Cumbrian Christmas Cracker

[got-to-get-fit]

Im doing my first ever sportive on Dec13th.

can anyone tell me how much food to take and what kind...energy shots/bars/drinks

its all new to me!!!!

 

[jamesxyz]

that one's about 60 miles yeah?

depends on your fitness, how long it will take you, what you've had to eat before etc

Well organized sportives will supply you wth more food that you need at lunch stops, usually in the way of bananas, flapjack maybe a sandwich and a chance to fill your bottle (can be water, orange juice or energy drink).

I like to take more than I think I'll need just in case. For that sort of distance I'd have 2 bottles (1.5 l) of drink and probably refill one at the food stop. In addition I'd probably have something to eat every 45 mins or so not necessarily a gel or energy bar (unless there's a big climb ahead), often just banana or small packets of raisins etc. Best to eat little and often.

I alos liek to have plenty of coffee (for caffeine), some energy drink or red bull and a large bowl of porridge beforehand - lots of slow-burning carbs).

Might do that one myself for the free Xmas pudding!!

 

[Spinney]

Two bottles with energy drink in them.

Plenty of snacky things - whatever appeals to you. I like Eccles cakes (the Real Lancashire type - though the pastry makes lots of very messy crumbs!) and chocolate. Some swear by cereal bars, dates, energy gels, flapjack, etc.

(This from a total experience of 1 sportive!). I took stuff in a bar bag, so I could dip in while on the move, but most just shove stuff in the pockets of their cycling jersey.

You can top up with food at the feed station half way through.

(Oh, and stuff yourself with carbs the night before - get that pasta down you!)


It looks a nice ride - without any really evil hills!

 

[Jonathan M]

They have a lunch stop planned in Cartmel, but you'd also be able to fuel up in Coniston, and the return route passes by the Grizedale Forest visitor centre (cafe there) and Ambleside, so other options to refule then as well.


As for hills, if they are taking Redbank out of Grasmere, that is a "nice" climb, and it gets a bit hilly around Cartmel too. Doesn't use any of the big passes, true, but daylight is in short supply on this ride - last years got postponed until february becuase the route was expected to be too icy & therefore dangerous to ride.

 

[Spinney]

They have a lunch stop planned in Cartmel, but you'd also be able to fuel up in Coniston, and the return route passes by the Grizedale Forest visitor centre (cafe there) and Ambleside, so other options to refule then as well.


As for hills, if they are taking Redbank out of Grasmere, that is a "nice" climb, and it gets a bit hilly around Cartmel too. Doesn't use any of the big passes, true, but daylight is in short supply on this ride - last years got postponed until february becuase the route was expected to be too icy & therefore dangerous to ride.

Doesn't it take too much time to go into cafes to refuel? (I'm thinking of queueing up to get served, etc)

 

[Jonathan M]

Not always, and it depends upon how competitive you wish to be. Other shops are around as well, so it needn't be a caff stop, you can just grab fluids & stodge if you want.

While this ride is labelled as a sportive, they do say optional fancy dress, so it doesn't have to be the most serious ride in the world.

 

[PaulSB]

Im doing my first ever sportive on Dec13th./QUOTE]

Can you post a link. I like the sound of this one.

 

[Jonathan M]

http://www.epicevents.org/section.php?xSec=17&xPage=1

 

[got-to-get-fit]

thanks for all the replys guys.

The thing that attracted this one to me as my first sportive is the christmas pudding at the end of the ride. HAHA

I plan to do this one and then register for 4 sportives next year if i like the experience.

I also chose it because it doesnt have any massive hills and 60 mile will stretch me physically but not completely kill me.

Its a lovely area and im from Cumbria originally so i will finish the route and go and visit my mum for some home cooking.

I think i will use 2 bottles - 1 water and 1 energy drink and then stuff my pockets with a couple of bananas and some chocolate and try and have a good breakfast as suggested.

Im really looking forward to it now.

Paul B sorry i didnt post the link ...i have only just revisited and someone beat me to it. Hope you like what you see and i will maybe see you there.

Thanks again guys.

 

[PaulSB]

thanks for all the replys guys.
Paul B sorry i didnt post the link ...i have only just revisited and someone beat me to it. Hope you like what you see and i will maybe see you there.

Thanks again guys.

Don't worry about it. It looks like a nice ride and I shall probably do it but I'm waiting till nearer the time to register. If I do I'll post on here

 

[Badbunny]

Looks like fun and is only down the road for me in sunny Lancashire. It would be my first foray into the organised cycle thingy, but have done a few 10k runs in the past so know I'll enjoy the social side. Don't know how I'd do with 60 miles though only ever ridden 20 in one go

 

[Ceedee]

Im doing my first ever sportive on Dec13th.

can anyone tell me how much food to take and what kind...energy shots/bars/drinks

its all new to me!!!!

Hello, I entered the Cumbrian Christmas Cracker last year which was canceled due to bad weather and ice on the roads, it was rescheduled for the 1st of Feb this year and was a excellent Sportive. Regarding food and drink, I had 8 pints of lager the night before, cereal, toast, tea for breakfast and took 3 gels , 1 bottle of water 1 of energy drink. The food stop was very good, sandwiches, scones, tea, coffee at about 30 miles. The route was changed for Feb and a lot less climbing that the original route.
Just remember to wrap up warm, it was very cold and still ice on the roads.


Hope you enjoy.

 

[got-to-get-fit]

Thats brilliant ...."8 pints of lager the night before" now thats my kind of nutrition

Thanks for the tips