London 2 Paris 2016 advise needed

[buggi]

The fitter you are the more you will enjoy it. So do as much riding between now and then as you can. Your weight will drop off anyway.

Work on your weaknesses... Eg if hills are a weakness do more hills. There won't be anything more than 10% gradient but some may be long or there may be 3 or 4 in a row. Don't be tempted to stand up, this raises your heart rate, easy gears and spin your way to the top is a better way to tackle hills.

Get some good padding

Get a bike fit, including saddle fit

Get sudacrem for your arse

Get two large water bottles.

Get suntan cream

Look at your mileage for each day and see what the longest day is. Before you go, make sure you get out for a ride and do this distance (or at least 80% of it, followed by a 20 mile ride the next day. This will ensure you know what it feels like to get on the bike the day after a long day in the saddle.

And don't fret about it. It's just a bike ride. L2P is not an athletes ride, most riders will be average Joe Bloggs just like you.

The charity will probably have a forum like this. Use it, a lot of people will arrive to stay over the night before at the start so arrange a meal the night before so everyone can meet.

You'll be knackered at the end but you will have the time of your life. Promise.

 

[buggi]

Ps get arm warmers

 

[Adam Robertson]

Arm warmers

 

[Roobie1974]

Doing it for Alzheimer's I'm so looking forward to it

 

[mjr]

Doing it for Alzheimer's I'm so looking forward to it

Sorry but: only for Alzheimers or for yourself too? https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/squeamish-about-charity-stuff.177844/

 

[lpretro1]

If you are going to be doing long mileages in preparation then get a bike fit NOW - or you run the risk of getting aches, pains or even overuse injuries from a poor set up and at best you might be very uncomfortable which is a bit off-putting. It is well worth the money

 

[jonny jeez]

I've booked up to do this for charity next year and as a newbe even though I've been on here a while would you recommend a pro bike fit also type of chamois cream etc any advise will be much appreciated 5,11" 102kg will my weight be an issue thanks again

Day one is the biggest day, Kent is really lumpy in parts and getting down to Dover is a good days ride.

I'm about the same weight (sometimes less, moretimes more) and have never found it to be an issue. As others say, get some training in...nothing too heavy just a couple of consecutive days of riding and if you can, do at least 70 miles to see what it does to your body (especially the rear end of it).

I once met a rider who rode across britain -100 miles a day, for 10 consecutive days- and had trained by riding around Richmond park a few times.

Its a great ride and Paris is an awesome place to ride around when you get there.

Oh and PS, I'm not convinced about spending cash on a bike fit just for this ride. I've no objection if you fancy one generally but I dont think you will find it that big a deal for L2P.

I'm jealous

 

[jonny jeez]

Arm warmers

Yep Buggi speaks the truth...arm warmers...super versatile and groovy for chilly morning starts.