in Bridlington (well, just outside) which we
frequently use and I was wondering whether I could cycle there in the
summer.

I live in Alfreton, Derbyshrie and according to RAC route planner its 100
miles to Brid.

Now, i commute to work by bicycle each day (8 miles here, 8 miles back)
and it takes me about 30 mins my questions a

1. Do you think i could make it?

Yes. No doubt at all.

2. How long would you expect it to take (bearing in mind fatigue etc)

Cycle half the distance in the morning, take a long leisurely lunch
somewhere, cycle the other half in the afternoon. This is much less
fatigueing than just pressing on.

3. What kit would I need?

Usual things. Pump, spare inner tube, a couple of water bottles.

4. Do you think ill need to build upto the 100 mile mark first?

No, although it wouldn't hurt to have done a few thirty milers. But the
first time I set out to cycle 400 miles I didn't do any preparatory
training (apart from normal knocking about town), and I made it, averaging
80 miles a day.

5. Any better routes than the RAC route planner (dont fancy A roads if at
all possible)

Pass.

--
(Simon Brooke) http://www.jasmine.org.uk/~simon/

;; not so much a refugee from reality, more a bogus
;; asylum seeker

On Tue, 2 Mar 2004 08:26:50 -0000, "Lee"
gnippernospampleasemuchly@nospampleasemuchlyverym uch.btinternet.com
wrote:

All,

My Mum has a caravan in Bridlington (well, just outside) which we frequently
use and I was wondering whether I could cycle there in the summer.

I live in Alfreton, Derbyshrie and according to RAC route planner its 100
miles to Brid.

Now, i commute to work by bicycle each day (8 miles here, 8 miles back) and
it takes me about 30 mins my questions a

All the other replies seem to be suggesting lots of training and
building up to it.

I take the other view. If you're doing 16 miles a day and are
resonably healthy, I'd just get on the bike early one morning and go.

I went from a 4 mile commute to a 100+ mile trip using that method. My
wife did the Round the Island ride (97 miles including riding to and
from the ferry) on the basis that once upon a time she'd ridden 8
miles.


1. Do you think i could make it?

Yes.

2. How long would you expect it to take (bearing in mind fatigue etc)

Allow all day. That'll mean you can enjoy the ride, take breaks, see
the sights and have contingency to cope with most disasters.

3. What kit would I need?

Bike,
Water bottle(s) (I wouldn't recommend a backpack water holder for a
long trip).
Puncture repair kit + any tools you know how to use.
Cash[1] to cover :
Beer, lunch, snacks,
unplanned bike shop vist,
bail out trains,
bail out hotels
Lights
Atlas (or pages thereof)

[1] or credit cards if you use such things.

4. Do you think ill need to build upto the 100 mile mark first?

No.

5. Any better routes than the RAC route planner (dont fancy A roads if at
all possible)

Get a road atlas. Draw a straight line between point A and point B.
Pencil in closest favourable road route. If you're feeling
sophisticated use multimap to check out OS version and check for
hills.

I like the idea of doing it (my better half thinks I am insane for even
contemplating it).

You'll love it. Possibly not at the time, though. Think of it as a
retrospectively pleasurable activity.

Cheers

Lee