So I've been invited on a cycling holiday with a large group of friends who are all experienced cyclist, however I only just bought my first road bike. I'm pretty clueless and I don't want to seem like too much of a noob so I've come here for advice instead of them. I need to know what kit I will need to buy and bring for this week long holiday in the French Alps. I'm trying to do it on the cheap but don't know if that is feasible. I already own base layers and a couple of pairs of cycling shorts but that's it.
Going on a cycling holiday- barely any cycling experience
- Thread starter Lugdug
- Start date
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slowmotion
Quite dreadful
- Location
- lost somewhere
The only thing that is absolutely essential for you to take is a bum that isn't going to get sore. That means a comfortable saddle, some good padded shorts/bib longs and some bum cream. If you can do some rides beforehand to toughen it up a bit, so much the better.
A lightweight waterpoof jacket will be useful too. Have a lot of fun.
A lightweight waterpoof jacket will be useful too. Have a lot of fun.
Doobiesis
Über Member
- Location
- Poole Dorset
You're not an experienced cyclist, but you're cycling in the French Alps! Are you mad lol.
I would concentrate on getting some miles in and try and get an idea of what routes these cyclists are intending to go. Before you worry about what to take.
I would concentrate on getting some miles in and try and get an idea of what routes these cyclists are intending to go. Before you worry about what to take.
Sounds like it will be a great trip. I cycled to Paris and have to say I saw some stunning scenery, unfortunately I only spent 2 days there so didn't get to fully appreciate it.
Don't forget the absolute basics, puncture repair kit and pump, it can get pretty remote depending on where you go.
How many miles are you doing a day?
Don't forget the absolute basics, puncture repair kit and pump, it can get pretty remote depending on where you go.
How many miles are you doing a day?
- Location
- Glasgow
Yep, just starting to realise what I have let myself in for. I wouldn't say I'm bad for a relative newby. I live in Perthshire and have managed a couple of 100km rides with 1300m climbs. On strava I usually come about top 20% in terms of speed. I'm a rower so I think that may be slightly beneficial too. Thanks for the advice though. There is one other person with a similar level of experience going so I hope I can target along at the back with him. We are going to be averaging about 90km a day for 7 days, please don't tell me I'm going to die. I think I might need to buy a new bike seat, I don't have the calluses required on my ass and I want to be able to walk at the end of the trip.
I tip my hat to you. Although you sound fit enough I'd be certainly looking at ramping some miles up for the butt before you go and some major hill training for the legs! A descent saddle and bibs/shorts. Fuelling yourself before after and during the rides. Good luck though and what an experience. Look forward to hearing how you get on 
mjr
Comfy armchair to one person & a plank to the next
- Location
- mostly Norfolk, sometimes Somerset
If you ride within yourself then long climbs are just climbing for longer. I'd look to practise descending because if you ride the brakes the whole way, they're going to fade and possibly wear out (take spare pads), plus mistakes on descents are often worse than on climbs.
https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/scared-of-riding-in-a-group.184617/post-3845667 seems like good advice about descending in a group but there's probably much more about. (And yes, I live in the fens now but I used to live on the edge of the Mendips)
https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/scared-of-riding-in-a-group.184617/post-3845667 seems like good advice about descending in a group but there's probably much more about. (And yes, I live in the fens now but I used to live on the edge of the Mendips)
Ticktockmy
Guru
- Location
- Crawley, West Sussex
I think you are doing your friends an injustice, I feel they would not have asked you to join them unless they had confidence in your abilities. As you say they are all experienced cyclists, so tap into this experience, better to feel a noob before the ride that half way up one of the Alpine Passes. Don't let the word Alp scare you, most of the alpine passes are just long slow flogs, well within the capabilities of most cyclists, it just takes some hours longer for the beginner with some breaks for some fine wine. I always found the downhills more scary than the up hills. Make sure your bike is well fettled, get some miles in now, to mould the saddle and bum, practise repairing punctures, at home before you get out there. The main thing is to enjoy the ride, you will curse the uphill s, but have a stupid grin on your face as you rush down hill. So have fun and don't worry about the doubters and clumb and doom peoples.
Make sure you have sufficient low gears.
Fingerless gloves (mitts) are useful if a rapid descent goes pear-shaped. Some people advise a helmet.
Dress for conditions. Descents can be much colder, so a windproof or waterproof is almost essential.
A med sized saddlepack is useful, for spare tube, tool, food and windproof. Cycle jerseys have rear pockets for some of this junk, but I only carry stuff I am prepared to fall on. 2 waterbottles may be useful in the heat.
You don't need much more expensive kit. You may need to get some saddle time and do some hill intervals or repeats at a steady pace.
Fingerless gloves (mitts) are useful if a rapid descent goes pear-shaped. Some people advise a helmet.
Dress for conditions. Descents can be much colder, so a windproof or waterproof is almost essential.
A med sized saddlepack is useful, for spare tube, tool, food and windproof. Cycle jerseys have rear pockets for some of this junk, but I only carry stuff I am prepared to fall on. 2 waterbottles may be useful in the heat.
You don't need much more expensive kit. You may need to get some saddle time and do some hill intervals or repeats at a steady pace.
So its been a few weeks since I got back now but the trip was absolutely awesome, so much fun. Turns out I was worrying about nothing.
Stats:
7 days
Total distance: 752.4km
Total climbed: 28,158m
Longest ride: 153.4km
Most daily climb: 5981m
Maximum speed: 83.3kph
I even managed to peak at 5th/~100,000 in the strava climbing challenge for September.
Sounds like you should ditch the boats and concentrate on cycling
Adam Robertson
Active Member
- Location
- Nuneaton Warwickshire
I'm a new rider just got up to 30 miles mark in 2hrs I'm doing London 2 Paris next July over 4 days have you any tips food to take etc