fresh 'n' low peddle for scotland

[jnrmczip]

So I've been having a look at some events and I see the fresh 'n' low peddle for Scotland is happening soon. It's a 49 mile journey between Glasgow and Edinburgh. I do think I could do this ride but have a few questions?
1 how hilly is the route
2 has anyone ever done this event and can tell me about their experience
3 anyone have any advice on this event
4 is anyone on here taking part this year

Thanks in advance.

 

[stuee147]

theres lots of info about routs and how to prepare on this site http://www.pedalforscotland.org/home.aspx
also if you use google maps you should be able to find out how hilly the rout is. i like the look of the 9 mile family ride thats more my sort of ride lol

 

[Telemark]

There are also quite a few old threads from previous years' Pedal for Scotland rides on here - just search CC, or click on this link
Plenty of CCers have done PfS

T

 

[snorri]

I've done it several times, but did not find it hilly. If concerned about your ability to complete you could opt for an early start, that would give you loads of time to complete the route before dark(I joke). Just pace yourself, don't go rushing off at the start and burn up after a couple of miles.
There are refreshment stops along the way, I suggest you take a break at each of them even if not tired or hungry. You will find yourself being overtaken by some wannabe racers in lycra, but don't worry, it's not a race and you in turn will overtake others.
On some narrower sections where the route uses paths I felt uncomfortably crowded with inexperienced riders in close proximity. If you fear being knocked off or jostled just get off and walk.
You will find yourself swept along with encouragement and banter from the others which takes your mind off the distance to be covered.
Go for it, it's fun!

 

[jim55]

There's only two hills really, easily doable, if u can get a bita space and don't have people stopping right in front of u ul b fine, more like a few steady inclines through Airdrie / Coatbridge and rolling countryside .
If ur doing it don't stop and get snagged up at the feed stations, too many people and queues

 

[jnrmczip]

I've done it several times, but did not find it hilly. If concerned about your ability to complete you could opt for an early start, that would give you loads of time to complete the route before dark(I joke). Just pace yourself, don't go rushing off at the start and burn up after a couple of miles.
There are refreshment stops along the way, I suggest you take a break at each of them even if not tired or hungry. You will find yourself being overtaken by some wannabe racers in lycra, but don't worry, it's not a race and you in turn will overtake others.
On some narrower sections where the route uses paths I felt uncomfortably crowded with inexperienced riders in close proximity. If you fear being knocked off or jostled just get off and walk.
You will find yourself swept along with encouragement and banter from the others which takes your mind off the distance to be covered.
Go for it, it's fun!

Not to concerned about my ability to do it just wondered if there were any killer hills I should watch out for and save my energy for. I am going to enter and hopefully get an early start time. Head off and get back early . I comfortably done 20 miles at the weekend with some hills involved so figure I could do the 49 ill try 30 miles this weekend and see how I am with that. But I do like a challenge so will define try enter.

 

[jnrmczip]

There's only two hills really, easily doable, if u can get a bita space and don't have people stopping right in front of u ul b fine, more like a few steady inclines through Airdrie / Coatbridge and rolling countryside .
If ur doing it don't stop and get snagged up at the feed stations, too many people and queues

I don't intend to stop much ill take my own supply of water and food . Going to try get a good time then try get better for the following year.

 

[jim55]

The two hills I remember are loch end rd in easterhouse leading to that park in Coatbridge , and when u come out feed station in avonbridge , I had to walk avonbridge last time as I had people stop in front of me and I couldn't get enough run up to get clipped in again ,you will get a lot of very inexperienced and people who don't cycle regularly and wobble/go really slow/ fall off / gen make u fall off ( well I did lol)

 

[jnrmczip]

The two hills I remember are loch end rd in easterhouse leading to that park in Coatbridge , and when u come out feed station in avonbridge , I had to walk avonbridge last time as I had people stop in front of me and I couldn't get enough run up to get clipped in again ,you will get a lot of very inexperienced and people who don't cycle regularly and wobble/go really slow/ fall off / gen make u fall off ( well I did lol)

I am new to cycling but don't think I'm to bad as I do comte to work every day so gain some experience fast as I'm on busy roads and have quite a hilly route home. Thanks for the advice I will be careful and watch out for other bikers who aren't as confident as myself.

 

[mvteng]

I don't intend to stop much ill take my own supply of water and food . Going to try get a good time then try get better for the following year.

Its so busy, that getting a good time will be difficult. At many places theres so many cycles on the road, you simply can't go fast. Better to just enjoy it as a good day out. As you get nearer Edinburgh, the cyclists thin out at places, but its much more of a fun run than a race.

Theres plenty of free water at the stops along with bananas / cakes etc