London to Brighton cycle ride

[Dr Who?]

On Sunday 16th September 2012, Me and Mrs Dr.Who are taking part in the London to Brighton cycle ride, for the charity Childhood First, which is our choosen charity for all events.This is 54 miles, and the furthest I have cycled before this time was 11 miles.

 

I know times are hard and season ticket prices are at a very silly price, but I would appreciate as much or as little as you can afford, as it will help with the motivation.

 

We are off for our first longish bike ride today, as part of the training schedule (15 miles).

 

This is on the main board, as I am a Saints fan, so is my wife, and I will be wearing the new Saints top!

 

Please check out the charity, and help me reach our target.

 

http://www.childhoodfirst.org.uk/

 

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=simsgocycling&isTeam=true

 

Thank you for reading, and a bigger thank you if you can spare even If it is £1.00.

[saintscottofthenortham]

Good on you. I shall donate when I'm paid in a few weeks.

[Dr Who?]

Good on you. I shall donate when I'm paid in a few weeks.

 

Thanks mate.

 

Saturday we did a 12 mile cycle and Tuesday 14 miles. We plan to do 20 miles on Sunday.

 

I have to say I am a little bit stiff.

[Winnersaint]

Good luck to you and the Mrs Dr Who. Happy to offer a donation. Only advice I can give is to increase your distance by no more than 10% at a time once over 20 -25 miles. Plenty of time until Sept. if you can get to 40 miles a couple of weeks before then you'll both be fine. Plenty of chalk downland near you similar to South Downs so get climbing so you get used to it before Ditchling Beacon. Downland hills are buggers though. Not long but can hit 20-25%. My usual riding territory is the Hambleden Valley at the southern end of the Chilterns so have some experience of them. Use your gears and relax.

[BadgerBadger]

Good effort and I've donated a few pennies to the worthy cause too.

Done a few of these around the South Downs and if you can get to 75% of total distance in training then you'll be fine, work on cadence training (see internet), much more effecient.

Top tip - Get some Chamois Cream, your backside will thank you

[Dr Who?]

Good luck to you and the Mrs Dr Who. Happy to offer a donation. Only advice I can give is to increase your distance by no more than 10% at a time once over 20 -25 miles. Plenty of time until Sept. if you can get to 40 miles a couple of weeks before then you'll both be fine. Plenty of chalk downland near you similar to South Downs so get climbing so you get used to it before Ditchling Beacon. Downland hills are buggers though. Not long but can hit 20-25%. My usual riding territory is the Hambleden Valley at the southern end of the Chilterns so have some experience of them. Use your gears and relax.

 

Thank you for your donation and your advice, both just as important as each other. This is our first long distance, so we will take on board all advice from people that have done this sort of thing. We have a schedule that has been sent through, and we are only on week 2, but there is a 40 mile on week 8 and 11, and then 45 on week 12/13/14.

 

It is going to be fun and challenging, and after we see how it goes we will be looking at other rides in the future, but let's learn to walk before we run.

[Huffton]

Good luck with it. Another bit of advice, back off the training a good 10 days before the ride, just do a couple of easy spins to keep the legs loose. Also try to get bit of experience riding in groups if you can. It will make things a lot easier for you on the day. Every year there are a lot of crashes, particularly on Ditchling, caused by people who only come out once a year and don't have a clue how to ride near other riders. Unless you're near the front you'll probably find you end up walking most of the way up due to the sheer numbers anyway.

[Dr Who?]

Good effort and I've donated a few pennies to the worthy cause too.

Done a few of these around the South Downs and if you can get to 75% of total distance in training then you'll be fine, work on cadence training (see internet), much more effecient.

Top tip - Get some Chamois Cream, your backside will thank you

 

Cheers Badgerbadger. I think we will be ok until right at the end, and to see the hills nearer the end might just kill me. I know it is early days in the training but after about 12 miles on Tuesday (in the rain and cold) I started to run out of energy, but had spent all day at the Zoo. It seemed to start out all bright and lovely but was going up hill to the finish on a main road so not much fun!

 

I will be looking into the cream as the bum seems to be the main source of pain and not the legs at the moment. Got my gel padded seat, and padded shorts should be here by the weekend.

 

Fingers crossed for no injuries!

[Sheaf Saint]

I did a similar thing a few years ago - 60 miles along the Trans-Pennine Trail between Leeds and Sheffield. The longest ride I did in training for it was about 27 miles and I was woefully under-prepared for it come the day. The biggest mistake I made was assuming that riding in the relatively flat region near where I live would be adequate training - it wasn't nearly enough. Make sure you do a lot of hill-climbing during your training, as not only will this prepare you for what you will face on the ride, it is also good resistance training and will help with your overall fitness.

 

You've probably already been given loads of advice about it but one warning I would give is don't stop for too long at any one time and especially don't stop for a big lunch or anything. Take plenty of high energy food with you in your pack - cereal bars, dried fruit and nuts, and some sugary sweets for when you need a quick boost.

 

Maybe PM Minty about it, as he did the John o'Groats to Lands-End ride a few years back as I recall, so he can probably offer some pearls of wisdom.

 

Will happily make a donation though because I know from first-hand that this is no small undertaking and is worthy of my support. Good luck mate.

[Dr Who?]

Good luck with it. Another bit of advice, back off the training a good 10 days before the ride, just do a couple of easy spins to keep the legs loose. Also try to get bit of experience riding in groups if you can. It will make things a lot easier for you on the day. Every year there are a lot of crashes, particularly on Ditchling, caused by people who only come out once a year and don't have a clue how to ride near other riders. Unless you're near the front you'll probably find you end up walking most of the way up due to the sheer numbers anyway.

 

Cheers for the advice. The training schedule builds us up, and then rests us up near the end, ready for the big day. Also important to rest in between cycles so the body recovers.

 

We have a couple of non sponsored events with groups of riders, one in June and one in July.

 

Really looking forward to it, and cannot wait for the day.

[Dr Who?]

I did a similar thing a few years ago - 60 miles along the Trans-Pennine Trail between Leeds and Sheffield. The longest ride I did in training for it was about 27 miles and I was woefully under-prepared for it come the day. The biggest mistake I made was assuming that riding in the relatively flat region near where I live would be adequate training - it wasn't nearly enough. Make sure you do a lot of hill-climbing during your training, as not only will this prepare you for what you will face on the ride, it is also good resistance training and will help with your overall fitness.

 

You've probably already been given loads of advice about it but one warning I would give is don't stop for too long at any one time and especially don't stop for a big lunch or anything. Take plenty of high energy food with you in your pack - cereal bars, dried fruit and nuts, and some sugary sweets for when you need a quick boost.

 

Maybe PM Minty about it, as he did the John o'Groats to Lands-End ride a few years back as I recall, so he can probably offer some pearls of wisdom.

 

Will happily make a donation though because I know from first-hand that this is no small undertaking and is worthy of my support. Good luck mate.

 

Cheers Bexy,

 

You are right I was thinking yeah a 54 mile cycle, at 15mph be done in about 3 and a half hours! WRONG, have averaged 8mph on the first 12 mile ride due to a huge hill where we dropped to 2.2 mph. Then we averaged 10mph on Tuesday, but again even if we average 10 it will take 5 and half hours or near dam it. After the 14 mile ride I was feeling it, so got to build up to around 45 miles and then do about 4/5 of them.

 

Trying to find hills, but think we will be fine but will not be easy at all. Not looking to go mad, and a steady pace will not see us win the race, but most important we will finish it.

 

Thanks again, and your support like everyone else's will help keep us on the ball.

 

I will be contacting minty soon.

 

Need as much advice as possible.

[trousers]

I did the Hadrian's Cycleway challenge a couple of years ago - 174 miles from Whitehaven to Newcastle over 3 days - details here: http://www.cycle-routes.org/hadrianscycleway/

 

Not being a fitness fanatic (never been to a gym for example) it was something that I signed up to with a lot of intrepidation.

 

The most miles I did in any one training stint was 40 or so. The challenge itself was split into c.70 miles on day one and day two and c.34 miles on the final day.

 

I was surprised how I managed to cope with the first two days given it was nearly twice as many miles as I'd done in one go in training.

 

The one thing I'd say is that I think you can almost build too much 'fear' into the thought of doing these types of challenges. Yes, I know being prepared as much as possible is a good thing but I was able to cycle 174 miles in 3 days without too much trouble, despite my overall lack of fitness.

 

I would recommend getting a few sachets of energy gels - they really gave me a boost when feeling knackered. I also drank lots of energy drinks (made from tins of specialist energy powder available from outdoor pursuit shops).

 

So, my advice would be, yes, take it seriously but not TOO seriously. The mind can often make things seem worse than they are and it all becomes a bit self perpetuating if you get too anxious about the challenge.

 

Good luck! Will sponsor you when I get a mo.

[Norm]

Best of luck and I hope you reach your destination and target.

[Junction 9]

Does this ride follow the exact route of the BHF one which takes place next weekend?

[Special K]

Did the London to Brighton about 5 years ago. It's a terrific day, but just beware of the numbers. We set off about 7.30am which was quite late as there are 2 parts of the ride where there were queues as the roads narrowed so much. Ditchling Beacon is a narrow road and when i tried it, the cyclists were about 5 wide in number, with the first 2 "lanes" pushing as it's quite a punishing hill. I was on a road bike behind mountain bikers who were peddling like **** and getting nowhere! Needless to say i couldn't move out and ended up knocking the wheel of the bloke in front and knocking over a few on a domino effect. Not a popular chappie! the vast majority if the ride is really good and there is a proper finish too, where you feel really chuffed reaching the finish line with the street lined with peeps cheering you on. Great stuff.

 

Good luck and as other have said try to get up to at least 80 - 85% of the required miles in your training prior to the ride. I also did the London to Paris a year later, over 3.5 days with between 80 and 110 mile days. Started training in the April doing 10 miles and did my first 100 miler two weeks before the ride in the July. It's not as fearful as you may think.

 

And chamois cream is ok, but i found that nappy rash cream was more effective! However, you should be fine if it's just a one day ride.

 

All the best.

[Dr Who?]

I did the Hadrian's Cycleway challenge a couple of years ago - 174 miles from Whitehaven to Newcastle over 3 days - details here: http://www.cycle-routes.org/hadrianscycleway/

 

Not being a fitness fanatic (never been to a gym for example) it was something that I signed up to with a lot of intrepidation.

 

The most miles I did in any one training stint was 40 or so. The challenge itself was split into c.70 miles on day one and day two and c.34 miles on the final day.

 

I was surprised how I managed to cope with the first two days given it was nearly twice as many miles as I'd done in one go in training.

 

The one thing I'd say is that I think you can almost build too much 'fear' into the thought of doing these types of challenges. Yes, I know being prepared as much as possible is a good thing but I was able to cycle 174 miles in 3 days without too much trouble, despite my overall lack of fitness.

 

I would recommend getting a few sachets of energy gels - they really gave me a boost when feeling knackered. I also drank lots of energy drinks (made from tins of specialist energy powder available from outdoor pursuit shops).

 

So, my advice would be, yes, take it seriously but not TOO seriously. The mind can often make things seem worse than they are and it all becomes a bit self perpetuating if you get too anxious about the challenge.

 

Good luck! Will sponsor you when I get a mo.

 

Thanks for your input. I am trying to get the balance, as I know a lot of it is in the head. People that do these things, say they they take yoga to get the head straight, and it is a case of positive thinking. Also you need a little fitness. I am not scared of doing it, and if anything think I will, but having never done this before there is the unknown.

 

Thanks again, loads of energy drinks will be taken along with the tablets you can get.

[Dr Who?]

Best of luck and I hope you reach your destination and target.

 

Norm, thank you for your kind words, and thank you for the donation. I hope to reach both my goals......and hope the weather is better than today!

[Dr Who?]

Does this ride follow the exact route of the BHF one which takes place next weekend?

 

Hey Junction 9, yes I have heard there are a few of these over the course of the year, and I had heard there ws one in June. I get contacted by my charity for events, and this came up, so not sure of the others out there.

 

All I know so far is - Start in South London and cycle through Mitcham, Carshalton, Banstead, Haywards Heath and end in Brighton; this totals an amazing 54 miles in one day.

 

I will get more information closer to the time from the charity.

[Dr Who?]

Did the London to Brighton about 5 years ago. It's a terrific day, but just beware of the numbers. We set off about 7.30am which was quite late as there are 2 parts of the ride where there were queues as the roads narrowed so much. Ditchling Beacon is a narrow road and when i tried it, the cyclists were about 5 wide in number, with the first 2 "lanes" pushing as it's quite a punishing hill. I was on a road bike behind mountain bikers who were peddling like **** and getting nowhere! Needless to say i couldn't move out and ended up knocking the wheel of the bloke in front and knocking over a few on a domino effect. Not a popular chappie! the vast majority if the ride is really good and there is a proper finish too, where you feel really chuffed reaching the finish line with the street lined with peeps cheering you on. Great stuff.

 

Good luck and as other have said try to get up to at least 80 - 85% of the required miles in your training prior to the ride. I also did the London to Paris a year later, over 3.5 days with between 80 and 110 mile days. Started training in the April doing 10 miles and did my first 100 miler two weeks before the ride in the July. It's not as fearful as you may think.

 

And chamois cream is ok, but i found that nappy rash cream was more effective! However, you should be fine if it's just a one day ride.

 

All the best.

 

Yes the riding in groups is something I have not come across as yet, and we have a group ride coming up in a couple of weeks and another one in July. So not sure what to expect really. I know it gets annoying when I am stuck behind the missus in training, because you build up a momentum, and you do not want to be braking on a hill!! Sure we will be fine. We have only been out on 2 longish rides, 12 and 14 miles, and have a 20 mile one on Sunday. The rest of the week Tuesday, Thursday, Friday I am on the exercise bike for 30-45 minutes, but it does get a little borning doing that. I also referee once a week, and walk 45 minutes a day Monday to Firday for work. So have the fitness going up, just need to stay fit.

 

Seems like there are a few cyclists, perhaps we could get a few of us together to do a ride for our own charities at some point. Maybe get a page set up in general sport? Only thing I am going to do for charity at the moment, as love cycling and have the bug.

 

We have plenty of Suder cream in the house as we have a 5 month old ;-)

 

Thanks again for the input and reading this page.

[trousers]

Thanks for your input. I am trying to get the balance, as I know a lot of it is in the head. People that do these things, say they they take yoga to get the head straight, and it is a case of positive thinking. Also you need a little fitness. I am not scared of doing it, and if anything think I will, but having never done this before there is the unknown.

 

Thanks again, loads of energy drinks will be taken along with the tablets you can get.

 

My pleasure sir. Donation just submitted. Good luck

[trousers]

Seems like there are a few cyclists, perhaps we could get a few of us together to do a ride for our own charities at some point.

 

I would be up for that. I don't do enough of this kinda thing and got a real buzz out of my charity cycle challenge a couple of years ago (both from a personal achievement perspective and the relatively small contribution one was able to make to the chosen charity). Count me in.

[Minty]

Good work Dr Who?, I shall sponsor too shortly.

 

As for advice, looks like you've got plenty of it already which covers most of the things I would say, so I won't bore you with too much myself.

 

Make sure all your training rides are done with as much of the same kit/clothing as you'l wear on the day, and if you're planning on changing anything about your bike, do it as soon as possible. I made the big mistake of adding toe clips not long before the ride and it completely changed my riding style so much that I got a major knee injury and it nearly killed the whole thing. That was probably more of an issue over a longer period but is still valid.

 

If you start to struggle on sections, set short, visual targets... challenge yourself to get to the church in the distance, or the traffic lights, or whatever you can see. Forget about the total distance, just focus on the next bit.

 

With hills (or any time that you find it challenging) try and get into a smooth rhythm. Sounds obvious but so many riders are inefficient because they are moving around the road or have their whole upper body moving around, wasting energy. Find your comfortable position (aerobars may help) and focus on only moving your legs... keep your head, arms and upper body still. Don't try and accelerate on a hill... you're not doing a time trial. Find a comfortable gear and speed and stick to it. If you need to go at a different speed to Mrs DW? then do so... it is better for her too... if she's anything like Mrs Minty, she might feel added pressure of needing to keep up with you, or feel like she's holding you back. There are times it's good to ride together, but sometimes you may need to split for a bit.

 

Someone else already mentioned food and stopping. Just eat little and often, doesn't have to be gel packs or 'pro' stuff... Hobnob flapjacks did the job for us quite well for many days! But don't wait until you can feel it... it's too late. Eat little and often throughout your training rides as well as on the day, so your body is used to it.

 

The only thing I would probably add is: Don't forget to enjoy it!

 

Yes it may well be tough, but training will take care of most of that. The positive attitude will get you through the rest.

[Dr Who?]

Good work Dr Who?, I shall sponsor too shortly.

 

As for advice, looks like you've got plenty of it already which covers most of the things I would say, so I won't bore you with too much myself.

 

Make sure all your training rides are done with as much of the same kit/clothing as you'l wear on the day, and if you're planning on changing anything about your bike, do it as soon as possible. I made the big mistake of adding toe clips not long before the ride and it completely changed my riding style so much that I got a major knee injury and it nearly killed the whole thing. That was probably more of an issue over a longer period but is still valid.

 

If you start to struggle on sections, set short, visual targets... challenge yourself to get to the church in the distance, or the traffic lights, or whatever you can see. Forget about the total distance, just focus on the next bit.

 

With hills (or any time that you find it challenging) try and get into a smooth rhythm. Sounds obvious but so many riders are inefficient because they are moving around the road or have their whole upper body moving around, wasting energy. Find your comfortable position (aerobars may help) and focus on only moving your legs... keep your head, arms and upper body still. Don't try and accelerate on a hill... you're not doing a time trial. Find a comfortable gear and speed and stick to it. If you need to go at a different speed to Mrs DW? then do so... it is better for her too... if she's anything like Mrs Minty, she might feel added pressure of needing to keep up with you, or feel like she's holding you back. There are times it's good to ride together, but sometimes you may need to split for a bit.

 

Someone else already mentioned food and stopping. Just eat little and often, doesn't have to be gel packs or 'pro' stuff... Hobnob flapjacks did the job for us quite well for many days! But don't wait until you can feel it... it's too late. Eat little and often throughout your training rides as well as on the day, so your body is used to it.

 

The only thing I would probably add is: Don't forget to enjoy it!

 

Yes it may well be tough, but training will take care of most of that. The positive attitude will get you through the rest.

 

Cheers Minty, as I have said many times before, will take as much advice on board as possible! You also reminded me to get my seat height adjusted as it is to low. But never thought this would be a problem, but of course it will change my riding style and the whole shape of the body and muscles I use.

 

Will start to take on energy foods small and often now, as before was just taking them when I feel a little tired, which at the moment is about 12 mile mark. With regards to the next points I do that at the moment. If a hill comes up I tend to get a good rhythm and stick to it, and do not look up the hill but more down at the road. Seems to work.

 

Me and my wife want to do this as much as possible together, but did discuss earlier today that if we are on a hill then I will go on and then slow so she can catch up. I do not think I will stop completely though. I think the main thing is that we do it together most of the way, but as we said, it will be nice to go over the finish line together.

 

Cheers again, and I am really happy with the kind words of advice and support on here.

 

Kev & Liz

[Dr Who?]

I would be up for that. I don't do enough of this kinda thing and got a real buzz out of my charity cycle challenge a couple of years ago (both from a personal achievement perspective and the relatively small contribution one was able to make to the chosen charity). Count me in.

 

I just think it would be really good to all meet for a cycle for charity. Ok we all live in different parts of the country, but we could all meet for the big day, or some could meet would live near each other for training. Would be a great network of cyclists and Saints fans. On the day or week or whatever we choose to do we could have a few beers at the end and talk......well Saints.

[Turkish]

How come none of you lot sponsored SRS when he ran the same distance Dr Who is cycling?

[mcjwills]

Doctor a good training ride prior to the day would be a trip round the Isle of Wight some good hills up and down and a reasonable distance and quite a pleasant ride. Was done by my old local pub as a charity event for quite a few years.

[Dr Who?]

How come none of you lot sponsored SRS when he ran the same distance Dr Who is cycling?

 

How do you know they did not. Now that is some run. If I had seen it I would have sponsored him.

[Dr Who?]

Doctor a good training ride prior to the day would be a trip round the Isle of Wight some good hills up and down and a reasonable distance and quite a pleasant ride. Was done by my old local pub as a charity event for quite a few years.

 

That is a good shout, might look into some cycle rides in the area. Of course we will have to drive down to Southampton, but can dump the 3 kids off with my sister.

[Turkish]

How do you know they did not. Now that is some run. If I had seen it I would have sponsored him.

 

Not many did and most post on the UI.

 

http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/showthread.php?37972-Stu-Romsey-Saint

 

Anyway, good on you Dr Who, I didn't think you'd have the minerals to do something like that.

[Dr Who?]

Not many did and most post on the UI.

 

http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/showthread.php?37972-Stu-Romsey-Saint

 

Anyway, good on you Dr Who, I didn't think you'd have the minerals to do something like that.

 

Oh ok, strange. Yes I was training for the London marathon 2 years ago and broke down with knee problems, so fingers crossed this time. Enjoy cycling more and look forward to doing more in the future, and hopefully with people on here.

 

Fancy it?

[Turkish]

Oh ok, strange. Yes I was training for the London marathon 2 years ago and broke down with knee problems, so fingers crossed this time. Enjoy cycling more and look forward to doing more in the future, and hopefully with people on here.

 

Fancy it?

 

No.

[Nutwood2]

Hey. Good for you, Dr Who. I managed to do it 25 years ago on a boneshaker with three gears and with zero training. not suggesting you should do that (my circumstances were unusual!) However, you will absolutely love it. You'll just get taken along in the flow of the hundreds and thousands of bikes and great support from one to another. Try to avoid speeding too fast downhill. there were some mega pileups amongst those who thought they were in the 'Tour'....went down like a pack of dominoes and, unless you're megafit, don't try to ride up Ditchling Beacon......we need all the support we can get next season so make sure you're there! Anyway, the very best of luck and I'll make a donation shortly.

[Dr Who?]

Hey. Good for you, Dr Who. I managed to do it 25 years ago on a boneshaker with three gears and with zero training. not suggesting you should do that (my circumstances were unusual!) However, you will absolutely love it. You'll just get taken along in the flow of the hundreds and thousands of bikes and great support from one to another. Try to avoid speeding too fast downhill. there were some mega pileups amongst those who thought they were in the 'Tour'....went down like a pack of dominoes and, unless you're megafit, don't try to ride up Ditchling Beacon......we need all the support we can get next season so make sure you're there! Anyway, the very best of luck and I'll make a donation shortly.

 

3 gears and a bone shaker! That sounds nuts. I plan to take my time and steer clear of the back of other bikes. I am intrigued by you unusual circumstances? Did you have super powers?

 

Even if I do not make it, I will at least have seen Saints for a month in the premier league.

 

Thanks for the kind words.

[Dr Who?]

Just completed a nice Sunday morning 20 mile ride which covered 3 counties. Was happy that it was completed in less than 2 hours, which put us in the 10-12mph rather than the 8-10mph than we were before. At the half way point we were at 11.5mph, but had to tackle 4 quite meaty hills and a chain getting stuck.

 

Have the gel cycling shorts and seat cover, and the cycling gloves, and all carried out with Saints shorts and the 125 year saints sash shirt. Which in a strange way seems to drive me on, soi do not think I will be getting a proper cycling top.

 

Things I learnt today today. Wear sun glasses, as you get hit by insects quite often, and also to cycle with your mouth closed.

 

Onwards and upwards, and I feel good.

[Dr Who?]

Anyone think it is worth getting a cycling top? Is there any real benefit from this compared to a Saints shirt for example.

 

I am not going to buy cycling shoes, sticking to my AstroTurf trainers as they have great grip on the peddles.

[Dr Who?]

Here is our blog.

 

http://simcycling.blogspot.co.uk/

 

Thanks for reading.

[dune]

How come none of you lot sponsored SRS when he ran the same distance Dr Who is cycling?

 

SWF posters go very quiet they have to put their hands in their pockets.

[dune]

Good on you. I shall donate when I'm paid in a few weeks.

 

Did you ever get round to sponsoring Stu or are you full of sh/t?

 

Fair play to him. Met Stu at Bompey away and come across a good lad. Good story and wish him well on his run. That'll take some doing! I'm absolutely skint at the mo but will donate after if I can once I have been paid.

[Dr Who?]

SWF posters go very quiet they have to put their hands in their pockets.

 

Do be fair I have said the same thing in the past and 4 times out of 5 I will get round/have the money to sponsor, but sometimes I just do not have the money.

 

I am after advice, and hopefully to build up a network of Saints fans that have an interest in cycling, more than expecting people to sponsor me. Don't get me wrong if they do put their hands in their pockets, that would be fantastic.

 

Let's hope in the future we will have a group of Saints fans who have a just giving page as a group rather than individuals.

[Winnersaint]

Just completed a nice Sunday morning 20 mile ride which covered 3 counties. Was happy that it was completed in less than 2 hours, which put us in the 10-12mph rather than the 8-10mph than we were before. At the half way point we were at 11.5mph, but had to tackle 4 quite meaty hills and a chain getting stuck.

 

Have the gel cycling shorts and seat cover, and the cycling gloves, and all carried out with Saints shorts and the 125 year saints sash shirt. Which in a strange way seems to drive me on, soi do not think I will be getting a proper cycling top.

 

Things I learnt today today. Wear sun glasses, as you get hit by insects quite often, and also to cycle with your mouth closed.

 

Onwards and upwards, and I feel good.

 

Good on yer! Sounds like a Sunday morning well spent, and clear signs of improvement. Less than 3 years ago I abandoned the gym and started cycling to work and around locality on MTB. Got hooked and got first road bike on Cyclescheme in August 2010. Now commute on that and have a carbon fibre N+1 (N = the number of bikes you already own). I can't think of anything I have ever down sporting wise that has given me as much satisfaction. I am in my mid-fifties and am still improving 51 miles this a.m. in 3hrs. I have no doubt that you and Mrs Dr Who will nail the L2B. Happy to help with any advice. Donation made. BTW on that score I can't think of a more worthy charity. As someone who works with young people in the mainstream Secondary School sector all too often I end up working with students whose behaviours track back to having witnessed or been directly involved in traumatic events. When you scratch the surface of so called normality it never ceases to amaze me how many badly behaved kids have grown up in an environment where domestic violence or serious mental health problems are the norm. Anything that can help break the mould, because guess what. these things have a habit of perpetuating from one generation to the next.

[Huffton]

Anyone think it is worth getting a cycling top? Is there any real benefit from this compared to a Saints shirt for example.

 

I am not going to buy cycling shoes, sticking to my AstroTurf trainers as they have great grip on the peddles.

 

If its a hot day, then yes. Cycling tops are made of material designed to wick sweat away from the body far better than footy shirts. They also have pockets for carrying extra food, and a rain jacket for the UK! Also on a long ride, 3 hrs plus, you may find a footy shirt starts to rub and make you sore, a cycling top won't do this.

 

As for shoes, do you use toe clips? Again on longer rides you will probably find cycling shoes an advantage, but they're not cheap especially when you add a set of pedals, probably only worth doing if your going to carry on cycling

[Winnersaint]

If its a hot day, then yes. Cycling tops are made of material designed to wick sweat away from the body far better than footy shirts. They also have pockets for carrying extra food, and a rain jacket for the UK! Also on a long ride, 3 hrs plus, you may find a footy shirt starts to rub and make you sore, a cycling top won't do this.

 

As for shoes, do you use toe clips? Again on longer rides you will probably find cycling shoes an advantage, but they're not cheap especially when you add a set of pedals, probably only worth doing if your going to carry on cycling

 

Concur with this. Check out these.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/?r=1058 (Skatesmouth based I know)

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Categories.aspx?CategoryID=1534

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/road-light-clothing-helmets-clothing-footwear-sports.html

Toe clips will be a big help especially if you wear trainers. The alternative is to go clipless ie you have cleats on cycle shoes which click into the pedal and release by twisting your heel rather like a ski-binding. As Huffton says shoes not cheap, but IMO they really do make a difference., possibly for the future?

[Dr Who?]

Good on yer! Sounds like a Sunday morning well spent, and clear signs of improvement. Less than 3 years ago I abandoned the gym and started cycling to work and around locality on MTB. Got hooked and got first road bike on Cyclescheme in August 2010. Now commute on that and have a carbon fibre N+1 (N = the number of bikes you already own). I can't think of anything I have ever down sporting wise that has given me as much satisfaction. I am in my mid-fifties and am still improving 51 miles this a.m. in 3hrs. I have no doubt that you and Mrs Dr Who will nail the L2B. Happy to help with any advice. Donation made. BTW on that score I can't think of a more worthy charity. As someone who works with young people in the mainstream Secondary School sector all too often I end up working with students whose behaviours track back to having witnessed or been directly involved in traumoatic events. When you scratch the surface of so called normality it never ceases to amaze me how many badly behaved kids have grown up in an environment where domestic violence or serious mental health problems are the norm. Anything that can help break the mould, because guess what. these things have a habit of perpetuating from one generation to the next.

 

Hi winnersaint. I have to say I have felt good all day after this mornings ride, be doing odd jobs around the house, when I would normally be sat around all day.

 

Well my goodness 51 miles in 3 hours, that is some going! Used to cycle everywhere, to and from work, and just for fun, then 11 years ago I learnt how to drive ditched the bike. Worst move ever. Went from 11.5 stone to within 6 years. I like you tried the gym, but did not like or enjoy it, but now back on the bike it seems like I have wasted 11 years, as it is something that me and my wife enjoy hugely. We plan to push on after this but we will see how this goes first.

 

I wanted a charity that was not a huge player in the market, but one that I feel the money could help make an instant impact. My wife is also a secondary school teacher, and spends most her time with behaviour management, which is just as big a part of teaching than the, well teaching. Some of the bad behaviour comes from traumatic events in their life. I would like to think that all the money we get for this event, which will hopefully be the £500 target will help make a difference.

 

We are trying to think of a few fund raising events in the local area that could go towards this fund.

 

Thanks again for reading this tread, and thank you for your donation We really do appreciate it so much!

[Dr Who?]

If its a hot day, then yes. Cycling tops are made of material designed to wick sweat away from the body far better than footy shirts. They also have pockets for carrying extra food, and a rain jacket for the UK! Also on a long ride, 3 hrs plus, you may find a footy shirt starts to rub and make you sore, a cycling top won't do this.

 

As for shoes, do you use toe clips? Again on longer rides you will probably find cycling shoes an advantage, but they're not cheap especially when you add a set of pedals, probably only worth doing if your going to carry on cycling

 

Thanks Huffton. I think I will wear my Saints shorts, but invest in a cycling top, as they do sound good, and would be worth while.

 

I will leave the cycling shoes for now and stick to my trainers for this one. I do not have toe clips, just normal peddles, but we plan to cycle as much as possible after this, so again is something we will look into later on. I am sure we will continue to buy equiptment as we go along, and be fully kitted out in a few years.

[BadgerBadger]

Cycling shoes and cleats do take a bit of getting use to but once you do it makes such a difference.

As for the saddle, big comfy saddles rarely help, just look at the tour de france saddles

 

Cycling glasses are a must, don't spend loads on them I use the Bolle saftey glasses for a few quid off ebay.

 

Energy bars do work but mix them up with normal food (museli bars, bananas). Recovery drinks also work a treat for straight after the ride.

[Dr Who?]

Cycling shoes and cleats do take a bit of getting use to but once you do it makes such a difference.

As for the saddle, big comfy saddles rarely help, just look at the tour de france saddles

 

Cycling glasses are a must, don't spend loads on them I use the Bolle saftey glasses for a few quid off ebay.

 

Energy bars do work but mix them up with normal food (museli bars, bananas). Recovery drinks also work a treat for straight after the ride.

 

I will look into the cycling shoes after this event, if we complete it with success.

I am finiding that the saddle does make a difference, I have a gel seat and shorts, and they are working really well, and I was finding this the most pain during cycling. Found I was using more energy standing up and shifting around in the seat.

 

Just purchased some cycling glasses, picked them up for a tenner, reduced from £47.

 

Still looking into all the food on the day, I think like you say mixing bars with other food. Will set off after weetabix, and maybe have some pasta in a small bowl for a bit later on and a lighter lunch.

 

Really looking forward to it, and the training is going well at the moment making progress from 12 miles to 20 in a week, and feeling good the morning after.... well apart from work.

[Dr Who?]

Concur with this. Check out these.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/?r=1058 (Skatesmouth based I know)

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Categories.aspx?CategoryID=1534

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/road-light-clothing-helmets-clothing-footwear-sports.html

Toe clips will be a big help especially if you wear trainers. The alternative is to go clipless ie you have cleats on cycle shoes which click into the pedal and release by twisting your heel rather like a ski-binding. As Huffton says shoes not cheap, but IMO they really do make a difference., possibly for the future?

 

Just had my tenn cycling jersey delivered and I was so surprised how light it was! You can tell it is going to make a difference. Hoping to have my sunglasses by the weekend.

 

All kitted out for the next 13 weeks!

[Junction 9]

Dr Who, don't take this the wrong way but I do feel from the tone of your posts that you are over estimating this ride a little.

I have done the L to B five times. On four of those occasions the last time I had ridden a bike when waiting at the start line, was at the finishing line the year before. I did no training whatsoever and still found the whole thing enjoyable and easily achievable.

I also stopped at burger vans along the way when feeling peckish, look out for the cricket ground about halfway through the ride on the right hand side, as they do a cracking sausage sandwhich.

As I said, I'm not knocking your preparations at all, just trying to convey the fact that this is not the London marathon but much much easier.

[Dr Who?]

Dr Who, don't take this the wrong way but I do feel from the tone of your posts that you are over estimating this ride a little.

I have done the L to B five times. On four of those occasions the last time I had ridden a bike when waiting at the start line, was at the finishing line the year before. I did no training whatsoever and still found the whole thing enjoyable and easily achievable.

I also stopped at burger vans along the way when feeling peckish, look out for the cricket ground about halfway through the ride on the right hand side, as they do a cracking sausage sandwhich.

As I said, I'm not knocking your preparations at all, just trying to convey the fact that this is not the London marathon but much much easier.

 

I think the differnce for this first time is that the last time I rode a bike was about 6 years ago and that was only to the station 5 minutes away. Before that it was 1997! I have no idea what shape you are in? I was 15 stone 12 two and half weeks ago, now bang on 15 stone aiming for 13 stone. I think it is just as much about having a goal, get in shape and lose weight, build up fitness, and do something good for charity. Also will nearly be 38 on the day of the ride.

 

This will also lead on to much longer rides, France, Belgium, Holland, and the London to Paris. I have not ruled out the Marathon, if only I could find a way of enjoying it.

 

the one thing I do not want to do is not enough preperation, and I am only follwing the taining guide sent out to us. Will not be eating to much on the day more energy snacks. You are right, I do think it will be rather straight forward, but do not want to leave anything to chance and if in better shape all the better! I have never done anything like this before and as you say it is important that you enjoy it. I can already feel the difference in my fitness and I feel good.

 

Thanks for the input, and maybe after doing it once then I will return for all the grub on the way.

[notnowcato]

I did the South Downs Randonee 2 years ago from Winchester to Eastbourne - bloody great fun.

 

Advice I would offer:

- strength and conditioning training helped me immensely - kettlebells, circuit training etc Get your glutes and back as strong as you can.

- train in all weather conditions, I was fortunate to have a dry day and a westerly behind me on the day itself but it could have been a whole lot worse.

- flapjacks, jelly beans and water

 

Good luck, I'll stick some money in the pot before the ride.