I was considering entering the Bath 100 (100k) on April 1st 2012 and was really after some advice. I will be riding a Kinesis tk2 and at present average about 20miles per day 6 days a week. I am also a keen runner, usually running twice a week ( less running as I get older) and run a number of races in the years....my next being the Stroud Half in two weeks in which I hope to complete in under 1hr 40mins....I suppose to cycle 100k all I really need to do is get used to longer in the saddle and go for some good Sunday distance runs?
1st 100k...any advice
- Thread starter runner
- Start date
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not that far really, you'll realise that once it's done, usual advice is to ride 60% of the distance prior, you can;t be sure how good your fit to the bike is until you do the distance, what works fine for 10 miles might not for 20 and so on
but good distance to start with, you'll look for longer rides after that until you get borted with the hours involved
but good distance to start with, you'll look for longer rides after that until you get borted with the hours involved
Hacienda71
Mancunian in self imposed exile in leafy Cheshire
- Location
- Wilmslow, Cheshire
Don't go off too fast and you will find you have plenty in the tank at the end. Probably not that disimilair to running over a reasonable distance.
deanE
Senior Member
- Location
- Falmouth, Cornwall
Intending to do my first 100K in a couple of weeks. Started cycling at beginning of July after too many years of sitting on bum; 65 last month. Have cycled 700 miles since July getting out 3 to 4 times a week. done 80K in one go last month so shouldn't be too bad.
ColinJ
Puzzle game procrastinator!
- Location
- Todmorden - Yorks/Lancs border
Keep up your riding through the winter and you'll be fine, provided that you are comfortable enough on your bike to do about 3 times the distance that you are doing now, and make sure that you eat and drink plenty on the day.
I lost nearly all of my fitness in 10 weeks off the bike last winter but went out and did a 57 mile (92 km) forum ride first day back on the bike at the end of January. If I can do that, I don't think you'd have any problem at all riding 100 km in April, as long as you pace yourself sensibly.
I lost nearly all of my fitness in 10 weeks off the bike last winter but went out and did a 57 mile (92 km) forum ride first day back on the bike at the end of January. If I can do that, I don't think you'd have any problem at all riding 100 km in April, as long as you pace yourself sensibly.
Hi runner.
Thanks for posting this, i'm going to have ago at this one myself now, after seeing your post, might not have know otherwise!!
I've just done my first 102km Audax after only riding for 5 months,,and first time out on a road bike too!!
Only thing i can add is to take your time,,don't go shooting off from the start like a rocket. That was the advice i was given, just take your time and ride at your own pace.
I managed it,, and that's from a ex-smoking, lorry driving, completetly unfit and over weight person..
Good luck, might see you there.
Mark.
Thanks for posting this, i'm going to have ago at this one myself now, after seeing your post, might not have know otherwise!!
I've just done my first 102km Audax after only riding for 5 months,,and first time out on a road bike too!!
Only thing i can add is to take your time,,don't go shooting off from the start like a rocket. That was the advice i was given, just take your time and ride at your own pace.
I managed it,, and that's from a ex-smoking, lorry driving, completetly unfit and over weight person..
Good luck, might see you there.
Mark.
ACS
Legendary Member
- Location
- Just below the snow line
One of the concerns I had when I started to ride distance events was getting lost. Take some time before the event to familiarise yourself with the route using the satellite feature on Google maps Pick out some landmarks that you can use to reassure yourself that you are on the correct route especially if the route or the area is new to you.
Arrive a few minutes early and mention to the organiser that its your first event I'm sure he will find someone to keep you right.
Most importantly enjoy yourself, its not a race its a personal challenge.
Arrive a few minutes early and mention to the organiser that its your first event I'm sure he will find someone to keep you right.
Most importantly enjoy yourself, its not a race its a personal challenge.
PpPete
Legendary Member
- Location
- Chandler's Ford
Take it really gently on the hills, spin a much lower gear than you are capable of, that way you will make sure you have plenty "in the tank" for the last few kms.
Some fantastic advice there..thanks guys 
As a runner the best piece of advice I give to anyone trying to complete a long distance for the first time is....start of slow and pace yourself...I will certainly use this advice for my first 100k. I also take note of the need to acquaint myself with the route but I would presume as long as I ride with a group of similar abilities I should not get lost....still preparation and a knowledge of the course will certainly be high up my list or priorities. I think as well I will keep a few gels/serial bars handy....I know only too well what it is like to run low on the tank as I did last week when cycling home....Impressive Waggoner...I think once bitten by the need for a fitenss/fresh air fix, there's no going back! and deanE....what an inspiration 
I sometimes run at my local running club and there is an amazing 70 year old there who can run and compete with the best of us. At present I am commuting on a Giant Defy1 but have just joined the cycle to work scheme at my place of employment and will be riding in a few weeks a Kinesis racelight tk2 built to my spec by the guys at Webbs of Warmley near Bristol....so this will be my steed of choice for the Bath 100k...see you there Mark 
As a runner the best piece of advice I give to anyone trying to complete a long distance for the first time is....start of slow and pace yourself...I will certainly use this advice for my first 100k. I also take note of the need to acquaint myself with the route but I would presume as long as I ride with a group of similar abilities I should not get lost....still preparation and a knowledge of the course will certainly be high up my list or priorities. I think as well I will keep a few gels/serial bars handy....I know only too well what it is like to run low on the tank as I did last week when cycling home....Impressive Waggoner...I think once bitten by the need for a fitenss/fresh air fix, there's no going back! and deanE....what an inspiration I sometimes run at my local running club and there is an amazing 70 year old there who can run and compete with the best of us. At present I am commuting on a Giant Defy1 but have just joined the cycle to work scheme at my place of employment and will be riding in a few weeks a Kinesis racelight tk2 built to my spec by the guys at Webbs of Warmley near Bristol....so this will be my steed of choice for the Bath 100k...see you there Mark
ColinJ
Puzzle game procrastinator!
- Location
- Todmorden - Yorks/Lancs border
That could be a costly presumption!
I've been on audax rides and sportives where large groups of riders went the wrong way, and insisted that they were going the right way even when I pointed out my GPS which had the correct route programmed in! On one ride, a bunch who were clearly fitter than me took an hour to find their way back onto the route and catch me!
ACS
Legendary Member
- Location
- Just below the snow line
As Colin has alluded, its dangerous to assume. Assumption is really the mother of all c0ckups. One visit from the fairy and you could find yourself solo.
I assume that I am going to be riding solo from start to finish no matter the distance and plan accordingly. This means reviewing the route before hand and making mental and sometimes written notes so if I do go 'scenic' I can track back on not loose to much time. By doing this I find I enjoy the ride more, find it less stressful, less time looking at the route sheet more time to enjoy the scenery. If I do find company then it's a bonus
One golden rule which is often cited but forgotten by some is 'never follow the rider in front'. Only did the once he wasn't riding the event he was a roadie out training.
Lastly nobody has mentioned that its highly addictive and make sure your saddle and your backside love each other.
I assume that I am going to be riding solo from start to finish no matter the distance and plan accordingly. This means reviewing the route before hand and making mental and sometimes written notes so if I do go 'scenic' I can track back on not loose to much time. By doing this I find I enjoy the ride more, find it less stressful, less time looking at the route sheet more time to enjoy the scenery. If I do find company then it's a bonus
One golden rule which is often cited but forgotten by some is 'never follow the rider in front'. Only did the once he wasn't riding the event he was a roadie out training.
Lastly nobody has mentioned that its highly addictive and make sure your saddle and your backside love each other.
PpPete
Legendary Member
- Location
- Chandler's Ford
yes - definitely sort out your own navigation....
my first 100k I tagged the wrong group - they were faster than me uphill, so I wore myself out trying to stay with them, then about 30 minutes after I admitted defeat, I overtook them again as they dithered over navigation at the side of the road.
my first 100k I tagged the wrong group - they were faster than me uphill, so I wore myself out trying to stay with them, then about 30 minutes after I admitted defeat, I overtook them again as they dithered over navigation at the side of the road.
