Ready for 1st Sportive??

[Willo]

I ride alone just for exercise and enjoyment after taking up cycling as an alternative to running 2 or 3 years back. Last year I managed to get up to 100+km (70 miles). This year I'd like to target 2 or 3 events just to see if I enjoy them and, if so, as a means of stretching myself to do a 100 miler by the end of the year.

I am a bit of a plodder, judging by other's quoted ave speed (and those who overtake me on a Sun morning!!). I tend to average around 15 mph, a bit slower over some of the hilly routes I have locally. My time is pretty limited - just some short gym sessions in the week and whatever time/distance I can squeeze in at the weekends.

I suppose my main concern is a Sportive or similar being a little too serious/fast for me. I assume it's each to their own and it can be as serious/fast as you like within reason?

I'm looking at the 2012 Spring Sportive KM Big Kent Ride organised by Downlands Cycles in Canterbury at the start of April (110km route) that seems a well organised event but a fairly challenging course). I figure I have time to get in reasonable shape by then and after a month or so off, am starting to get back out at the weekends again managing 35 miles yesterday.

And then the Great Kent ride starting/finishing in Ashford, Kent in June that seems more informal but being very local to me is an obvious choice.

Anyone have any experience of these or other organised rides in Kent?

 

[BrumJim]

On all the sportives that I've taken part in (OK, only 2!), there have been some people at less than 10 mile/h average.15 mile/h isn't too bad - at that pace you'll probably be in the middle third of the finishers.

 

[VamP]

Yup, you'll be far from the slowest. Don't worry about it and go enjoy yourself.

 

[zizou]

Take internet averages with a pinch of salt and dont feel too disheartened if you dont match up to them. Generally if you can consistently manage a 15mph+ real world average on your own (particularly over longer rides) then you doing quite well and there will be plenty of other riders (maybe even the majority) of a similar standard.

 

[thnurg]

You're ready. I did my first sportive last year (The Trossachs Ton). It took me 9 hours (7.5 hours cycling, 1.5 hours resting), and at Crow Road (the toughest climb of the ride and 80 miles in) I did some walking. My previous best was 70 miles and I did that at the age of 25. I was 40 when I did the ton. My training involved a 5.5 mile commute each way most days, the odd 7-12 mile ride during lunch break, plus a couple of 25-50 mile weekends in the two months prior.
I think if I had been on here at the time and comparing myself with some of the fit types I may have bottled it. I'm glad I didn't.

Do your sportive. It will hurt but you'll be so glad you did.

 

[HLaB]

You will get folk who are a bit faster than 15mph on Sportives but you'll also get those who are a bit slower, sign up and give it a go and with the motvation etc on the day you'll brake the 100mile mark no problem; after about 60miles its just a pyschological factor and you are already beyond that.

 

[boydj]

The distance should be no problem, as long as you pace yourself properly, and sounds like you'll be middle of the pack. It would be useful for you to get some experience of cycling in a group. Check out local cycling clubs to see if any have a beginners group - or look for some CTC rides near you.

 

[brockers]

It's not a race.

 

[chewy]

Am fancing my first sportive this year too, was going to wait till June for the Two Moors one hundred, but a friend has told me about the Exmoor Beauty in April.

April isn't that far away and I am now wondering if I need to pay nearly £30 to ride my bike...but if I'm honest I think I'm just trying to find excuses not to go

 

[Willo]

Thanks for the advice/encouragement. Gonna go for the April event, albeit most likely the 110 km route given my limited time for training before then. Plus, I quite fancy my 1st 100 miler to be a route/day out that I map & plan.

 

[PpPete]

Have a think about audax rides too - defined route(more or less), but no signage, just a route sheet, so you need to do your own navigation. Speed limits are (usually) 15 kph minimum to 30 kph max so at 15 mph average you'll be fine. Lot cheaper than sportives too.

 

[italiafirenze]

It's not a race.

What he said. Though unfortunately many people do treat it as one.

 

[Falwheeler]

+1 for Audax check out the calendar for events near you http://www.aukweb.net/events/

 

[Chrisz]

I suppose my main concern is a Sportive or similar being a little too serious/fast for me. I assume it's each to their own and it can be as serious/fast as you like within reason?

In essence - yes. You may get "encouraged" to quit if you're still plodding along after dark but I think it's unlikely!

I'm looking at the 2012 Spring Sportive KM Big Kent Ride organised by Downlands Cycles in Canterbury at the start of April (110km route) that seems a well organised event but a fairly challenging course). I figure I have time to get in reasonable shape by then and after a month or so off, am starting to get back out at the weekends again managing 35 miles yesterday.

Downlands events are pretty good - parking can be a problem but you can always park up at the college and cycle across town to the start.

And then the Great Kent ride starting/finishing in Ashford, Kent in June that seems more informal but being very local to me is an obvious choice.

Anyone have any experience of these or other organised rides in Kent?

There are several charity rides/sportives in the immediate area. Check for the Pilgrims Hospice rides, Rhino rides (I think they still happen) and San Fairey Anne Reliability rides.

If you want some expereince riding in a bunch you could consider coming out with us (Ashford Wheelers) on a Sunday 09:00hrs start at Motorline, Great Chart Road. If interested gimme a PM first and I can introduce you

 

[Willo]

Thanks Chris. Had a bike fit at Downlands last year and actually passed through some of the route when they held their autumn Sportive and it looked v.well organised.

I keep flirting with the idea of joining a club. I can't get out on Sundays until later at the mo (my wife has nabbed that slot for her running training), but once Spring comes along I hope to reclaim Sun mornings and may well take you up on that offer.

Cheers
Shane