London to Brighton cycle ride

[badgerx16]

 

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

 

Not really the case, the basic components are the same for a road bike as for a hybrid - there are plenty of acceptable bikes in the £500 to £700 range that are fine if you don't fall into the 'serious biker' bracket ( as my wife calls it ), especially if you look for last year's models in sales. Once you get above that range the bikes are lighter, ( mainly due to the use of carbon fibre and composites in the frame and fittings ), and will have more expensive groupsets ( the gears and drive train ), but unless / until you are a good enough rider to do them justice you probably don't need the increase in 'agility' at speed, or the ability to descend at 40 mph.

As Sandwich says above, the main difference is in the basic configuration, road bikes are simply far more efficient on tarmac. Also, as recommended elsewhere on the forum, do not scrimp on the padded shorts, you are going to be on the bike for anything up to 5 hours a day.

[Dr Who?]

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.

 

 

 

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.

 

Yes that is serious mileage, a road bike is the way to go without a doubt! I am looking to do the odd charity ride but only around 50 miles a day, and more family cycling, and off road, so the mountain bike is good for me ATM.

Edited 14 July, 2012 by Dr Who?

[Winnersaint]

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!

Try these or go have a look at bike shops in your area.

http://www.hargrovescycles.co.uk

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/road-time-trial-bikes/

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Categories.aspx?CategoryID=1996

in that £500 -£1000 price range you'll be looking at a good quality aluminium frame, carbon forks with alloy steerer, and a spec level that varies with price. If you're looking at Shimano equipped bikes its Sora, Tiagra, 105 groupsets in that order. With SRAM its likely to be Apex and Rival and Campagnolo Veloce. Where the manufactures are most likely to cut corners is on wheels and tyres, although not all and that is where the biggest gain can be gained as far as upgrades are concerned. Although bikes will be around the 9 kilo mark most of us would be better off shedding a couple of pounds off ourselves rather than looking at anything lighter at the outset. One of the advantages of a road bike is the fact that you have different hand positions unlike a hybrid. On the hoods, on the tops of the bars and on the drops. That has an effect on hands arms, shoulders and your upper body in general, being able to shift everything around on long rides is essential. If your budget doesn't extend that far then these always seem to get good reviews.

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-3-id_8167038.html

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-5-id_8167039.html

[Dr Who?]

Today we did a 27 mile ride, which is the longest so far on our training. For once the rain was not tripping at down!

 

Good route and it would be even better if the app would email me the link so I could put the routes on here.

[Dr Who?]

And as if by magic....

 

.....here is today's route.

 

https://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/824c/8038/fa1e/970c/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20120715-0937.kml#bmb=1

[Dr Who?]

Just a reminder of why we are doing this training and the London to Brighton ride.

 

The charity

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

 

Here is our blog to how things are going.

http://simcycling.blogspot.co.uk/search?updated-min=2012-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&updated-max=2013-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&max-results=14

 

Please give as much or as little as you can, as it really does keep us motivated to see us getting closer to our £500 target.

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

[BlakeySFC]

And as if by magic....

 

.....here is today's route.

 

https://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/824c/8038/fa1e/970c/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20120715-0937.kml#bmb=1

 

Been reading your blog with interest in recent weeks, as the training regime I'm undertaking in a few weeks time is similar (for the first 16 weeks anyway), will try and donate in the next couple of days.

 

Try these or go have a look at bike shops in your area.

http://www.hargrovescycles.co.uk

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/road-time-trial-bikes/

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Categories.aspx?CategoryID=1996

in that £500 -£1000 price range you'll be looking at a good quality aluminium frame, carbon forks with alloy steerer, and a spec level that varies with price. If you're looking at Shimano equipped bikes its Sora, Tiagra, 105 groupsets in that order. With SRAM its likely to be Apex and Rival and Campagnolo Veloce. Where the manufactures are most likely to cut corners is on wheels and tyres, although not all and that is where the biggest gain can be gained as far as upgrades are concerned. Although bikes will be around the 9 kilo mark most of us would be better off shedding a couple of pounds off ourselves rather than looking at anything lighter at the outset. One of the advantages of a road bike is the fact that you have different hand positions unlike a hybrid. On the hoods, on the tops of the bars and on the drops. That has an effect on hands arms, shoulders and your upper body in general, being able to shift everything around on long rides is essential. If your budget doesn't extend that far then these always seem to get good reviews.

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-3-id_8167038.html

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-5-id_8167039.html

 

Thanks for the advice, I have a budget of upto £600, so should get something relatively decent for that. Current possible choices are the Giant Defy 4 Compact, Giant Defy 5 Compact, Giant Defy 5 triple, Specialized Allez, Specialized Allez Triple or the Norco Valence A3 Triple.

 

Finding it hard to get reviews for bikes unlike films/games/cars etc. so hard to get definitive opinions on which bikes best for me as a novice, and new to road bikes altogether.

[buctootim]

I have a budget of upto £600, so should get something relatively decent for that. Current possible choices are the Giant Defy 4 Compact, Giant Defy 5 Compact, Giant Defy 5 triple, Specialized Allez, Specialized Allez Triple or the Norco Valence A3 Triple.

 

Finding it hard to get reviews for bikes unlike films/games/cars etc. so hard to get definitive opinions on which bikes best for me as a novice, and new to road bikes altogether.

 

Cant give you expert advice as Im pretty much a novice too - but have bought three bikes from these people and they are good - service, range and price.

http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/

[BlakeySFC]

Cant give you expert advice as Im pretty much a novice too - but have bought three bikes from these people and they are good - service, range and price.

http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/

 

Thanks

[Special K]

http://www.pedalon.co.uk/acatalog/index.html

 

Is also worth looking at. Based in Tadley, they have always had decent deals on.

[Dr Who?]

Been reading your blog with interest in recent weeks, as the training regime I'm undertaking in a few weeks time is similar (for the first 16 weeks anyway), will try and donate in the next couple of days.

 

 

 

Thanks for the advice, I have a budget of upto £600, so should get something relatively decent for that. Current possible choices are the Giant Defy 4 Compact, Giant Defy 5 Compact, Giant Defy 5 triple, Specialized Allez, Specialized Allez Triple or the Norco Valence A3 Triple.

 

Finding it hard to get reviews for bikes unlike films/games/cars etc. so hard to get definitive opinions on which bikes best for me as a novice, and new to road bikes altogether.

 

Cheers BlakeySFC... every penny helps in what is a great cause. Our training has come of the tracks a little, but it all depends on childcare in the week and on the Sunday how long we can do.

[badgerx16]

Thanks for the advice, I have a budget of upto £600, so should get something relatively decent for that. Current possible choices are the Giant Defy 4 Compact, Giant Defy 5 Compact, Giant Defy 5 triple, Specialized Allez, Specialized Allez Triple or the Norco Valence A3 Triple.

 

Finding it hard to get reviews for bikes unlike films/games/cars etc. so hard to get definitive opinions on which bikes best for me as a novice, and new to road bikes altogether.

 

Triples are best suited when going up hills, they tend to have an easier bottom gear than compacts, though there is slightly more overlap of gears between the three drive cog options - on a 9 speed cassette you in theory get 3*9 gears, but in practice it's more like 17 or 18 different ratios. If you aren't doing a lot of hills, you probably wouldn't use the smallest drive option, though a beginner might find it easier to start with. The Specs are easier to ride, imo, as their geometry provides a slightly more upright riding position. ( I went for a Spec as I have some slight 'issues' with my lower back ).

Best thing to do is to go to an LBS ( Local Bike Shop ) and ask for a test ride. Any half decent one will oblige. They will also ensure you get the correct size frame.

[BlakeySFC]

Triples are best suited when going up hills, they tend to have an easier bottom gear than compacts, though there is slightly more overlap of gears between the three drive cog options - on a 9 speed cassette you in theory get 3*9 gears, but in practice it's more like 17 or 18 different ratios. If you aren't doing a lot of hills, you probably wouldn't use the smallest drive option, though a beginner might find it easier to start with. The Specs are easier to ride, imo, as their geometry provides a slightly more upright riding position. ( I went for a Spec as I have some slight 'issues' with my lower back ).

Best thing to do is to go to an LBS ( Local Bike Shop ) and ask for a test ride. Any half decent one will oblige. They will also ensure you get the correct size frame.

 

Thanks again, I didn't know any of that before.

 

Anyone have any advice on SPD Shoes/Pedals, will I benefit from having the added grip on the pedals with them on my long cycle ride, or will traditional 'strap-in' pedals suffice?

[badgerx16]

Thanks again, I didn't know any of that before.

 

Anyone have any advice on SPD Shoes/Pedals, will I benefit from having the added grip on the pedals with them on my long cycle ride, or will traditional 'strap-in' pedals suffice?

 

Purely a personal thing, I use toe straps, but I wear a pair of PUMA trainers that are as near as you can get to cycling shoes without cleats - close fitting and low, firm, flat sole, and with the straps pulled tight. 'Serious' bikers ( as my wife terms them ) will say that they use cleats to ensure they get 100% of their effort put into the 'stroke', but I still can still outclimb riders with cleats. Ultimately it's your choice.

[Winnersaint]

I concur to some extent with what Badger says, although I've not ridden a Spesh road bike. The Giant Defy has a relaxed more upright geometry than most which as he says is a bonus if you have lower back problems. In reality most bikes in this price range are probably aimed at the less experienced/newbie/ or Sportive rider and so tend not to have a more racier set up. My advice fwiw would be to get fitted at your LBS. Find a bike you are comfortable with rather than being drawn to particular brands

With regards to gears. I have a triple on one bike and a compact double on the other. The three rings on the front of the triple have 50, 39. 30 teeth respectively. On the back is a 9 speed 12-25 cassette. My highest gear is therefore the 50-12 combination and the lowest is 30-25. On the double I've got a ten speed set up. The cassette is a 12-25 but with an extra gear in the middle. The chain rings on the front are have 50 and 34 teeth respectively, my highest gear is the same, but the lowest I've got is a 34-25 compared to the triple. I have to say having that bale out gear on the triple proved to be a godsend on the steeper parts of a sportive I did around West Berks last year. On similar hills on the compact double bike I can get up them, but on the really steep stuff 20% + I find myself thinking about the benefits of having that real bale out gear. If you decide to go for a compact you might look at swapping the cassette at time of purchase to say a 12-27 or 12-29, but the bigger the gap between largest and smallest the more you lose the benefit of a compact set up.

Shoe/pedal wise I went immediately to SPD SL shoes and pedals. Never had any issues apart from the obligatory 'clipless' moment on first outing. I think that the power transfer is more efficient than flat pedals with clips, but it is a matter of personal preference. Some people wouldn't dream of 'clipless' while others wouldn't ride with anything else. I reside in the latter camp.

[Special K]

I concur to some extent with what Badger says, although I've not ridden a Spesh road bike. The Giant Defy has a relaxed more upright geometry than most which as he says is a bonus if you have lower back problems. In reality most bikes in this price range are probably aimed at the less experienced/newbie/ or Sportive rider and so tend not to have a more racier set up. My advice fwiw would be to get fitted at your LBS. Find a bike you are comfortable with rather than being drawn to particular brands

With regards to gears. I have a triple on one bike and a compact double on the other. The three rings on the front of the triple have 50, 39. 30 teeth respectively. On the back is a 9 speed 12-25 cassette. My highest gear is therefore the 50-12 combination and the lowest is 30-25. On the double I've got a ten speed set up. The cassette is a 12-25 but with an extra gear in the middle. The chain rings on the front are have 50 and 34 teeth respectively, my highest gear is the same, but the lowest I've got is a 34-25 compared to the triple. I have to say having that bale out gear on the triple proved to be a godsend on the steeper parts of a sportive I did around West Berks last year. On similar hills on the compact double bike I can get up them, but on the really steep stuff 20% + I find myself thinking about the benefits of having that real bale out gear. If you decide to go for a compact you might look at swapping the cassette at time of purchase to say a 12-27 or 12-29, but the bigger the gap between largest and smallest the more you lose the benefit of a compact set up.

Shoe/pedal wise I went immediately to SPD SL shoes and pedals. Never had any issues apart from the obligatory 'clipless' moment on first outing. I think that the power transfer is more efficient than flat pedals with clips, but it is a matter of personal preference. Some people wouldn't dream of 'clipless' while others wouldn't ride with anything else. I reside in the latter camp.

 

So true. I loved the look of Bianchi bikes and got one a good few years ago, on a whim, but couldn't get on with it at all. Expensive mistake.

[BadgerBadger]

Thanks again, I didn't know any of that before.

 

Anyone have any advice on SPD Shoes/Pedals, will I benefit from having the added grip on the pedals with them on my long cycle ride, or will traditional 'strap-in' pedals suffice?

 

SPD do take some getting used to but personally I think they're worth it. With the cycling shoe having a very firm sole your foot does feel more directly connected to the pedal.

Obviously you'll have to commit to it what with the added cost but perserverance will pay off, took me a while to become fully confident but then I mountain bike more than road and I need to get my foot down more often. You can adjust the tension on the clips so it's extremely easy to pull out of them.

I wouldn't go back to normal pedals personally.

[BlakeySFC]

Again thanks for the advice guys.

 

Think I was erring towards a Specialized (spending a bit more £££'s to get the Secteur or Allez Sport Compact), but from what you've all said I think I'm being taken in by the brand rather than what I'll feel comfortable with.

 

Think I'm gonna go to my LBS at the weekend and just try out some and see how they feel.

Edited 17 July, 2012 by BlakeySFC

[Dr Who?]

Hey BlakeySFC,

 

Thanks for your donation today, really do apprichaite all the support on here, if it is advice or a donation, it all helps to meet our goals, for the cycle ride and for our personal diets. Stuck on 13 stone 13 at the moment, but was 15 stone 13 on May 28th! Less than 2 months ago, and of course it is going to get harder to shift as the cycling gets easier!

 

We have 59 days until the ride and we have raised 37.4% of the £500 needed. So if you can give, then please do. I will not ask anything more from you guys than to meet the target we need. £313.00 to go.

 

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

[Dr Who?]

Both managed to get out today, for a hilly 20 miler, before the babysitting hours were up!

 

Route below.

 

http://share.abvio.com/824c/8038/fa1e/970c/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20120719-1919.kml

[BlakeySFC]

Hey BlakeySFC,

 

Thanks for your donation today, really do apprichaite all the support on here, if it is advice or a donation, it all helps to meet our goals, for the cycle ride and for our personal diets. Stuck on 13 stone 13 at the moment, but was 15 stone 13 on May 28th! Less than 2 months ago, and of course it is going to get harder to shift as the cycling gets easier!

 

We have 59 days until the ride and we have raised 37.4% of the £500 needed. So if you can give, then please do. I will not ask anything more from you guys than to meet the target we need. £313.00 to go.

 

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

 

No problem, happy to do it.

 

Buying my bike this weekend if all goes well so will be starting my training the week beginning the 30th July

[Dr Who?]

Did the same route as my last one. Hilly and went at it with a lot of effort, ans shaved 40 minutes off the day before!

 

Felt really shaky and spaced out though in the evening. Felt much better after eating, but felt so shattered. Think I will go out in the sunshine today and do a slower leisurely ride!

 

 

Finished Cycle: 20 Jul 2012 23:13:27

Route: New Route

Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/824c/8038/fa1e/970c/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20120720-1419.kml

Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/824c/8038/fa1e/970c/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20120720-1419.kml

Ride Time: 1:44:41

Stopped Time: 0:00

Distance: 20.07 miles

Average: 11.50 mph

Fastest Speed: 26.28 mph

Ascent: 911 feet

Descent: 907 feet

Calories: 1314

 

http://www.cyclemeter.com

[Dr Who?]

Well, I took the weekend off from cycling. Felt really drained on Saturday and today I thought I would take the day off.

 

Did spend it cleaning, degreasing and lubing the chain. The bike looks good and should be ready for the sunny part of the training.

 

8 weeks today and we would have completed the cycle!

 

Bring it on!

[Dr Who?]

Here is my short fast cycle this evening! Felt good, after a 3 day break and the cleaning and the re-lubing of the bike meant that the machine ran so smoothly.

 

 

Finished Cycle: 24 Jul 2012 21:04:11

Route: New Route

Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/824c/8038/fa1e/970c/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20120724-1952.kml

Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/824c/8038/fa1e/970c/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20120724-1952.kml

Ride Time: 59:18

Stopped Time: 0:00

Distance: 15.06 miles

Average: 15.24 mph

Fastest Speed: 23.09 mph

Ascent: 111 feet

Descent: 122 feet

Calories: 927

 

http://www.cyclemeter.com

[sandwichsaint]

Here is my short fast cycle this evening! Felt good, after a 3 day break and the cleaning and the re-lubing of the bike meant that the machine ran so smoothly.

 

 

Finished Cycle: 24 Jul 2012 21:04:11

Route: New Route

Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/824c/8038/fa1e/970c/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20120724-1952.kml

Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/824c/8038/fa1e/970c/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20120724-1952.kml

Ride Time: 59:18

Stopped Time: 0:00

Distance: 15.06 miles

Average: 15.24 mph

Fastest Speed: 23.09 mph

Ascent: 111 feet

Descent: 122 feet

Calories: 927

 

http://www.cyclemeter.com

 

Decent effort on a mountain bike: I didn't avg that on my road bike this afternoon though it was 29 degrees full sun and mine does include 1500 feet of vertical, hot + hilly!

 

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/799193 you need to get on this site - ridewithgps.com - it's totally free, just export .gps files from your current app and you can get it all mapped and graphed. It's not helping my cycling but it does give you pretty pictures to look back on.

[Dr Who?]

Well tonight we did a very nice 20 miles.

 

Sunday we are doing 37 miles around Cambridge.

 

Finished Cycle: 26 Jul 2012 21:17:32

Route: New Route

Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/824c/8038/fa1e/970c/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20120726-1917.kml

Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/824c/8038/fa1e/970c/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20120726-1917.kml

Ride Time: 1:49:27

Stopped Time: 0:00

Distance: 20.07 miles

Average: 11.00 mph

Fastest Speed: 24.22 mph

Ascent: 191 feet

Descent: 245 feet

Calories: 1256

 

http://www.cyclemeter.com

[Dr Who?]

Please give if you can.

 

Thanks

 

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

[Dr Who?]

Well beat my time trial of 1 hour 45 in my cycle yesterday. Rest today to watch the cycling, and football, and then back tomorrow for a 37 miler.

 

 

Finished Cycle: 27 Jul 2012 16:56:57

Route: New Route

Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/824c/8038/fa1e/970c/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20120727-1505.kml

Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/824c/8038/fa1e/970c/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20120727-1505.kml

Ride Time: 1:34:21

Stopped Time: 17:12

Distance: 20.13 miles

Average: 12.80 mph

Fastest Speed: 31.65 mph

Ascent: 626 feet

Descent: 677 feet

Calories: 1263

 

http://www.cyclemeter.com

 

 

Please give if you can.

[Dr Who?]

Today was a 35 miler around Cambridge. Was suppose to be 37, but a couple of wrong moves seem to have shortened the ride a little. Found it hard to get into it today!

 

Finished Cycle: 29 Jul 2012 14:13:07

Route: New Route

Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/824c/8038/fa1e/970c/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20120729-1005.kml

Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/824c/8038/fa1e/970c/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20120729-1005.kml

Ride Time: 3:28:54

Stopped Time: 38:14

Distance: 35.03 miles

Average: 10.06 mph

Fastest Speed: 22.60 mph

Ascent: 207 feet

Descent: 229 feet

Calories: 2176

 

http://www.cyclemeter.com

[BadgerBadger]

Blimey it's flat in your neck of the woods

 

I hit some patches in my training where I was in a groove and needed to push on, some high intensity rides really pushed me on.

Get out on a you normal ride but mix it up, pedal like mad for a set period then chill it down rather than your normal set pedalling pattern = sprint, recover, sprint, recover. Hurts like hell but makes a real of a difference.

[Dr Who?]

Blimey it's flat in your neck of the woods

 

I hit some patches in my training where I was in a groove and needed to push on, some high intensity rides really pushed me on.

Get out on a you normal ride but mix it up, pedal like mad for a set period then chill it down rather than your normal set pedalling pattern = sprint, recover, sprint, recover. Hurts like hell but makes a real of a difference.

 

Yeah, we went into Cambridge today, to give the wife knees a bit of a rest. I love the hill ride, that I do on a Friday.

 

Yes mixing it up is good, I tend to pick up a pace and then stick to it, when out on my own. But I cycle WITH my wife as we are in training to do this ride together, so that is what we have signed up to do. My average pace on my own is probably 14/15 MPH now, which is not bad on a mountain bike.

 

After this ride in September,mme and Mrs Dr Who will be going out for more leisurely rides, and I will save the fast paced ones for going out on my own or anyone else who wants to push the limits.

[BlakeySFC]

Just completed Week 1 of my own training schedule.

 

Did 2.2 miles on Monday and 2.2 miles on Tuesday. 3 miles on Wednesday and Thursday and 5.7 miles on Friday. Then today I rounded off the week with a 13.8 mile ride

 

Going well so far, didn't even feel knackered today after my ride so I think that's a good sign for the weeks to come

Edited 29 July, 2012 by BlakeySFC

[Dr Who?]

I decided a few weeks ago to make my Friday ride a time trail ride, and I did my Friday ride today as we are away tomorrow.

 

I have managed to beat my time every week so far. You have to remember, this is a standard mountain bike, and there is huge hill right at the start, which takes it out of you and gives you a slow start.

 

First week - 1 hour 44 mins and 41 seconds

Second week - 1 hour 34 mins and 21 seconds

Third week - 1 hour 27 mins and 06 seconds

 

Finished Cycle: 2 Aug 2012 16:39:25

Route: New Route

Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/824c/8038/fa1e/970c/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20120802-1442.kml

Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/824c/8038/fa1e/970c/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20120802-1442.kml

Ride Time: 1:27:06

Stopped Time: 0:10

Distance: 20.16 miles

Average: 13.89 mph

Fastest Speed: 29.28 mph

Ascent: 684 feet

Descent: 675 feet

Calories: 1241

 

http://www.cyclemeter.com

 

Next month is the London to Brighton so please give if you can, as I am giving my all in training.

 

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

[Dr Who?]

Been away for the weekend, but still managed to take the bikes up to the lakes for a 15 miler, with a hill which was a great challenge.

 

 

Finished Cycle: 4 Aug 2012 15:02:05

Route: New Route

Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/824c/8038/fa1e/970c/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20120804-1307.kml

Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/824c/8038/fa1e/970c/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20120804-1307.kml

Ride Time: 1:32:22

Stopped Time: 20:20

Distance: 15.49 miles

Average: 10.06 mph

Fastest Speed: 21.98 mph

Ascent: 775 feet

Descent: 790 feet

Calories: 964

 

http://www.cyclemeter.com

 

6 weeks to go!

 

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

[Dr Who?]

Just a short one today. A little worried about Mrs Dr Who and her dodgy knees!

 

 

Finished Cycle: 7 Aug 2012 20:30:55

Route: New Route

Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/824c/8038/fa1e/970c/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20120807-1906.kml

Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/824c/8038/fa1e/970c/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20120807-1906.kml

Ride Time: 1:21:46

Stopped Time: 2:48

Distance: 14.57 miles

Average: 10.69 mph

Fastest Speed: 22.10 mph

Ascent: 223 feet

Descent: 187 feet

Calories: 882

 

http://www.cyclemeter.com

 

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

[Huffton]

Just noticed your riding an MTB, what tyres are you using? If your just riding on roads at the moment get a set of road slicks, you won't believe the difference.

[Dr Who?]

Just noticed your riding an MTB, what tyres are you using? If your just riding on roads at the moment get a set of road slicks, you won't believe the difference.

 

Hey Huffton, I will look into this. I do want to do off road and also I am going to see the Olympic mountain bike on Sunday, and I do find it very interesting and more of exciting, but at the moment it is all on road.

 

I will be buying a road bike as will be mixing it up more, but going to look into these tyres.

 

Cheers mate

[Dr Who?]

I have to say I am a little worried about not making the £500 target, and really cannot afford to make up the difference.

 

Please dig deep, and even it you all gave £1 it would help so much.

 

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

 

Cheers fellow Saints!

[Dr Who?]

Hey all, we are still going, and pushing ourselves to the limit.

 

Please give if you can, and if you already have then thank you :-)

 

 

Finished Cycle: 10 Aug 2012 18:01:45

Route: New Route

Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/824c/8038/fa1e/970c/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20120810-1649.kml

Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/824c/8038/fa1e/970c/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20120810-1649.kml

Ride Time: 1:09:53

Stopped Time: 2:35

Distance: 16.02 miles

Average: 13.76 mph

Fastest Speed: 21.68 mph

Ascent: 170 feet

Descent: 143 feet

Calories: 1049

 

http://www.cyclemeter.com

 

Finished Cycle: 11 Aug 2012 18:16:29

Route: New Route

Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/824c/8038/fa1e/970c/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20120811-1707.kml

Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/824c/8038/fa1e/970c/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20120811-1707.kml

Ride Time: 1:06:54

Stopped Time: 1:26

Distance: 16.01 miles

Average: 14.36 mph

Fastest Speed: 22.48 mph

Ascent: 190 feet

Descent: 181 feet

Calories: 1065

 

http://www.cyclemeter.com

 

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

 

Ta

[Dr Who?]

Just the 4 weeks to go now, and this Sunday I have the New Forest Rattlers 47 mile ride around the New Forest before the bike kick off! This will be a huge test to see how close we are to the 54 mile ride at the real event.

 

http://www.newforestrattler.co.uk/node/14

 

We are doing the 46.65 mile one this year, and will aim for the longer one next year.

 

Please donate if you can, as this would give us a fantastic boost for this Sunday and the final push over the next 4 weeks.

 

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

 

Thanks fellow Saints!!

[BlakeySFC]

Just the 4 weeks to go now, and this Sunday I have the New Forest Rattlers 47 mile ride around the New Forest before the bike kick off! This will be a huge test to see how close we are to the 54 mile ride at the real event.

 

http://www.newforestrattler.co.uk/node/14

 

We are doing the 46.65 mile one this year, and will aim for the longer one next year.

 

Please donate if you can, as this would give us a fantastic boost for this Sunday and the final push over the next 4 weeks.

 

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

 

Thanks fellow Saints!!

 

Good to see the training and everything is going well.

 

I'm seriously considering doing a London to Brussels via Amsterdam charity ride in May 2013, the Sponsorship target is pretty high (£1500), I was just wondering, what happens if I don't reach it, would I have to find the rest myself?

[Norm]

Come on you lot! Help Dr Who? reach the target.

[Dr Who?]

Good to see the training and everything is going well.

 

I'm seriously considering doing a London to Brussels via Amsterdam charity ride in May 2013, the Sponsorship target is pretty high (£1500), I was just wondering, what happens if I don't reach it, would I have to find the rest myself?

 

Hi, first of of, good for you. I am thinking of doing the 3 cities holland and Belgium. But do not want to ask for sponsorship all over again! So becomes a bit catch 22.

 

The simple answer is yes you have to make up the difference. With the £500 target, we thought it would be easy to make. But times are hard, and we understand this. You can do other things like quizzes, events, and even a non-school uniform at your local school to raise the funds.

 

After this we are taking the winter off, and then we are going to raise money for our local wildlife park. The reason for this, is that it is great, the staff are friendly and they are funding a hedgehog hospital. They rely on fund raising to keep going, and they really are fantastic.

 

For now though, we should make the £500, and to be honest, this board have been amazing, not with just the donations, but the advice has been second to non. The wife has slicks on her bike now, and someone only mention that a couple of weeks ago.

 

I will sponsor you, because I know how challenging it is.

[Dr Who?]

Good to see the training and everything is going well.

 

I'm seriously considering doing a London to Brussels via Amsterdam charity ride in May 2013, the Sponsorship target is pretty high (£1500), I was just wondering, what happens if I don't reach it, would I have to find the rest myself?

 

Reading you post again, the one you are looking to do is the same and me and Liz, but we are doing it 2014, as we have the local event next year.

[BlakeySFC]

Hi, first of of, good for you. I am thinking of doing the 3 cities holland and Belgium. But do not want to ask for sponsorship all over again! So becomes a bit catch 22.

 

The simple answer is yes you have to make up the difference. With the £500 target, we thought it would be easy to make. But times are hard, and we understand this. You can do other things like quizzes, events, and even a non-school uniform at your local school to raise the funds.

 

After this we are taking the winter off, and then we are going to raise money for our local wildlife park. The reason for this, is that it is great, the staff are friendly and they are funding a hedgehog hospital. They rely on fund raising to keep going, and they really are fantastic.

 

For now though, we should make the £500, and to be honest, this board have been amazing, not with just the donations, but the advice has been second to non. The wife has slicks on her bike now, and someone only mention that a couple of weeks ago.

 

I will sponsor you, because I know how challenging it is.

 

Thanks, I definitely want to do one next year as I want to set myself a challenge to keep me training, motivated and determined to succeed over the Summer months and also give something back to a great cause as I probably haven't given enough to charity's over the years.

 

At the moment it's either the one I mentioned (London to Brussels via Amsterdam) or a D-Day London to Paris via Normandy, both have the same registration amounts attached (£99), they are both the same mileage, but something tells me the London to Brussels will be much flatter than going through Normandy in France!

 

Hopefully I'll finally make a decision over the next couple of weeks of which one to commit to and put the details on here in due course

[Dr Who?]

Well did the New Forest Rattlers ride yesterday 47 miles in 3:47 minutes, and we stopped for 20 minutes! Now this was much better than the 4 and half hours I expected. This means I think I will do the London to Brighton in 4 and a half hours now. I will be happy with this, as was thinking 6 hours. So all going well, and only 4 weeks and it will be all over.

 

 

Finished Cycle: 19 Aug 2012 13:50:35

Route: New Route

Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/824c/8038/fa1e/970c/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20120819-0943.kml

Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/824c/8038/fa1e/970c/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20120819-0943.kml

Ride Time: 3:47:34

Stopped Time: 19:38

Distance: 46.93 miles

Average: 12.37 mph

Fastest Speed: 27.78 mph

Ascent: 1515 feet

Descent: 1535 feet

Calories: 3132

 

http://www.cyclemeter.com

 

Please please please give a pound for each of Saints goals, between now and the 16th! ;-)

 

Cheers to all of you.

 

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

[BadgerBadger]

Nice one, good times considering how hot it was on Sunday and a bit more climbing than your local patch

 

Remember no big rides for the final week and go carb crazy for 3-4 days before hand, works a treat.

[Dr Who?]

Just managed to get a quick one in after work, before it got dark!

 

 

Finished Cycle: 21 Aug 2012 20:01:10

Route: New Route

Google Maps URL: http://maps.google.com/?q=http://share.abvio.com/824c/8038/fa1e/970c/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20120821-1858.kml

Import URL: http://share.abvio.com/824c/8038/fa1e/970c/Cyclemeter-Cycle-20120821-1858.kml

Ride Time: 1:02:07

Stopped Time: 0:00

Distance: 14.72 miles

Average: 14.22 mph

Fastest Speed: 23.71 mph

Ascent: 170 feet

Descent: 158 feet

Calories: 956

 

http://www.cyclemeter.com

[Winnersaint]

Good stuff! Looks like it's all coming together nicely. You should ace L2B.

[Dr Who?]

Taken today off, as I cycled Tuesday and refereed yesterday!

 

Still making it there on the donation front. Now up to £377 out of the £500 required. Please help if you can.

 

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