First Sportive :-/

[Stu Smith]

Thinking about entering my first sportive, I have visons of everybody being super fit cyclist and then me...
I'm wondering is there a mixture of ability's and ages ??

 

[Hacienda71]

Don't worry there are all ages and abilities on most sportives.

 

[compo]

That is what Sportifs are for. They extract lot's of cash off pretty average riders with delusions of grandeur that they are racing cyclists. Some are, and pretty sharp too, but many riders are just your average ride round the course for a good cause types, and good luck to them.

 

[PK99]

Thinking about entering my first sportive, I have visons of everybody being super fit cyclist and then me...
I'm wondering is there a mixture of ability's and ages ??

everything from 8stone whippets on 6 ounce bikes to fat gits on mtbs - at least that applies to the ones i've entered on my fully mudguarded tricross

 

[derrick]

You won't be last if that's what your worried about. there was a 67 year old women on the first one i did, had a little chat then was on my way, shared some jelly babies with a couple of young girls who were struggling a bit, and saw a nine year old and his dad along the way.

 

[Stu Smith]

Thanks... Didn't want to turn up and be way out of my depth.

 

[Banjo]

On some sportives they have different length rides on the same day. The fittest tend to do the longer rides. At the end of the day it isnt a race so ride how you like and enjoy it.

 

[DCLane]

All ages, all types. I'd suggest pick one and consider the miles you can do if there are several types.

Which one are you thinking of doing? There may be some of us already signed up or considering it.

 

[Stu Smith]

All ages, all types. I'd suggest pick one and consider the miles you can do if there are several types.

Which one are you thinking of doing? There may be some of us already signed up or considering it.

I'm thinking of doing the King of the Pennines.There are two routes 101mile and 48 mile both sound very demanding,I'll plumb for the 48 mile I think..Also being in August it gives me time to get some miles in my legs..

 

[oldfatfool]

Thinking about entering my first sportive, I have visons of everybody being super fit cyclist and then me...
I'm wondering is there a mixture of ability's and ages ??

The last Evans event I did (with DC) had more folks leaving £3~£4k bikes lying about than enough. I think we where expecting to get left standing but as it happened it was a definite case of all the gear

I'm thinking of doing the King of the Pennines.There are two routes 101mile and 48 mile both sound very demanding,I'll plumb for the 48 mile I think..Also being in August it gives me time to get some miles in my legs..

Might join you but will see how I feel on the day regards route selection.

 

[the_mikey]

No need to generalise about sportive riders, there are many different shapes, sizes and levels of fitness riding around. I remember being highly anxious about my first sportive, best thing I did was stop worrying and just enjoy it, it doesn't even matter if I push the bike up the hills or stop to enjoy the view or recover, I've never been anywhere near last!

 

[Stu Smith]

No need to generalise about sportive riders, there are many different shapes, sizes and levels of fitness riding around. I remember being highly anxious about my first sportive, best thing I did was stop worrying and just enjoy it, it doesn't even matter if I push the bike up the hills or stop to enjoy the view or recover, I've never been anywhere near last!

It sounds like the same mix of people who enter the marathons I've done, all shapes all sizes..Never gonna win one, but never gonna come last..( He says with a nervous smile..)

What would you think the cycling equivalent mileage is to equal the effort taken to run a marathon ??

 

[Hacienda71]

Flat 200k, hilly 100 miles. Tbh opinions vary wildly as cycling is less jarring so although the aerobic fitness may overlap the punishment to the body is far less severe.

 

[Wild Rover]

There's always the option of a short audax - they tend to be a bit friendlier and more laid-back than sportives (and a darned sign less money to enter as well).

 

[Payneys]

Couldn't be any worse than my first ..... Got bike serviced before hand ... They messed with the front derailleur chain came off every hill ... Got lost so missed any chance of timing and had set myself for a bronze medal time .... Got a puncture first one I ever had whilst out ( honestly) ... No spare ... Ended up doing 45 miles instead of the 38 short route I was supposed to be doing ..... Can't wait for another one ! I will be better prepared . Was also worried abut abilities and to my surprise I was actually overtaking people !! Marvelous !!! never happens on a weekend ......