Ambitious ride target

[mk newbie]

Hi,
I am currently in training for a half marathon and I am using cycling as a cross training method to complement my training program. I now also have a bug for cycling. I am planning a ride from my home in Milton Keynes to Mersea Island on the east coast in Essex, some 140km away. Why ? My parents have a holiday home there and it is a pleasant drive via A roads through the countryside. Maybe this is a to ambitious ride but I think it is achievable. I covered 60km in 3 hours on an old Raliegh mountain bike yesterday in 3 hours. Has anyone covered this kind of distance in one ride ? I have studied the route and there are a few elevation changes but mainly it is a downhill ride. I am under equipped at this moment but am looking for advice on what equipment I would need to make this target achievable.

 

[Markymark]

If you can do 60Km, you can probably do 140km but you will need to keep the calories up and the fluid intake up and you may find it very tough. You will possibly find the things that make it tough are not the fitness levels but the saddle sore, neck or blisters on your hands if you're not used to holding position for that long.

So, dress wisely, understand the food and rest stops and you should be ok if you have a good base fitness. I would stop around every 20-25 miles for 10min resdt and food and you'll need to top up your water at least every other stop.

For equipment, spare tube or two, tyre levers, multitool, glasses, 2 x bottles (toppped up with energy powder if you like - this'll help), fully charged phone, cash, map.

 

[mk newbie]

If you can do 60Km, you can probably do 140km but you will need to keep the calories up and the fluid intake up and you may find it very tough. You will possibly find the things that make it tough are not the fitness levels but the saddle sore, neck or blisters on your hands if you're not used to holding position for that long.

So, dress wisely, understand the food and rest stops and you should be ok if you have a good base fitness. I would stop around every 20-25 miles for 10min resdt and food and you'll need to top up your water at least every other stop.

For equipment, spare tube or two, tyre levers, multitool, glasses, 2 x bottles (toppped up with energy powder if you like - this'll help), fully charged phone, cash, map.

Hi,
Thanks for the advice, I struggled yesterday with the fluid intake as I only took 2 litres with me in 27 degree heat. There were no gas stations on route. I had an energy gel before leaving and took one with me but I think I could of easily used a couple more. I am looking at purchasing a road bike and fitting panniers so I can maximise the amount of epuipment I need to take. Work in progress at this moment.

 

[S.Giles]

I'm no marathon runner, but after many years of riding comparatively short distances, I recently started tackling longer rides, ie two 100 mile rides and one 70 mile ride in recent months ('scuse the imperial units!). The first 100 mile ride was hilly, BTW. For want of owning anything better, I use a (non-shock) Carrera mountain bike fitted with 1.5" road tyres, and this works fine (I have often wondered what a proper road bike would do for me, however - maybe one day!).

I wouldn't anticipate you'll have too much of a problem. My advice would be to allow yourself plenty of time to take regular breaks, make sure the saddle is set to the correct height, and take any tools with you that you may require to perform simple maintenance tasks, such as changing an inner tube.

I don't wear dedicated cycling clothing, preferring thick cotton boxers and a pair of jeans (cut down if necessary), although most here will disagree with that practice (maybe with justification, I don't know!).

Good luck!

Steve

 

[Markymark]

Unless you're planning on touring, I wouldn't bother with panniers as it'll add considerable weight. I've done 100+ m with saddlebag and jersey pockets no problem.

I drink roughly a bottle an hour - 2 bottles means I need to top up every 2-3 hours. I use the powder to mix with the water and carry a couple of sachets with me so some bottle are mixed, some are just water. I stop every 90 mins or so for quick food. Flapjacks are your friend but whatever rocks your boat. I prefer sugary stuff. I think those that know recommend 300 calories intake per hour - never bothered counting as I just stick to my 90 min eat rule and it works for me.

FOR SURE if its 27degrees you'll need more fluid.

 

[hatwell]

I'm riding about 130 km on Sat with my previous longest ride being 75 or so. I am a bit nervous but just plan to give myself plenty of time and allow for two decent (20 min or so) rest stops and lots of snacks and water en route.

 

[Gravity Aided]

Not being on an organized ride where you have everybody trying to finish rather at the same time, hence time constraints, I would say take the distance easy, take a lot of rest stops, keep your fluids up, and use some thinner tires for now, so you can make road bike decisions at your leisure. @0-markymark-0 and @S.Giles Offer sound advice. I may hasten to add that a long sleeved white shirt will do well to reflect the sun in such torrid temps. I might opt for padded shorts or undershorts, be kind to your behind. You may want a headband or a cap to keep perspiration out of your eyes, and sunglasses, to keep everything, not just the sun, out of your eyes. A bar bag or saddlebag would not be amiss for carrying snacks, extra water, etc.

 

[morrisman]

I am planning 160km (That's 100 of your English miles) on Saturday weather permitting, it will be achieved on porridge/honey for breakfast, tea and cake around lunch, fish'n'chips when I get home plus Tesco Fig Rolls on the ride. Weak squash in my bottles (2x750ml) which I will top up at the tea stop.
I will have 1 spare tube, tube patches, multitool, cafe lock, waterproofish top in my saddle pack.
Since I'm 61 and a long way from a marathon runner in fitness I guess you will be fine as long as your arse holds out, I shall wear padded lycra as this definitly helps.

 

[BAtoo]

My longest 1-day ride is 170km on a supported ride (see signature), my longest unsupported ride is 115km.
My 2p....
As a one-off ride your ongoing issues will be getting enough energy and fluid into you.
Before riding I'd eat a decent size bowl of porridge and have a coffee or two. For long rides I make sure I drink something every 5 miles - starting at mile 5 - and I start eating at 20 miles and eat something every 10 miles. I'd go for something like bananas, flapjack, fig rolls, and maybe a couple of stops for something a bit more substantial like a roll or cake. I'd go for two water bottles and refill when you buy your cakes/rolls - you can't drink too much!
Good protection from some decent padded shorts and some good gloves are helpful; a good dollop of Sudocream down below helps too.
Two inner-tubes, tyre levers, pump, hex-keys, screwdriver, chain tool, phone, cash and or card, route plan for those at home (in case you ride into a ditch and cant use your phone or be seen) or maybe a live-track app (but they eat batteries).

 

[Ian H]

As it's your first distance ride, keep well within your limits and pump your tyres up hard. You'll be fine. No need to stick to A roads, of course. There may be routes that are quicker by bike. Or you may want to make the distance up to the magic 100 miles.

 

[mk newbie]

My longest 1-day ride is 170km on a supported ride (see signature), my longest unsupported ride is 115km.
My 2p....
As a one-off ride your ongoing issues will be getting enough energy and fluid into you.
Before riding I'd eat a decent size bowl of porridge and have a coffee or two. For long rides I make sure I drink something every 5 miles - starting at mile 5 - and I start eating at 20 miles and eat something every 10 miles. I'd go for something like bananas, flapjack, fig rolls, and maybe a couple of stops for something a bit more substantial like a roll or cake. I'd go for two water bottles and refill when you buy your cakes/rolls - you can't drink too much!
Good protection from some decent padded shorts and some good gloves are helpful; a good dollop of Sudocream down below helps too.
Two inner-tubes, tyre levers, pump, hex-keys, screwdriver, chain tool, phone, cash and or card, route plan for those at home (in case you ride into a ditch and cant use your phone or be seen) or maybe a live-track app (but they eat batteries).

Thanks for the advice,
my wife is talking about driving just up ahead so she can carry any essentials that I may need. I think she is worrying about me !!! but it does make sense so that I don't have to carry too much on board. Still in the early planning stages but thanks a lot.