Dragon 2011

[koro]

Hi,

I have never ridden a sportive or ridden with more that 3 cyclists. Having started cycling this year, managed to lose 3 stone and get reasonably fit. Just started cycling with mate of mine, who is very fit, from cross country running. We average about 18-19 mph on a 30 - 40 mile ride. I was amazed that we got upto 33 mph on a nice smooth flat carriage way once.

Anyways, we are looking at doing a sportive, fun being the main essence of it all, and seeing if we are can get around ok`ish. We are competitive, old, but competetive.... The Dragon event isn`t that far away from where we are located, would it be a good starter or would you need to build up to this one with other sportives? And if it is ok as a starter which distance would you recomend?

Many Thanks

 

[Banjo]

Hi there. I did my first sportive this year, the Merlin 104 mile one in Carmarthenshire. I think the Dragon has slightly more climbing but is over similar terrain.You are fitter than me by the sound of it and I completed it OK at my own gentle pace.

I have ridden over all the climbs on the dragon during my own rides. None are ridiculuosly steep but they are quite long so get plenty of hill climbing practice in and you will do fine.

I could have opted for the 70 mile version of the Merlin but decided top go for the big one as I work lots of weekends it may be the only one I do this year.

I will be doing the 2011 Dragon if I can get time off or better still if it lands on a rest period.See you ontop of the Rhigos with luck

PS some of us are meeting up in Chepstow on Sat. Oct 9th for a 45 mile ride around the Wye valley if your interersted be great to see you there.

 

[koro]

Hey Thanks Banjo,,,

Reading your posts got me into trying a sportive, I am far from being really fit, just competitevly stubborn...

My riding partner, is a newcomer to cycling and wonders why I am so close to his back wheel up the hills, where he is awesome...lol.

Thanks for the invite, though on that day I am taking my lad to the Monster Trucks in Cardif... it would have been fun, riding with others.

Which distance are you aiming for in the `11 Dragon?

 

[Banjo]

Hey Thanks Banjo,,,

Reading your posts got me into trying a sportive, I am far from being really fit, just competitevly stubborn...

My riding partner, is a newcomer to cycling and wonders why I am so close to his back wheel up the hills, where he is awesome...lol.

Thanks for the invite, though on that day I am taking my lad to the Monster Trucks in Cardif... it would have been fun, riding with others.

Which distance are you aiming for in the `11 Dragon?

I think the Dragon options are 130km and 190km probably the 130 will be enough for me.
Not 100% decided yet though.Do you know if the route is going to be the same as this years?

Just back from a ride into Cardiff over the barrage and back.Great day for it loads of bikes out.

If you keep an eye on the informal South Wales rides thread maybe you will be able to do another one. At the moment it seems to be that a different person picks the route each time which is good.

CC informal South Wales Rides

 

[koro]

I think the Dragon options are 130km and 190km probably the 130 will be enough for me.
Not 100% decided yet though.Do you know if the route is going to be the same as this years?

Just back from a ride into Cardiff over the barrage and back.Great day for it loads of bikes out.

If you keep an eye on the informal South Wales rides thread maybe you will be able to do another one. At the moment it seems to be that a different person picks the route each time which is good.

CC informal South Wales Rides

Nope not a clue as to which routes are to be used, perhaps I`ll end up doing eeeny meeny mineey mo,,,as to which distance to chose, lol...

Looked at your link I will keep an eye on it, and hopefully come along sometime, cheers.