New to Sportives

[TheBoyBilly]

I've been using my Brommie, MTB and Langster SS for the past year to get some fitness going and lose some weight. I think I am now ready to go down the Sportive route after buying a suitable bike (I have heard that folk do use MTBs but I don't really want to do that)
Can somebody please explain what a Sportive actually entails (eg. is it or isn't it a race?) What do I need to wear, what do i need to carry (and in a rucksack or on a rack), any tips on etiquette and lastly, what bike for say, £750-£1000 (I am torn between a CX bike, or something like a Secteur or a Condor Fratello (although the latter would be a bit more expensive but would see me out I'm sure)

I have tried a 'search' and even read one of Cycling Weekly's February issues which 'sort of' explained a few things about Sportives but didn't go into enough detail, at least for me.

Many thanks,

Bill

 

[Banjo]

I have only done one I had similar questions in mind beforehand.

Nearly everyone was on drop handle lightweight racing type bikes.A few on flat bar bikes but didnt see any MTBs except on the much shorter route option.

Its not a race some events start with a mass start others let smaller groups go at intervals others let riders start individually when ready.the finish times are usually published after but not in any special order.

I had a rear seatpost bar bag but nearly everyone else just had a small seat bag for tools etc and some food jammed in jersey pockets apparently the feed stations have been known to run out..

The only real etiquette involved seemed to be not wobbling about or braking suddenly amongst other riders but not long after the start it spread out anyway. I know that theres a lot more etiquette involved by the more experienced riders forming groups and taking it in turns at the front but they can spot us newbies a mile off and dont expect us to be experts.

Clothing obviously depends on the weather. I wore cycle shorts and jersey with a light windproof as it was drizzling most of the day.Many riders just had shorts and jersey despite the rain. full waterproofs would have been too warm for all day.

 

[ammwhite]

I'm just a novice myself, but this gives a decent description: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclosportive

 

[HLaB]

I've been using my Brommie, MTB and Langster SS for the past year to get some fitness going and lose some weight. I think I am now ready to go down the Sportive route after buying a suitable bike (I have heard that folk do use MTBs but I don't really want to do that)
Can somebody please explain what a Sportive actually entails (eg. is it or isn't it a race?) What do I need to wear, what do i need to carry (and in a rucksack or on a rack), any tips on etiquette and lastly, what bike for say, £750-£1000 (I am torn between a CX bike, or something like a Secteur or a Condor Fratello (although the latter would be a bit more expensive but would see me out I'm sure)

I have tried a 'search' and even read one of Cycling Weekly's February issues which 'sort of' explained a few things about Sportives but didn't go into enough detail, at least for me.

Many thanks,

Bill

A Sportive is a timed road event thats signposted. Its down to you what you make of it; some folk are interested in their time and go flat out and don't stop and they are on roadbikes but to other folk the achievent is just doing it and they'll stop at every feed station and just aim to finish and they'll do it on whatever bike they have roadbike, tourer, hybrid, mtb, etc. I think the majority of riders seem to be somewhere in between but slightly more road bike orientated.

Most folk whatever bike they are on wear lycra, because of its benefits and padded shorts help too. I usually carry at a minimum for any ride a pump, spare tube, multi tool and p repair kit and water. For longer rides I like to carry ceareal bars jacket and flavour my water too. Carry what you feel is appropriate but remember carry too much and you have to lug/ carry too little and the ride is over when you need something simple.

The bikes you mention are good ones and more than up for the task; I've know a few folk with them, other than that I can't really help you there though. If you go for a CX bike though you may want to invest in smoother narrower tyres prior to a sportive.

 

[TheBoyBilly]

Thank you all. I would guess that a first Sportive is pretty daunting for most folk. This info is just the thing I was looking for and, thankfully, it seems to be a bit ' relaxed'. I just want to go out and enjoy a ride, be slightly competetive (IYSWIM) and have a bit of banter at the end. In other words, nothing too serious,

Bill

 

[TheDoctor]

Have you considered going out for a few rides with your local CTC?
Get you used to riding longer distances in a group, with the chance for a bit of natter and a stop at a cafe or pub.
Our Wednesday pub rides are so relaxed they're almost asleep sometimes, apart from the competitive mile that is the Pub Sprint.

 

[TheBoyBilly]

Good point, TheDoctor. There are a few choices of club near Ashford (where my GF lives, and eventually I will too) The Thornton Road Club do different length rides on a Sunday morning across Romney Marsh and over t'hills. There is also the San Fairy Ann CC which do loads of stuff throughout the year. Time to test ride some bikes methinks.

Bill

 

[the_mikey]

I would never be without padded cycling shorts!