London to Brighton cycle ride

[Dr Who?]

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.

 

Hi notnowcato, thank you for the advice. I was looking at circuits and combat, just because they look fun. Saying that I played 6 a side football for the first time in 6 years today and I was on the scrap heap after about 10 minutes!

 

Now flapjacks have 100% made the list as I love them!

[Dr Who?]

Hi all Did at 12 mile cycle yesterday averaging 13.1 mph. Today going for a slightly slower but hilly route and setting off in about an hour. Then Sunday will be the 20-25 mile ride.

 

This morning got on the scales and it read 14 stone and 13lbs, and to think 3 weeks ago I was 15 stone 12lbs, this is some going, and I am well happy with the progress on and off the bike.

 

Would really recommend my fitness pal, really makes you think of what you are eating, and how you exercise. You can bar code scan in food to get the calory count for the day/week.

 

Well the sun has gone up here, and it looks like my cycle will be in the rain, mrs dr who is currently out and started in the sunshine. Yep the heavens have opened.

 

Check out our bog please. http://simcycling.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/midweek-cycle-ride-number-4-horrible.html

[buctootim]

When i was 12-15 I used to cycle from Weston to HMS Dryad in Portsmouth, carrying fishing gear on an old 3 speed. Days fishing, round trip c34 miles and not think too much about it. Its just a bike ride Dr Who.

[Dr Who?]

I think at that age I used to just run and run everywhere, miles, and you are right cycle without thinking about it. Not quite the same at 37.

 

Same as the football I referee on Wednesday's, there are a young team that just run and run, but the older teams cannot, but does not mean the young team win.

 

I would say up until the age of 25 I used to play football over the sports centre in the hockey goals all day at the weekends from around 10/11am until dark, and then walk 3/4 miles home!

[Dr Who?]

http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/showthread.php?38513-Southampton-fans-cycling

[Dr Who?]

A few that mentioned being interested in cycling on here, I have put a page on the general sport section of the web.

 

http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/showthread.php?38513-Southampton-fans-cycling

 

Just an update, the training is going well, with another 20 mile ride done on Sunday (happy fathers day), just off on a quick 12 mile ride, with a 25 coming up on Sunday this weekend.

 

Have to say I am loving it, apart from the pain in the bum!

 

Please continue to donate and pass this information on as it really does motivate us.

 

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

 

Thanks for reading

[Dr Who?]

Just completed a 26 mile ride this morning. This is 1 mile shy of half of the London to Brighton in September.

 

Today there were very heavy head winds, it does not seem to matter which way you are cycling, it always seems to be head wind. This made the ride very hard, and the 30 minute downpour did not help. Apart from this and the sore bum the rest was fine, and I am feeling good!

 

Please sponsor as much and as little as you can to keep us motivated, as it really was hard work today, and the average speed suffered!

 

Cheers guys and girls.

[Winnersaint]

Great stuff. Can only endorse how problematic the wind was today. Headwind and constant climbing up the A40 today all the way from West Wycombe to Stokenchurch

[Norm]

I'm doing the slightly less taxing Skyride around Southampton with my grandson this coming Sunday. The thought of doing London to Brighton gives me the shivers!

 

Just wanted to bump this to keep it in eyes view. Have you sponsored yet?

[sandwichsaint]

My fairly hilly Sunday afternoon (I'm 50 and carrying a few pounds more than I should be) ... : http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/56ae/824f/4ef2/e642/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20120624-1427.kml

 

Good luck on your L to B, you've given yourself plenty of time to get up to speed/distance; never done it but it looks good.

 

Don't worry about Ditchling Beacon, it's no big deal; do it if you can, if not walk up like 50% of riders will be (friends did it and they couldn't ride up because the hill was clogged with walkers anyway).

 

Anybody going to Boulogne next Tuesday? - TDF stage finish for stage 3.

 

There are six of us going over to Calais early doors for a day of beer and bikes. Calais to Boulogne is approx 32 miles down the coast and quite hilly with several decent lumps of chalk between the two. Could be a tough ride down if this wind keeps up but I'm sure the beer, pain au chocs, baguettes, frites and vin rouge will provide ample compensation.

[Dr Who?]

I'm doing the slightly less taxing Skyride around Southampton with my grandson this coming Sunday. The thought of doing London to Brighton gives me the shivers!

 

Just wanted to bump this to keep it in eyes view. Have you sponsored yet?

 

Well a week on Sunday we are going to do a small cycle around Cambridge. This is an organised event, and my eldest daughter has got into cycling, so she is going to come along. This is more site seeing event then anything.

 

Thinking of starting a Royston cycling club here in my home town, more to do with families than serious stuff, but not got a clue what this would involve and how much of my time.

[Dr Who?]

My fairly hilly Sunday afternoon (I'm 50 and carrying a few pounds more than I should be) ... : http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/56ae/824f/4ef2/e642/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20120624-1427.kml

 

Good luck on your L to B, you've given yourself plenty of time to get up to speed/distance; never done it but it looks good.

 

Don't worry about Ditchling Beacon, it's no big deal; do it if you can, if not walk up like 50% of riders will be (friends did it and they couldn't ride up because the hill was clogged with walkers anyway).

 

Anybody going to Boulogne next Tuesday? - TDF stage finish for stage 3.

 

There are six of us going over to Calais early doors for a day of beer and bikes. Calais to Boulogne is approx 32 miles down the coast and quite hilly with several decent lumps of chalk between the two. Could be a tough ride down if this wind keeps up but I'm sure the beer, pain au chocs, baguettes, frites and vin rouge will provide ample compensation.

 

Yes, we are going to try and cycle up the top of the beacon, as I want to say I cycled the lot! Think I will be going very slow at that point and just taking my time. Training go well, so everything crossed that we can keep it up. Not easy doing 3 x 12 miles and 1 x 30 miles in one week when you have 3 children, with one being a baby. This with working full time and refereeing twice a week, just does not work that well, but we are managing quite well with help from the rents.

 

Your cycle looks a good one, but we tend to do a loop so we end up back at home/start. Have to say we are loving it.

 

TDF I have never got into, just cannot watch cycling, but perhaps we will now we are cycling. Do you do the cycle as well then? Sounds like fun!

 

Well best go and pick daughter one up from guides!!!

[Winnersaint]

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/106104559

My Sunday jaunt this weekend just gone. Cant understand why climb along A40 isn't rated higher by MapMyRide. It climbs at least 8K is around 5-6% and ramps up around 10%. It flattens out into a false flat still climbing before going up again into Stokenchurch. Incidentally if you're ever in the area try the climb out of Watlington up Howe Hill. Nasty false flat gives way to between 3 and 6% before it turns into the Mur d'Oxfordshire. Worth a look on streetview on Google Earth. It just goes up. Possibly the worst minutes spent on a bike. Other gooduns nearby are Holloway Lane out of Turville (Dibley), Rotton Row and the vineyard climb on the opposite side of the Hambleden Valley to Rotton Row. also Icehouse Lane off Henley to Marlow road. Starts off at 1% and just carries on getting steeper with last 200 meters at 20%. All guaranteed to have you blowing heavily out of every orifice.

[Dr Who?]

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/106104559

My Sunday jaunt this weekend just gone. Cant understand why climb along A40 isn't rated higher by MapMyRide. It climbs at least 8K is around 5-6% and ramps up around 10%. It flattens out into a false flat still climbing before going up again into Stokenchurch. Incidentally if you're ever in the area try the climb out of Watlington up Howe Hill. Nasty false flat gives way to between 3 and 6% before it turns into the Mur d'Oxfordshire. Worth a look on streetview on Google Earth. It just goes up. Possibly the worst minutes spent on a bike. Other gooduns nearby are Holloway Lane out of Turville (Dibley), Rotton Row and the vineyard climb on the opposite side of the Hambleden Valley to Rotton Row. also Icehouse Lane off Henley to Marlow road. Starts off at 1% and just carries on getting steeper with last 200 meters at 20%. All guaranteed to have you blowing heavily out of every orifice.

 

Winnersaint, are you completely insane.... all uphill..... stick to up and down, I need the rest at the moment! lol. Hopefully one day I will want to punish myself for fun, but at the moment a 'normal ride' is a big challenge.

[Winnersaint]

My sanity is not in doubt. I frequently ride with my next door neighbour who has twelve years on me, and has been riding for a good few more than the two years I've had a road bike to play with. If I ride with him it's his gig. He's a great super-domestique kind of like Bernie Eisel to my Mark Cavendish. Seriously though I've found the most significant improvements have occurred in my riding through good endurance rides coupled with rides including hills. I have to admit when I get to the serious gradients it can be a challenge, but I harbour ambitions one day before I get too old to ride in the Alps or Pyrenees. This is my motivation to keep trying the hills in and around the Hambleden Valley. It seems your training is going well. Maybe one day there could be a Saints fans raid on Alpe d'Huez now that would be fun! Keep going, it really sounds like you are well on the way to nailing L2B. Above all enjoy it. Last year I completed my first sportive and had a ball over 70 miles. Had a long puncture delay on a crap day and couldn't get below 5 hrs but still got great sense of achievement, especially as the course contained 1500m of climbing.

[badgerx16]

Winnersaint, are you completely insane.... all uphill..... stick to up and down, I need the rest at the moment! lol. Hopefully one day I will want to punish myself for fun, but at the moment a 'normal ride' is a big challenge.

 

If you're mad enough, when you come up here you can try the Bowland Fells : http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/45779252.

 

In a few weeks there's an 'organised' ride around the area called the Bowland Badass; it's only 166 miles, with 18500 feet of climbing - and I am defo NOT participating !

 

Edited 26 June, 2012 by badgerx16

[sandwichsaint]

I can't see either of the rides in 'mapmyride' .... it just goes to your profile ... where are the rides?

 

I've joined this today, totally free, http://www.ridewithgps.com

 

Import a gpx file from the iphone and you get full profile/speed/gradient graphs and superimposed on google maps.

 

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/738471 don't know if this in my area or it's public access?

[badgerx16]

I can't see either of the rides in 'mapmyride' .... it just goes to your profile ... where are the rides?

 

I've joined this today, totally free, www.ridewithgps.com

 

Import a gpx file from the iphone and you get full profile/speed/gradient graphs and superimposed on google maps.

 

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/738471 don't know if this in my area or it's public access?

 

Apologies, I think I had set it to share with 'friends', which means you would need to be registered on MMR and be accepted as such. Try it now. http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/45779252.

[BadgerBadger]

You'll be fine up Ditchling Beacon - I rode the South Downs Way in a day, Winchester to Eastbourne and that's alot of hills and all off road. Max training mileage I did prior to the 100 miler was 65 and the worse bit on the day was 'hitting the wall' around 55-62 miles, after that I was in the groove.

Hope to do it again when I get the time to train and the 200+ miler Winchester-Eastbourne-Winchester in one go is a mission I'd love to have a crack at, some loon did it in 18 hours, took me 11 one way!!

[Dr Who?]

If you're mad enough, when you come up here you can try the Bowland Fells : http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/45779252.

 

In a few weeks there's an 'organised' ride around the area called the Bowland Badass; it's only 166 miles, with 18500 feet of climbing - and I am defo NOT participating !

 

 

Hey BadgerX16,

 

Thank you for your fantastic donation, and it really does keep us motivated, and for 3 weeks it stood still, but the last couple of days have been great.

 

There are some fantastic rides out there that I want to do, but only can do so many. I think the really big climbs are for when I have a road bike, as at the moment only have a mountain bike, as we are only just starting out. But I can see myself challenging myself more and more in the future and all for a good cause.

[Dr Who?]

Also there is a battle going on between my wife's bosrd (which is nicknamed the pink board), but is the old TES teachers and mother board, so women only, and the Saints Board. I think the saints board are winning at the moment, but it is close.

 

So of course I am going to say this, but come on lads don't let the missus win

[sandwichsaint]

My sanity is not in doubt. I frequently ride with my next door neighbour who has twelve years on me, and has been riding for a good few more than the two years I've had a road bike to play with. If I ride with him it's his gig. He's a great super-domestique kind of like Bernie Eisel to my Mark Cavendish. Seriously though I've found the most significant improvements have occurred in my riding through good endurance rides coupled with rides including hills. I have to admit when I get to the serious gradients it can be a challenge, but I harbour ambitions one day before I get too old to ride in the Alps or Pyrenees. This is my motivation to keep trying the hills in and around the Hambleden Valley. It seems your training is going well. Maybe one day there could be a Saints fans raid on Alpe d'Huez now that would be fun! Keep going, it really sounds like you are well on the way to nailing L2B. Above all enjoy it. Last year I completed my first sportive and had a ball over 70 miles. Had a long puncture delay on a crap day and couldn't get below 5 hrs but still got great sense of achievement, especially as the course contained 1500m of climbing.

 

 

This is what an old man looks like on Alpe d'Huez, maybe we can get this Saints-raid going next year? (I can't do anything this year unfortunately).

 

Just joined ridewithgps.com this week and loving what it can do ... totally free to join!

 

The files are slightly corrupted for the bottom km of ADH but you still get the picture! Relentless!!

 

Came down in a group of 4, reckon I could have gone faster on my tod.

 

Isoard was probably the prettiest climb I've ever done, Cas desert is absolutely as weird and wonderful as they say (not helped by them having had a big landslide the day before we were there and half the road having slipped over the edge!)

 

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/741009 Alpe d’Huez ascent

 

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/741010 Alpe d’Huez decent

 

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/741007 I’soard ascent

 

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/741006 I’soard descent

[Dr Who?]

This is what an old man looks like on Alpe d'Huez, maybe we can get this Saints-raid going next year? (I can't do anything this year unfortunately).

 

Just joined ridewithgps.com this week and loving what it can do ... totally free to join!

 

The files are slightly corrupted for the bottom km of ADH but you still get the picture! Relentless!!

 

Came down in a group of 4, reckon I could have gone faster on my tod.

 

Isoard was probably the prettiest climb I've ever done, Cas desert is absolutely as weird and wonderful as they say (not helped by them having had a big landslide the day before we were there and half the road having slipped over the edge!)

 

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/741009 Alpe d’Huez ascent

 

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/741010 Alpe d’Huez decent

 

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/741007 I’soard ascent

 

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/741006 I’soard descent

 

Would be fantastic to get a group of us to do the two of these over a long (blank/international) weekend, or during next summer?

 

They look good, and even though up hill, quite short, and fun on the way down. What is the surface, road or off road?

[Dr Who?]

A few that mentioned being interested in cycling on here, I have put a page on the general sport section of the web. Perhaps we could put this sort of thing in here as well. peoples cycle experiences and routes, along with things we could do with interested Saints fans.

 

http://www.saintsweb.co.uk/showthread.php?38513-Southampton-fans-cycling

 

Not got out on my bike since Sunday, with work and other commitments that means I have been stuck in with the kids or refereeing. But I have been on the stationary bike for 75 minutes on Monday and will be on it again tonight, before a hour (12 miles) on the road tomorrow, ahead of the 30 miles on Sunday.

 

Please continue to donate and pass this information on as it really does motivate us.

 

ALSO remember that we have compitition from my wife and her 'pink board' (mums and teachers) forum. She thinks that she will raise more from her people on there compared to on here! Whoever donates I will buy you a pink when I see you at a game on on a cycle mission!! COYSW!!!!!!

 

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

 

Thanks for reading

Edited 28 June, 2012 by Dr Who?

[badgerx16]

Would be fantastic to get a group of us to do the two of these over a long (blank/international) weekend, or during next summer?

 

They look good, and even though up hill, quite short, and fun on the way down. What is the surface, road or off road?

 

They are paved road, and certainly are good to watch during the TdF, though when you see it like this

 

[Dr Who?]

They are paved road, and certainly are good to watch during the TdF, though when you see it like this

 

 

That makes it look horrible, but still does not look that far. More worries about the breaks failing on the way back down!!

[Winnersaint]

Time for a dedicated TdF thread. Can't start as too tight to pay fiver. Over to a full member.

[Dr Who?]

Anyone got any ideas of how to make the exercise bike more interesting? I did only 45 minutes today, not because I was shattered, but I got bored! Apart from people running past me with scenery, listening to music and watching tv..... Boring.

 

Same again tomorrow as not going to get out until Sunday.

[BadgerBadger]

Anyone got any ideas of how to make the exercise bike more interesting? I did only 45 minutes today, not because I was shattered, but I got bored! Apart from people running past me with scenery, listening to music and watching tv..... Boring.

 

Same again tomorrow as not going to get out until Sunday.

 

Dull aren't they - you're better off doing 10 mins of high energy reps on the excercise bike rather than plodding away for 45 boring minutes

[Dr Who?]

Dull aren't they - you're better off doing 10 mins of high energy reps on the excercise bike rather than plodding away for 45 boring minutes

 

Also easier to fit into an evening.

 

Managed to get out today for an hour, and did a 14 mile spin around my normal route. Head winds again causing problems on the final part of the route. felt good though.

 

Right off to see the Stone Roses in Manchester now, but driving!!

[The9]

Anyone got any ideas of how to make the exercise bike more interesting? I did only 45 minutes today, not because I was shattered, but I got bored! Apart from people running past me with scenery, listening to music and watching tv..... Boring.

 

Same again tomorrow as not going to get out until Sunday.

 

Stick a laptop in front of you playing various tv you want to catch up on. Works for me on the step machine.

[Dr Who?]

Stick a laptop in front of you playing various tv you want to catch up on. Works for me on the step machine.

 

Used to do this, with this very site on match days, during the second half on the bike!

 

We have a tv on the wall and I do watch Spooks at the moment, still a little behind ploughing through series 9.

 

Going to get on the bike for 60 minutes in a minute, as we are having an Indian takeaway tonight! Then tomorrow back out on the road for a 30 miler!

[Dr Who?]

Nice cycle today around Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire today. Seemed a little off the pace with an average of 10 mph. Covered 20 miles and the stopping point was the Jester pub, where we had our anniversary carvery, to celebrate 7 years of marriage. Good day in all, but the legs were aching all through the cycle, think this was down to the gig on Friday and the hour on the exercise bike yesterday.

[BadgerBadger]

Nice cycle today around Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire today. Seemed a little off the pace with an average of 10 mph. Covered 20 miles and the stopping point was the Jester pub, where we had our anniversary carvery, to celebrate 7 years of marriage. Good day in all, but the legs were aching all through the cycle, think this was down to the gig on Friday and the hour on the exercise bike yesterday.

 

Take a rest for 4-5 days and let your body properly recover, you'll be amazed how good you'll feel on your first ride after the break.

[BlakeySFC]

Would love to do it, but my b_ollocks go numb after 10 minutes in the gym, let alone 3/4/5 hours to Brighton!

[Dr Who?]

Would love to do it, but my b_ollocks go numb after 10 minutes in the gym, let alone 3/4/5 hours to Brighton!

 

I have to say after cycling for about an hour I need to stand up cycle for a few minutes, just to get the feeling back in that area. I get pins and needles down there. Still all in a good cause.

 

Cannot believe I am starting week 6 of 16 in my training this week. This means only 10 weeks left until the event. I hope he weather picks up! Taking a break now until Thursday on the advice above. May look to get a massage at some point, just as a treat.

 

Pleae do not forget to give towards this wonderful cause.

 

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

 

I think the ladies 'pink board are winning in donations', Hmmm.

Edited 2 July, 2012 by Dr Who?

[Dr Who?]

Take a rest for 4-5 days and let your body properly recover, you'll be amazed how good you'll feel on your first ride after the break.

 

I am resting, today, Tuesday and Wednesday, and we will get back on the bike on Thursday, Friday and Sunday.

 

Cheers for the advice.

[Dr Who?]

Well I have to say this is the 3rd day without a cycle, and a feel good for it. I do have to say though that I have missed it a lot.

 

Going for a massage this afternoon, and then we will both be back on the road tomorrow evening.

 

Please read the charity page, our blog, and give if you can for what is a really good cause.

 

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

 

http://simcycling.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/midweek-cycle-ride-number-4-horrible.html

 

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

 

 

 

Thanks for reading

[Dr Who?]

It was some wonderful advice to take a few days off from cycling. I took Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday off, and had a massage on Wednesday lunch time which was really good.

 

Yesterday was a fantastic cycle though the back roads in the lovely evening sunshine, felt so much better after the break. Only down side was Mrs Dr Who and her chain coming off and managing to get into a tangle!

 

Cycled 13 miles and it was really easy, I am amazed that 10-15 miles is really stright forward and I am hoping up to 35-40 miles will be easy by the time of the ride, but I am sure at some point we will hit a wall on the day.

 

I am off again for a quick 13 mile cycle, before the great Indian take away night, where we eat what we blinking well like.

 

Cheers

 

Kev

[Winnersaint]

It certainly helps. I had to take all of last week off mainly because we had the dreaded call from OFSTED which knocked commuting out the window. By the weekend I was on my knees. Went out for a short recovery ride on Sunday and commutes have just got quicker and quicker this week. As far as hitting the wall is concerned you should be OK. The key to it is to eat and drink, particularly the latter in the first hour and keep topping up as you go along. Electrolyte drinks should help you both avoid cramp. i have found that if you miss out in the first hour you are more likely to suffer from cramp the further you go. If you have been climbing and then are faced steep short relatively normal ascents that is where it can hit. I am notoriously bad at the drinking thing mainly because I have to slow down somewhat to get the bottles out the cages so only really hydrate when it is convenient to do so. Often that is too late. get two bottle cages for each of you and fill up at feed stations if necessary. Eating wise try out energy bars and gels but I've found Soreen mini malt loaf bars more palatable than either.

[Dr Who?]

Tomorrow I will be doing the below route. This is more a family event, and my 10 year old daughter is doing it. Not the 25 miles we are suppose to be doing.

 

http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/.documentlibrary?get=2289

 

Also looking at doing something to raise money for the local Wild life park, as they rely on this sort of thing. Thinking of doing 100 miles a day for 5 days and staying somewhere over night. In between. Thinking of doing this in October/November. Anyone fancy doing the same for their own charity?

Edited 7 July, 2012 by Dr Who?
Forgot the link.

[Dr Who?]

It was wet today, but a great route around Cambridge....l but boy it was very very very wet.

 

Got my first cycling medal though, next London to Brighton.

[Dr Who?]

Just to bump this up, if you can give please do.

 

Went out this evening in the pouring rain and it was hard going because of the rain, but 15 miles we managed, and felt good. If the sun was out would have been much easier.

 

Not long now until September 16th, and have a 30 mile ride on Sunday.

[Dr Who?]

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

[sandwichsaint]

You been watching that TDF?

 

Still sticking with your thought that Alpe d'Huez 'doesn't look that far'

 

 

Hope the training's going well? Will try and donate before the big day.

[Dr Who?]

Sandwich, I know I saw that as well. Do not think I am ready for that kind of hike just yet!

 

Really does keep us motivated to see the fund money going up, so a little amount would be great.

 

I do have to say that the weather for the training at the moment has been terrible, rain and wind. I think we have only had 3 cycles out of 25 that have been in the sun!!! English summer. I know that we might have to cycle in the rain so does not harm, but what if it is sunny, we need this training as well, as we have had enough rain and wind training!!

 

Weight now at 14 stone 1, and was at the end of May when the training started 15 stone 13. Feeling really good

[BlakeySFC]

Going to get into Cycling myself now.

 

Doing a long cycle ride next July so need to get training.

 

Haven't ridden a bike in 5 years, and never ridden a road bike!

 

Dr Who? Can I ask what kind of bike you have, did you go for a Hybrid or a Road Bike?

[Dr Who?]

I have a standard mountain bike. When we bought the bikes it was for family cycling while on holiday, but then I was emailed about London to Brighton and now it has snowballed and me and the wife love it.

 

Also when I used to cycle it was off road, in woodlands and farmland paths. So the mountain bike made sense. I think mountain bikes are easier on the back, and give you more comfort, but less speed. There is a lot of grip on the wider tyre of the mountain bike, comfortable seats and suspension, better for coming down rough grounds of 'mountains'. The road bike has a slick tyre, not suspension and harsher seats, but designed for speed.

 

Really depends what you want to achieve with the bike. I want my mountain bike and a road bike in the future.

 

My bike cost £480.

[sandwichsaint]

Going to get into Cycling myself now.

 

Doing a long cycle ride next July so need to get training.

 

Haven't ridden a bike in 5 years, and never ridden a road bike!

 

Dr Who? Can I ask what kind of bike you have, did you go for a Hybrid or a Road Bike?

 

If you are doing a 'long ride' you need a road bike - end of.

 

MTBs are enormous fun off road, passable on road, but massively inefficient and 'draggy' on the road.

 

Hybrids are 'OK' - they will get you across tow paths and 'off road' cycle tracks but again are limited on the road.

 

Road bikes are where it's at if you have any presumptions of covering any distance at any sort of speed - lighter, more aero-dynamic, more efficient ratio of power in = power out.

 

If you can get your employer to sign-up for the Bike to Work scheme - bike and accessories are paid for by your employer, employer claims back tax and VAT and you 'buy' the bike back from your employer for 12 monthly payments plus a nominal final payment. You can get c£1000 worth of kit for about 12 payments of £45 ... result!

 

You can buy a perfectly good entry-level road bike for around £500, £1000 will get you something decent (it bloody well ought to!),beyond that the sky's the limit (no pun inended) ..... enjoy!

[BlakeySFC]

I have a standard mountain bike. When we bought the bikes it was for family cycling while on holiday, but then I was emailed about London to Brighton and now it has snowballed and me and the wife love it.

 

Also when I used to cycle it was off road, in woodlands and farmland paths. So the mountain bike made sense. I think mountain bikes are easier on the back, and give you more comfort, but less speed. There is a lot of grip on the wider tyre of the mountain bike, comfortable seats and suspension, better for coming down rough grounds of 'mountains'. The road bike has a slick tyre, not suspension and harsher seats, but designed for speed.

 

Really depends what you want to achieve with the bike. I want my mountain bike and a road bike in the future.

 

My bike cost £480.

 

Thanks for the advice, as I've just sold my mountain bike I think I'm gonna use the cash to get either a hybrid or a road bike (probably a road bike), as I need to cover some serious miles.

 

If you are doing a 'long ride' you need a road bike - end of.

 

MTBs are enormous fun off road, passable on road, but massively inefficient and 'draggy' on the road.

 

Hybrids are 'OK' - they will get you across tow paths and 'off road' cycle tracks but again are limited on the road.

 

Road bikes are where it's at if you have any presumptions of covering any distance at any sort of speed - lighter, more aero-dynamic, more efficient ratio of power in = power out.

 

If you can get your employer to sign-up for the Bike to Work scheme - bike and accessories are paid for by your employer, employer claims back tax and VAT and you 'buy' the bike back from your employer for 12 monthly payments plus a nominal final payment. You can get c£1000 worth of kit for about 12 payments of £45 ... result!

 

You can buy a perfectly good entry-level road bike for around £500, £1000 will get you something decent (it bloody well ought to!),beyond that the sky's the limit (no pun inended) ..... enjoy!

 

Thanks for the advice, I've always thought I'll need a road bike.

 

I went into a cycle shop near me today and the guy in there recommended me a Hybrid but I've always been sceptical. I have to cover 225 miles in 3 days, so I'm sceptical a hybrid will be up to the task.

 

Think a Road bike is the way to go for me, but you get less bang for your buck I suppose.