45 miles and...

[Cyrill666]

... knackered.

I'm planning an 80 mile charity ride between Stockton and Robin Hoods Bay (and back again) for some point next month. Today's ride was just to see if I could manage around half of the route, which I did. There were a few decent climbs though, the biggest couple being 20% and 25% - very interesting on my heavy 17 year old MTB. I managed to average 13.1 overall, which given the distance, terrain and bike, I'm very happy with. Legs were very tired for a couple of hours afterwards mind.

I can't help wondering how different the ride would be on a road bike, it's got to be a little bit easier right? I hope so as I'm looking for a second hand road bike at the moment.

The Lycra also had its fist outing this morning, fortunately I went out at 6 am so nobody was around to offend - ha-ha.

Anyhow, just waffling - thanks for reading

Cheers,
Gary.

 

[Nigelnaturist]

Well done, as for the Lycra no-one gives a fig what you look like on the road (well some might but you ignore them).
On the whole the road bike will be better, though the gearing might leave you wondering how to start with. They are on the whole higher geared. If you are doing 13.1 on a m.t.b. your speeds will be faster, but the hills to start with might be slower, this will be a temporary thing as you get used to higher gearing, then I might be totally wrong and you take to it like a duck to water.
Pop into http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/show-us-your-newbie-progress.110413 if you haven't already its a friendly little sub group.

 

[Gravity Aided]

A Touring bike may suit you better, a bit thinner tires and aren't as sharp a ride as the road bike. Tourers, in my mind, fall between road bikes and mountain bikes, and give you the best of both worlds. They give you a more upright ride, and also a longer wheelbase at the cost of maneuverability and speed, but not very much. If I were going to hug a bike, it would be my Touring Bike.

 

[Saluki]

Well done. You only did a mile less than us and averaged .8mph slower. We were on roadies so you are obviously doing something right
As for the lycra, I have had a few comments from women who should be slapped and from on 35 year old bloke who should have known better (22 stone and v unfit) who I did slap.

 

[SWSteve]

Congrats on wearing lycra! You're becoming a pro!
For the charity ride how many of you are there taking part? This will make a huge difference in terms of support and being able to draft. I don't know how riding a roadie will compare, but I imagine speeds will come up although hills may be more difficult whilst you get used to the gearing. A triple might be worth getting

 

[wisdom]

Well done cyril66.Did a 60 miler myself today.Feel great,knees a little sore though.

 

[Nigelnaturist]

Congrats on wearing lycra! You're becoming a pro!
For the charity ride how many of you are there taking part? This will make a huge difference in terms of support and being able to draft. I don't know how riding a roadie will compare, but I imagine speeds will come up although hills may be more difficult whilst you get used to the gearing. A triple might be worth getting

Best advice ever.

 

[Cyrill666]

Thanks all, as always

The charity ride is just me on my own (well, my dad is coming along on his motor bike to offer support and carry spares - I doubt I'll keep up with him, haha!).

I always intended to try the ride this year anyway. Sadly my sister-in-law died of breast cancer in April so my wife suggested I turn it into something that generates a little cash for Macmillans - and so my solo charity ride was born. If it goes well, I might try to make it an annual event and maybe drag a few others along with me

Thanks,
Gary.

 

[Gravity Aided]

Might drag many along. Knew a fellow in the town north of me whose charity ride is a mass start event, and it's become quite a mass. A couple hundred bicycles going through a town of 650. It just grew that way.

 

[Cyrill666]

OK advice noted, I've just ordered a new Triban 3, hopefully it'll be here by the weekend - exciting stuff!

 

[Cyrill666]

...A triple might be worth getting

Just wanted to pop back and thank you for this particular piece of advice, I bought a Red Triban 3 in the end. Last Sunday I completed an 85 mile ride with lots of climbing - I made very good use of the all the gears - no "walks of shame".

http://www.strava.com/activities/75738419

Thank you