Do I or don't I???

[hobbitonabike]

Months ago I signed up for a sportive. It is 72.6km and is 1222m of climbing. Had a practise run of the route a few weeks ago and I really struggled to the point that I didn't get round the whole route. Last week I did my first ever 100 miler which was about 900m of climbing and I was struggling by the end but managed it. Question is...sportive is tomorrow...do I suffer through it knowing I will hold the people I would ride with up just for the sake of doing it or do I stay at home and be pain and mental torture free lol. Half of me wants to do it but the other half just says...naaaahhhh. I haven't done enough climbing this year and don't know if I want to put myself through it for the sake of it. Can anyone give me some rational advice because my brain has given up on me!!! I need a electronic slap!

 

[screenman]

Go ride it, being in a group will make it easier. If you feel you are holding people up send them on ahead.

 

[hobbitonabike]

Thanks Screenman. The girls I ride with are fab but are bloody stubborn and refuse to leave me! (Me being slow is a regular thing) which while I know is lovely of them can tend to make me feel worse! Good god the human psyche is a complicated bastard!!!

 

[13 rider]

Go for it . just ride at your pace . Others will understand just tell them to press on and you will probably tag on to a group at your pace .

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

I'd say go for it. If you've got the stamina to manage 100 miles, doing a hilly 45 miles (72.6km) should be just as achievable.

Contrary to what a lot of people think, a sportive isn't a race so you can take your time a little. I'll bet you won't be the last round the course though.

I'd hope your riding buddies would be understanding enough to stick with you and share the thrill of completing the course.

Electronic slap coming up :

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0GW0Vnr9Yc

 

[13 rider]

I have been it the other position in riding with a slower rider I had no issue waiting the breaks are nice the guy like you felt guilty about holding me up no matter how much I reassured him . If your friends are fine about don't fret just ride at your pace don't feel guilty . Its surprising what pleasure you get helping slower less expeienced rider complete challenges

 

[alicat]

Go for it. You have done a much longer ride since with nearly as much climbing. Everyone else will be secretly grateful they are not the slowest in the group so they will cut you some slack.

 

[Cuchilo]

Thanks Screenman. The girls I ride with are fab but are bloody stubborn and refuse to leave me! (Me being slow is a regular thing) which while I know is lovely of them can tend to make me feel worse! Good god the human psyche is a complicated bastard!!!

I used to think like that and faster riders ( friends) would always wait for me rather than go ahead . Now i'm a little faster i find it no issue at all waiting for a slower rider or hanging back to talk someone up a hill .
If they want to crack on they will . If they want to wait for you they will so don't worry about it and enjoy the day tomorrow

 

[buggi]

It always better to regret the things you did rather than the things you didn't.

 

[Smokin Joe]

Do it.

You'll be fine and I guarantee you won't be the slowest or anywhere near that.

 

[hobbitonabike]

Do it.

You'll be fine and I guarantee you won't be the slowest or anywhere near that.

If I go I may hold you to that lol

 

[Cuchilo]

If I go I may hold you to that lol

If ? Just get your bike and kit ready now . Then you're ready to go in the morning .

 

[hobbitonabike]

If ? Just get your bike and kit ready now . Then you're ready to go in the morning .

About to snuggle in with the kids to watch a film. Think it will be a last minute get up and go 'v' this bed is nice and warm lol

 

[Ian H]

You've done the training. The actual ride will be easier than you think.

 

[stoatsngroats]

If you don't go, what was the point in the first place! GO!