Well the sportive date has come round pretty quick. My first ever sportive on Sunday, Framlingham sunrise. Only doing 60 mile so no issue with distance (being training at 80 mile rides getting ready for the Norwich hundred end of the month) Just wanted to experience a sportive and take in the event rather than be concerned over distance. Not experienced riding in a big group yet so lot to learn.
First ever sportive
- Thread starter Danny B
- Start date
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HertzvanRental
Veteran
Did my first let Sunday- Pilgrims Challenge from Canterbury. Very wet, very windy, but great feeling when it was done! Enjoy your ride, let us know how you get on.
oldroadman
Veteran
- Location
- Ubique
Good luck, remember your manners in a group. NO sudden moves and don't panic in close proximity. Hold your line, getting out of the saddle on a climb keep lots of pressure on the pedals or the bike will "jump" back a little and chances of amicable discussion will be very limited with the person behind you. Once you get through the ride (remember it's absolutely NOT a race), why not find a local club, join, and learn from those in the club how to ride safely in a group before you get involved in another sportive?
HertzvanRental
Veteran
Thank you, young sir, for your words of wisdom and sound advice. Looking forward to the run- I shall take stock afterwards and plan the next step!!
mrbikerboy73
Über Member
- Location
- Worthing, UK
Most riders taking part in a sportive have never ridden in a group, myself included, but it doesn't really matter. A bit of common sense and you'll be fine. Everyone rides at a different pace so unless you're ridding with a bunch of mates, there's not really any group riding as such.
HertzvanRental
Veteran
Totally agree. Did the Tour of the Hopfields today. Great ride, great day but spent 95% of it poodling along on my own!
busman
Senior Member
- Location
- Anglesey, North Wales
Just enjoy the ride and the atmosphere
e-rider
Banned member
- Location
- South West
a sportive is not the place to learn group riding - try a local cycling club for that
I'll also add that riding in a group of 30+ riders with no experience, and with a load of other riders with no experience WILL result in a crash sooner or later
Completed the ride 60 miles in 3hours 26 plus stops. Have to admit I came off once, In a small group of 7 pushing along, the narrow road had grit and sand on the verge and on one corner miss judged my line and got on the sand which pulled me in lucky enough was quick minded to ditch it into the verge which was just long lush grass, rather than try to save it and end up over the road. Soon back up and on way again with no injuries. It knocked my confidence and I took it a bit easier from then on.
Really enjoyed the event and now looking forward to the Norwich hundred at the end of the month.
Really enjoyed the event and now looking forward to the Norwich hundred at the end of the month.
oldroadman
Veteran
- Location
- Ubique
well done for getting round, and learning a valuable lesson, the verge is generally a soft spot to land. just be aware that all kinds of junk can be left there though.
That said, imagine what might have happened in a group of 30+ inexperienced riders, it may well have ended in a different outcome. Take good note of e-rider's post above, comments with which I completely agree. And Hertz Van Rental who called me "young man", if we ever meet you'll be convinced a visit to Specsavers is due!
Keep safe out there and enjoy.
Off for a little potter now
HertzvanRental
Veteran
well done for getting round, and learning a valuable lesson, the verge is generally a soft spot to land. just be aware that all kinds of junk can be left there though.
That said, imagine what might have happened in a group of 30+ inexperienced riders, it may well have ended in a different outcome. Take good note of e-rider's post above, comments with which I completely agree. And Hertz Van Rental who called me "young man", if we ever meet you'll be convinced a visit to Specsavers is due!
Keep safe out there and enjoy.
Off for a little potter now
My dear chap, "young" is an attitude of mind, not an accumulation of year's!
I am happy to report I completed the Norwich Hundred yesterday No mishaps this time. Although wet and windy I managed a respectable time of 6hrs 12 mins on bike and 7hrs 30 mins with stops and puncture repair for cycling buddy. First one under my belt now working towards the tour de broads.
