Preparing for First Sportive

[pubrunner]

I've read some excellent advice in a recent Cycling Mag about participating in Sportives. I've entered the Cheshire Cat 102 miler - this will be my first sportive.

Sadly, I haven't the funds to buy either a Titanium/Carbon or Aluminium steed, so I'll be doing it on a steel framed bike which is nearly 40 years old. Do many ride these events on more senior bikes ?

What I'd like to know is : my bike currently has 'old fashioned' centrepull brakes; should I get dual pivot brakes fitted ? is this easy to do ?

Finally, I've noticed that the front tyre (700 x 23) is rather worn, would it be worth fitting wider tyres (to improve ride comfort) and if so what width ? I'd be pleased if anyone can recommend specific tyres.

I'm also concerned about what to wear on the day; I've ordered some Cyclechat items - shorts and a shortsleeved top, but will I be better in a long sleeved top and cycling 'tights' ?

Thank you very much !!!

 

[fossyant]

I'll give you a reply tomorrow....

Erm..I don't fancy the 102 mile CC, giving the climbs at the end...Swiss Hill is slippy if wet, and you need room to climb it.... !!

I'll post some 'watch points tomorrow' !!

 

[cheadle hulme]

I'm doing the 102 miler too.

If your brakes are OK, then maybe just put new pads in? Modern calipers have recessed bolts which are not usually compatible with older frames. Fossy'll know more.

 

[RedBike]

The bike is fine. However, it is VERY important that it is in top condition.

You'll find most riders are on either 23mm or 25mm tyres so no it's probably not worth fitting a wider tyre (Perhaps a 25mm tyre) but yes it is most definately worth fitting a new tyre if it's worn. ( Are you sure the tyres are 700c ? )

I've never used cente-pull brakes so I can't advice you about changing over. I suspect you'll need your frame modifying to accept deep drop calipers.

Don't be ashamed to get off and walk mow-cop / swiss hill. You wont be the only one particularly if it's wet.

 

[pubrunner]

The bike is fine. However, it is VERY important that it is in top condition.

You'll find most riders are on either 23mm or 25mm tyres so no it's probably not worth fitting a wider tyre (Perhaps a 25mm tyre) but yes it is most definately worth fitting a new tyre if it's worn. ( Are you sure the tyres are 700c ? )

The existing wheels are 700C - must have been fitted by the previous owner. Would it be advisable to fit any particular tyres in terms of tread ?

Regarding clothing, would a shortsleeved Cyclechat top with a long-sleeved Helly Hansen top underneath be okay ?

Regarding cycling 'tights', are they much the same as 'tracksters' that some runners wear ? Perhaps I could wear Cyclechat shorts with tracksters over the top. What to wear is a bit of a problem, 'cos I tend to just wear 'ordinary' casual stuff when I go on my bike. Does anyone know when the latest batch of Cyclechat clothing is due ?

I've got a single bottle holder on my bike - into which I can fit a litre bottle; will that be enough ? Or should I get a handlebar bottle holder ?

When I get to the start of the Cheshire Cat, will I be best going off early or later on or doesn't it matter ? Presumably, we will be sent off in groups in intervals.

Thank you for your very useful replies !

Hopefully, I might see some of you on the day.

 

[RedBike]

The existing wheels are 700C - must have been fitted by the previous owner. Would it be advisable to fit any particular tyres in terms of tread ?

A high end slick tyre pumped up reasonably hard.
There are probably better tyres for Swiss hill; but this is only a very short bit of the route.

Regarding clothing, would a shortsleeved Cyclechat top with a long-sleeved Helly Hansen top underneath be okay ?

It totally depends on the weather. I would probably want a jacket / rain proof folded up in my rear pocket ready to throw on if the heavens open.

I've got a single bottle holder on my bike - into which I can fit a litre bottle; will that be enough ? Or should I get a handlebar bottle holder ?

This will be cutting it fine. If it's warm or you miss one of the food stops then it certainly wont be enough. You can get bottle mounts that clip to the saddle or the frame. I would probably take two 1.5L bottles; but then again I deliberately wouldn't stop at the food stops.

When I get to the start of the Cheshire Cat, will I be best going off early or later on or doesn't it matter ? Presumably, we will be sent off in groups in intervals.

Get in line and set of as soon as possible. No point standing there waiting.
If you can join a group but don't try and keep up with some of the quicker riders.
Far too many people set off too fast and then end up struggling back.

 

[pubrunner]

RedBike - many thanks for such a comprehensive a speedy reply - brilliant !!!!

Are you doing the Cheshire Cat ?

 

[RedBike]

Not this year. Although I might ride it on my own a day or two before / after the event.

 

[Marko62]

OOOeer the CC? I'm a year old newbie who has all the gear and a years worth of riding/training and just looking at the route and reading peoples experiences on the CC just makes me tremble with fear... I'm aiming for the shorter route Polkadot challenge for my first sportive, I think that will ease me in nicely and then perhaps try for the much harder longer challenges after I've lost my sportive virginity..

http://www.polkadotchallenge.co.uk/index.asp

 

[RedBike]

I don't know about the shorter route but of the polka-dot but I managed to fall off from exhaustion (?) on the longer route last year.

I got to the top of Winnats, my heart was about to pop out of my chest. I breathed a sigh of relief that I had made it to the top and started to relax.
unfortunately I relaxed a bit too much, The bike hit a pit hole and veered off to the left without me. Before I had even had chance to unclip or get my hands back on the bars I was on my side in the middle of the road. Straight infront of the camera woman. - Doh.

The Cheshire cat was much easier than the Polka dot. (Although it was a totally different route last year.) I think I managed to just about average 20mph on it.
There's not a chance I would do that this year though. I'm no where near fit enough and there's a load more hills.

 

[Marko62]

Now you are really getting me worried, I think I'm need to have a major rethink....

Suggestions anyone?

 

[RedBike]

You'll be fine. The short route of the polkadot misses out all the worst climbs.

 

[pubrunner]

The Cheshire cat was much easier than the Polka dot. (Although it was a totally different route last year.) I think I managed to just about average 20mph on it.
There's not a chance I would do that this year though. I'm no where near fit enough and there's a load more hills.

20 mph sounds very impressive to me, if you averaged that, then in places you must have really been flying - to make up for the climbs. What this makes me realise is that I need to get a milometer and speedo for my bike ! Oh yes, I've got to get out on my bike !!!

I haven't heard of the Polka Dot; if I can get round the Cheshire Cat, I might just be rash enough to try to do it.

 

[pubrunner]

OOOeer the CC? I'm a year old newbie who has all the gear and a years worth of riding/training and just looking at the route and reading peoples experiences on the CC just makes me tremble with fear... I'm aiming for the shorter route Polkadot challenge for my first sportive, I think that will ease me in nicely and then perhaps try for the much harder longer challenges after I've lost my sportive virginity..

http://www.polkadotchallenge.co.uk/index.asp

You are 'ahead' of me; I haven't got the gear and I certainly haven't a year's worth of riding/training. I have, however, had a year's worth of over-indulging in food and drink. The CC makes me tremble also, even at this early stage of the year. I know that I'll be very nervous at the start; still, if I manage to get round it'll help to make me fitter and hopefully I'll burn some calories in the process.

If you do the Cheshire Cat, I'm sure that you'll be faster than me; my son's WiiFit tells me that I am overweight and have the fitness of a 64 year old - I'm actually 48, and yes, I am overweight !

 

[RedBike]

Yes, it was head down on the drops pushing hard all the way.
I was very fortunate to be riding in a stong team. There's no way I could of achieved that sort of speed solo.