Advice needed on a BiiiiiiiiiiG ride for a fat man......

[thefett]

Hi Guys,

I've been reading this forum for a few days now and I have really loved some of the threads, a great community I'm now happy to be a part of! Sorry if this is a long post, I want to get all the info out there so you can best advise me

I'm on the verge of signing up for a charity bike ride which takes place over 3 days from the 5th June this year. Day one is 75 Miles most of which up hill (Welsh hills, not your normal ones) Day 2 is a 95 mile coastal route through southern Ireland with day 3 a whopping 110 mile trip around the Welsh coast and back to the starting point. I've been told day 2 and 3 are relatively flat. It's organised by my work and not a race and there is a also a van accompanying for emergencies

Now on to the problem, I'm a bit of a fat bast@rd at 5'10" and 19stone.

I bought a stunning bianchi road bike last year and that has helped me get down from almost 22 stone and before the winter break I was cycling 50 miles in about 4 hours with a few mountains covered. I ached for a day then was fine but my bum took a few days more to recover, I'm using the bianchi saddle that came with the bike. Only started again last week and 20 odd miles is easy enough, heading for a 30+ on way home tonight.

I have time to get out 3 times during the week for 30+ miles and can do a biggy on the weekend.

Am I over reaching attempting this cycle?

I've been reading about building up to your first 100 miler and feel quite confident that if I chose my route right and took my time I could do it within a few weeks but it's the 3 days in a row that worries me. And my arse.

Add to this I'm eating bugger all carbs at the mo to help loose weight but I'm not suffering yet with the 20 miles or so as I'm in ketosis. I'm guessing that will need to change?

Thanks for your patience in reading this and I hope you can help!

 

[srw]

Start eating carbs again - in moderation, and mainly in the morning and during the day. They're essential fuel. Get a Brooks leather saddle to protect your bum - as a larger rider the basic B17 is probably perfect for you. Slather on Sudacrem or similar.

When I was about your current weight I did five or six consecutive days of 30 - 40 miles or so without any pain issues.

 

[Steve H]

Not sure I can provide lots of advice, but just wanted to say "great ambition". What a fantastic challenge. I'm a big guy myself and although I love riding, it can be demoralising getting dropped on the big uphills. Your 3 day challenge ride is extremely impressive (some may say crazy). Best of luck with the training and let us know how things go.

Couple of things for consideration:

1. Comfort. For such a long time in the saddle you have got to get your comfort sorted. Try out lots of saddles. Get a few pairs of good shorts. Shower straight after every ride. Get out regularly to build up you arse without overdoing it and getting saddle sores.
2. Training plan. Get yourself a proper training plan that is suitable for multi day events. If you can afford it, I'd consider getting a personal trainer. They can push you better and help you train in the right 'zones' that will get the best out of every training ride.
3. Train on your own - you can then go at the right intensity. And ride in a group - either mates of a similar level or with a club. This is good for motivation and it is essential you have experience of riding in a pack. This kind of riding is a lot more efficient. You will be able to cover the ground quicker with less effort.

Good luck!

 

[thefett]

Thanks for the quick response Guys.

Regarding the Brooks Saddle, is this the one to go for? It won't look as nice on my lovely Bianchi green bike but no one will notice under my fat arse anyway I don't mind spending more if it makes me more comfortable.

Steve - Crazy is probably putting it lightly! I'll see if I can find a local trainer thx

 

[srw]

Regarding the Brooks Saddle, is this the one to go for? It won't look as nice on my lovely Bianchi green bike but no one will notice under my fat arse anyway I don't mind spending more if it makes me more comfortable.

That's the one. I think they look fantastic on any bike. If you really don't get on with it, you can sell a second-hand one for a high proportion of the original purchase price.

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

Well done on what you've achieved so far!

Yes that's the right saddle, but it's a much better price here.

Simon Doughty's book is highly recommended: it covers all aspects of long distance riding and has several training plans.

I'm no Doctor, but not eating the body's primary fuel source doesn't strike me as a very good idea. Not eating the body's primary fuel source and engaging in exercise strikes me as, how can I put it politely, "irresponsible".

Specific fat burning training while eating a balanced diet would be my choice. For further inspiration and advice, forum member gbb155 is your man.

 

[screenman]

If you get one of them it might not be comfortable by the time the ride comes around. Get measured and buy a saddle that feels good now and does not need breaking in.

Can you do the ride or not depends on how much suffering you can take, the amount of riding before hand and hopefully staying injury free in the mean time.

Best of luck.

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

With respect to Screenman, there is no guarantee that a saddle that is comfortable "now", will be comfortable over 280 miles.

Turn up at any serious long distance cycling event and have a look at what 90% of the riders are perched on.

True some people have to break-in their Brooks, but equally others don't: I put a Brooks on and it was comfortable from the off. It's also true that some people don't have a "Brooks Shaped Arse" (BSA) and are never comfortable.

There is no perfect saddle that is comfortable for everyone, however the evidence of thousands of cyclists over several decades is that the saddle most likely to fit most cyclists over distance is a Brooks; and as has already been pointed out, Brooks hold their value very well: have a look on Ebay.

 

[compo]

You are the same weight and size as me. It would be good to lose some weight but don't do it at the detriment of eating enough to maintain your training. I have just bought a new Trek hybrid and discovered yesterday that the supplied saddle is purgatory when past the 30 miles mark so I am also looking at saddles. I would love a Brooks but don't think I can afford it just now. With the weight you are carrying you may find the Welsh hills a bit of a struggle, but do-able. Just try and get some hill work into your training. The other two days wont be easy, doing that distance back to back. I am training for a 120 mile ride and I do two rides back to back then rest a day. I am gently building up my mileage, but I am only doing one ride whilst you will be doing double what I am doing. Are you over reaching? Really only you can answer that! Good luck with it and I look forward to reading your successful ride report.

 

[thefett]

I knew I came to the right forum

I'll try that saddle, I've read that the honey one breaks in quicker so will trawl google for the best deal. I've also bought that book on ebay

I live in a steep welsh valley so I can't cycle anywhere without at least a 3 mile climb, I have heard that Aberystwyth is a different animal though......

 

[lulubel]

I'm no Doctor, but not eating the body's primary fuel source doesn't strike me as a very good idea. Not eating the body's primary fuel source and engaging in exercise strikes me as, how can I put it politely, "irresponsible".

It would be good to lose some weight but don't do it at the detriment of eating enough to maintain your training.

This is good advice. Losing weight doesn't need to be complicated, especially when you're cycling a lot (although some people seem to like to make it complicated). Just eat a varied diet, with protein, healthy fats, wholegrain carbs, and plenty of fruit and veg, and you'll get all the nutrients you need for cycling. Plus - as long as you don't eat too much of anything - you'll probably lose weight at the same time.

 

[thefett]

This is good advice. Losing weight doesn't need to be complicated, especially when you're cycling a lot (although some people seem to like to make it complicated). Just eat a varied diet, with protein, healthy fats, wholegrain carbs, and plenty of fruit and veg, and you'll get all the nutrients you need for cycling. Plus - as long as you don't eat too much of anything - you'll probably lose weight at the same time.

I have on order for lunch my first carbs in 2 weeks, a chicken pasta salad......my tummy is rumbling in anticipation.

Saddle ordered as well, will keep you all posted!

 

[BrumJim]

When is your ride?

I'd say that it is ambitious. In a good way. If you can slog it out, and take a break afterwards, then its something that you can tell your children/grand children about.

No saddle comments - I'm a relative lightweight.

 

[thefett]

When is your ride?

I'd say that it is ambitious. In a good way. If you can slog it out, and take a break afterwards, then its something that you can tell your children/grand children about.

No saddle comments - I'm a relative lightweight.

7-9th of June, 11 weeks from this Thursday. I'm already thinking of taking the following week off work

 

[pablo666]

Good luck and post how you get on....I commute about 6 miles a day, that's enough for me!!