New goal

[Jon2412]

Okay so I've been improving in my endurance since restarting cycling some months back, I'm not brilliant by any means but I'm hitting an average of 15mph over 20-25miles. I have a new goal to aim for (now that I don't die after 2 mins of cycling!)

I'm seriously looking at joining the forest of Dean classic sportive. There's a mate at work who's done it a few times before and is happy for me to tag along as newbie....I reckon I can get trained to do this if I start now.

Am I mad? anyone else doing this?
What training is best for a sportive, I guess I need to build the steady miles rather than worry about explosive power...but what training supports that..?

 

[Eribiste]

If you're consistently holding 15 mph over 20 - 25 miles you are doing absolutely fine. That's about where I was, on a Pashley Roadster Sovereign this year. A few weeks ago I did my first metric century on Percy the Pashley, using a 49 mile charity ride as part of the run. It wasn't too bad at all, just a bit of tiredness over the last two miles or so. When I do it again I'll attend to in ride nutrition and fluids a bit more. I did have a good porridge breakfast on the day, and had a bag of wine gums in my jersey pocket. With these or similar you can give yourself a little reward when you get over this next hill, or clock up ten miles, or whatever 'mini-goal' you set.

Training wise, I do a regular 9 mile ring 3 times a week, with a 26 mile 'Tour of Bredon' on the weekends. Another good idea, (not that I've done it) is practice hill climbing to build stamina. If I recall correctly, you can find good training advice on the BHF website too, but I'm sure that sager heads than mine will be along to advise shortly.

Now I've got a new Boardman, I must rush out and get a fluid bottle & carrier for it!

 

[defy-one]

you are at the same level i was a couple of months ago. look after your nutrition before longer rides and carry some calories with you (granola bars, wine guns, high 5 etc) when riding.
increase your mileage in steps of 5 or 10 if you are feeling ok whilst out.
i hit a glass ceiling of 30-32 miles for a bit, but i found doing some core training and squats really helped me to achieve the 40's and 50's i was chasing.
cycling is all about personal goals..... my next one is to do a metric century (100km=62 miles)

 

[MattHB]

As above. Your fitness is enough for sure, but you'll need to make sure you've a tried and tested on-ride nutrition plan with food you know works for you

 

[black'n'yellow]

I guess I need to build the steady miles rather than worry about explosive power...but what training supports that..?

I'm going to say 'steady miles'....

 

[Easytigers]

Agree with all of the above. My goal from September, when we started back at school, was to be able to ride 50 miles in one go before Christmas (as well as ride a total of 1000miles and lose a stone and a half). As of last Monday, commuting most days, I've managed 1355 miles and lost the weight. Even managed an 82 mile ride...it wasn't that bad but I made sure I ate before I was hungry and drank before I was thirsty...lots of flapjack and 'Torq' sports drink.
Not being big headed...just wanted to say that it is possible if you get the miles in your legs. Eating and drinking is v important when you do the big ride.
My next big challenge is trying to stay away from the cakes in the staffroom and keep the weight off!
Good luck

 

[MattHB]

I'm struggling to figure out a goal for 2013. Last year it was do the great Dorset bike ride (100m). Did that.

This coming year my club are trying to get me road racing. So I've got some very structured training up and running to try to fill some gaps in my performance profile if I can just stay away from damn viruses!

I'd like to do 3 full blast sportives as well, just to see how I do. And ride 5000 miles including the normal commuting.

Oh.. And my daughter will be born next month so all of the above might get binned! Although my OH is sure I can still do everything above.

 

[defy-one]

^^^ think again!!!!!

 

[Jon2412]

Thanks for the replies I haven't really looked into nutrition much but I'm guessing its going to become more important. I like defy-one's approach to increasing in steps each time - that sounds like a plan that will work for me and will help me just get those 'steady miles' in

MattHB when your daughter arrives....I suspect you'll be having somewhat of a break from cycling! ;-)

 

[MattHB]

Thanks for the replies I haven't really looked into nutrition much but I'm guessing its going to become more important. I like defy-one's approach to increasing in steps each time - that sounds like a plan that will work for me and will help me just get those 'steady miles' in

MattHB when your daughter arrives....I suspect you'll be having somewhat of a break from cycling! ;-)

Naa I commute to work every day on the bike, and I have a turbo in the garage. And I have a very understanding OH who is determined that I keep riding (because if I don't I get grumpy).

 

[defy-one]

Naa I commute to work every day on the bike, and I have a turbo in the garage. And I have a very understanding OH who is determined that I keep riding (because if I don't I get grumpy).

Mate ... She is a keeper! Lol

 

[MattHB]

Mate ... She is a keeper! Lol

Oh I have no doubt of that. In November I spent about £700 on a trainer, garmin, various gear and she said.. It's still cheaper than buying a car.

 

[Jon2412]

Nice work Matt. Good luck when baby arrives! :-)