500 miles in 4 days...

[Heisenberg71]

So the time has finally arrived for the most ridiculous thing I have ever talked myself into. 500 miles in just four days, riding effectively London to Edinburgh. Me and 30 guys from work, supported. We set off Saturday morning.

I am nervous and excited in equal amounts. I've put the extra training in, done the miles in a day needed, just never back-to-back, four times. Great adventure and a great test. Anyone got any top tips for long days in the saddle or back-to-back days?

 

[classic33]

Sounds daft, but take your time.
Assuming 10 hours a day in the saddle, actually moving, its a low average speed.

The boredom can be the worst part on a long ride, coupled with having a daily target to meet.

Any idea of the daily targets & who's setting the pace?

 

[jefmcg]

You've got all the time in the world. Pay attention to any niggles and deal with them. Clean shorts daily. Lots of rests. If you can, ride at your own pace. It's not that far. I've done that distance in 64 hours - mind you, that was doing nothing but eat, sleep, cycle, faff. You'll have time for a relaxing ale at the end of the day, a proper meal, wind down before getting into a proper bed.

30 of you, watching the land change around you. I don't think you'll be bored. I wouldn't be.

 

[Heisenberg71]

Good advice, thank you. The stops are scheduled and planned for every c40 miles. I like to stop when I like to stop. 95% of my riding is on my own, so I am used to pleasing myself. Quite selfishly. Pleasing other people might be my challenge. I think the average pace is about 15mph, so quickish but manageable.

In training I have found comfort and calories the two biggest issues. I have worked out my positioning on the bike, to the MM and am now very happy with it. Keeping fuelled up is the other challenge. However being supported means plenty of food on the bus for topping up the pockets.

With 30 blokes, how do you do your own pace without finding yourself isolated battling the wind and losing the benefit of hiding in the group?

 

[rugby bloke]

Not got too much experience, so I'll just wish you all the best, sounds like it will be a great adventure.

 

[PeteXXX]

15 mph over 125 miles sounds quite fast to me if you're going to be doing that for four consecutive days. Personally I would think of a slower pace. 13 to 13.5 maybe. There won't be a huge difference in riding times.
Diet will be important as well.
Good luck!

 

[rugby bloke]

15 mph over 125 miles sounds quite fast to me if you're going to be doing that for four consecutive days. Personally I would think of a slower pace. 13 to 13.5 maybe. There won't be a huge difference in riding times.
Diet will be important as well.
Good luck!

I'd agree that 15 mph is pretty rapid for such an extended time. Has this been your training speed ?

 

[Dogtrousers]

In answer to your last question, you'll find that you end up in a small group of riders of your speed. The 30 riders are very unlikely to stick together.

And given a choice, choose a slower group. Don't be suckered into going faster than you really want, or into any of the competitiveness that just might arise when 30 blokes get together. You may end up suffering the next day.

Double check that the support vehicle has a really good spread of tools and spares. If you have some esoteric kit like an 11 speed DI2, then be sure they have appropriate spares like a spare battery* and an 11 speed quick link.

* Or whatever. I don't actually know anything about DI2. This is just a for-instance.

 

[nickyboy]

What's your route?

As you know, 15mph on a long, hilly route is extremely challenging. 15mph somewhere flattish isn't difficult if you're in a group and all taking turns. In fact on a flattish route 13mph is a doddle if reasonably well trained

 

[dodgy]

Hopefully the group will split, the problem with riding in large groups, when one gets a mechanical/puncture, you ALL get the problem (effectively).

 

[jefmcg]

I don't think you'll be bored. I wouldn't be.

I take it back. 500 miles in a chain gang? I'd go mad with boredom.

 

[Heisenberg71]

Thanks for all the constructive builds guys. If I 'quote' you all this will be three pages long. However, yes 15mph sounds a high average but we have been doing that as a group. It's a challenging pace over that distance but do-able in a disciplined group. I think we may find three groups, fast, average and slightly slower. I'd be average I think. There are some fit and younger lads with us. However I'm holding my own on Strava so optimistic of being distinctly average.

The course is flattish. Effectively London to Edinburgh. We set off from Dartford to Lutterworth, then to Leeds, Newcastle and finally Edinburgh. The route has not sought out any hills or challenging climbs. However there are some lumpier sections. It's a long way when you think about the daily distance. Day 1 is 144 miles! Then up at 5.30 next morning, on the bike for 07.00 and off we go again, and again, and again.

Nervous and excited in equal amounts...

 

[Dogtrousers]

Good luck. Have fun and let us know how it goes.

 

[jay clock]

• Clean shorts every day
• Draft where you can
• Try and crack more than 50% of the day's miles before lunch so you are not staring into a 70 mile afternoon

 

[Ajax Bay]

Anyone got any top tips for long days in the saddle or back-to-back days?

Sudocreme with the fresh shorts.
Factor 30 if you're lucky with the weather.
Change hand positions regularly.
Keep the cadence up.
Drink a bit more than thirst dictates and regularly.
Eat and then eat some more.
With every pint of beer, have a pint of water with High5 'Zero' tabs in.
If full baths are available, have one; and take ten minutes to stretch afterwards.
Given you're expecting to ride in a small group and therefore benefit from drafting (and vice versa) consider mudguards if the forecast is poor (for those on your wheel, and vice versa).
However bad you feel at the start of Days 2, 3 and 4 (and of course hopefully you'll feel fine), tell yourself you'll feel a lot better after a few miles riding (which will be true).
Arrange a following wind.