Booked my first Sportive...

[Fubar]

I looked at the map but couldn't make much sense of it - going to print it off when back at work! So, erm, how steep is Dukes Pass?

Never done it personally, just know it by, erm reputation.

http://www.owenphilipson.com/blog/2011/05/14/scottish-climbs-dukes-pass/ (I particularly like: "Dukes is a meaty climb that you can really get your teeth into")

As with any sportive just take your time and grind it out - you'll be fine!

 

[Rasmus]

I believe the route does the Dukes pass from the easy (north) side both times. Less strain on the legs, but you'll need to turn around to get the best views!

 

[jefmcg]

I was curious, so I had a look in Strava. This is someone's ride from 2 years ago. Just below the map you can see the graph of the elevation, which should give you some guide.

 

[jefmcg]

You're doing a ride in August, to train for one in July?

I'm confused!

After seeing the route of the sportive, I apologise.

In June I cycled from London to Paris solo, taking the most direct route. This sportive looks much harder. I would use L2P to train for this, rather than the other way around.

 

[Dibs]

I was curious, so I had a look in Strava. This is someone's ride from 2 years ago. Just below the map you can see the graph of the elevation, which should give you some guide.

 

[Fubar]

I always think the elevation profile makes it look much worse than it is - if you haven't done it before go off easy and just aim to finish, you'll be fine.

 

[Nicola10]

I'm going to do this one too, although I'm only doing the 54 mile one, might attempt a longer one in the summer. I'm looking forward to it, give me some motivation to get back out on my bike and hopefully get myself a nice new road bike for my birthday in march

 

[Somebuddy]

I have never tried a sportive before. But I fancy doing so this coming year 2015. But how far can I go. 54 miles or 87. Mmm. I know I can do the mileage, but can I do it in the time limit. I've recently cycled across the states and the longest day was 88 miles. But that may have been a very long day, stopping for long lunches and second breakfasts etc
I have been up the Dukes pass before, and cycled around Loch Katrine and back to Aberfoyle. That was only about 30 miles. I am so tempted to register for this sportive. I'm gonna go for it! ............ Oh what am I doing?

 

[Inthecup]

Dukes pass is a doddle (if riding something with a motor attached)!

 

[MikeW-71]

I am thinking of entering for the 87 miles now.... I need the climb training!

 

[nickyboy]

Unless I am misreading which strava segment "Dukes Pass" is, it seems to be 2.7km at average 4%. There is a short ramp at 13% but that's it.

I shouldn't get too concerned about this. Tailwind would be nice for it though

 

[Dibs]

Unless I am misreading which strava segment "Dukes Pass" is, it seems to be 2.7km at average 4%. There is a short ramp at 13% but that's it.

I shouldn't get too concerned about this. Tailwind would be nice for it though

That doesn't sound too bad... I'm planning a wee day trip up there before the event to take a look. I'm sure I've been over Dukes Pass before on a Motorbike, but clearly I wasn't paying attention to the upslope!

 

[Dark46]

I've booked my 1st Sportive it's Bristol 50 miles on 1st Feb. Slightly nervous

 

[Rasmus]

I've booked my 1st Sportive it's Bristol 50 miles on 1st Feb. Slightly nervous

Depending on how my work commitments end up, I might be at that one, too

 

[Louch]

Last year their was a lot of ice on the route, even in April. I found the medium tough enough. Good luck to you both

@Scoosh, coud this and the other Thread on same event be merged to keep convo together?