Ready to start!

[I like Skol]

I'm sure it will be a good ride.
There is always a bit of snobbery about these types of events because the 'racers' get upset about people getting in their way when they are trying to 'race'. It's laughable because what these Strava queen's should actually be doing is strapping a number on their chests and signing up for a real race and then see how many people they can beat!
I've done several such events and enjoyed them enormously and never encountered too much of the so called appalling riding that is suggested. In fact I am likely to be doing two this year, the Manchester-Blackpool 60 mile and Manchester 100 mile a month or two later, probably with my son's.

 

[LibraRider]

I'm sure it will be a good ride.
There is always a bit of snobbery about these types of events because the 'racers' get upset about people getting in their way when they are trying to 'race'. It's laughable because what these Strava queen's should actually be doing is strapping a number on their chests and signing up for a real race and then see how many people they can beat!
I've done several such events and enjoyed them enormously and never encountered too much of the so called appalling riding that is suggested. In fact I am likely to be doing two this year, the Manchester-Blackpool 60 mile and Manchester 100 mile a month or two later, probably with my son's.

Ahh I’m probably going to be at the back anyway so they won’t have to worry about me being in the way haha!
Maybe if I enjoy this one I’ll do more too! I’m pretty sure I’m going to get into this cycling thing! Already thinking about getting a road bike soon so I can get used to riding that.

 

[LibraRider]

Yeah, I think I’ll pass. The locals have already started a pitchforky petition to get it cancelled or moved, or have the route changed. This mob really aren’t very good at getting their events right.

Last year - people we’re driving at the riders near Longbridge. I think someone got knocked off by a car and one of the volunteers got run over. 🙄

 

[CXRAndy]

Last year - people we’re driving at the riders near Longbridge. I think someone got knocked off by a car and one of the volunteers got run over. 🙄

I cant really fathom some folk, who willfully try injure a cyclist. These events raise money for local charities generally.

You would think seeing lots of types of riders would enthuse some who dont cycle to have a go

 

[Racing roadkill]

Last year - people we’re driving at the riders near Longbridge. I think someone got knocked off by a car and one of the volunteers got run over. 🙄

I did it in the first year ( the oil and nails all over the road edition). I swore I never would again, so far I’ve achieved that

 

[Milkfloat]

Ahh I’m probably going to be at the back anyway so they won’t have to worry about me being in the way haha!

There is no real back as they mix up the abilities of the riders, so although you won't find yourself with those who are trying to 'win', you will be mixing up with faster and slower riders. I would suggest that you try to keep to the left when possible and get very good at shoulder checking. It is not quite the war zone as reported by some, but it is best to keep your wits about you. However, there are usually no cars to worry about.

 

[LibraRider]

10.8 MILES TODAY!!!!!

😆😆😆

Birmingham is so beautiful when you see it from your bike saddle rather than the car window!

Any tips on how I can get faster?
Gym based exercises you’d advise? Or should I just keep going for now?

 

[Ming the Merciless]

10.8 MILES TODAY!!!!!

😆😆😆

Birmingham is so beautiful when you see it from your bike saddle rather than the car window!

Any tips on how I can get faster?
Gym based exercises you’d advise? Or should I just keep going for now?

Just keep riding for now. When first starting more riding will improve fitness at a fantastic rate.

 

[Racing roadkill]

10.8 MILES TODAY!!!!!

😆😆😆

Birmingham is so beautiful when you see it from your bike saddle rather than the car window!

Any tips on how I can get faster?
Gym based exercises you’d advise? Or should I just keep going for now?

Just ride more for now. It sounds like you’re getting into the swing of it. When you need to get quicker, there are a good few things you can do, but don’t worry too much about it right now

 

[All uphill]

10.8 MILES TODAY!!!!!

😆😆😆

Birmingham is so beautiful when you see it from your bike saddle rather than the car window!

Any tips on how I can get faster?
Gym based exercises you’d advise? Or should I just keep going for now?

That's brilliant! Just keep enjoying it! Sounds like your fitness is improving already.

 

[Reynard]

10.8 MILES TODAY!!!!!

😆😆😆

Birmingham is so beautiful when you see it from your bike saddle rather than the car window!

Any tips on how I can get faster?
Gym based exercises you’d advise? Or should I just keep going for now?

Just ride for now, and simply keep enjoying it.

But do remember that rest and recovery is as important as exercise. If you want to mix things up a bit, go for a nice brisk walk instead. It'll help with your overall fitness, it's load bearing (compared to cycling, which isn't) and it's far kinder on the knees and ankles than running. If you do want to make it harder, then get a backpack and wang a few tins of beans in. No need to worry about joining a gym.

 

[nickAKA]

10.8 MILES TODAY!!!!!

😆😆😆

Birmingham is so beautiful when you see it from your bike saddle rather than the car window!

Any tips on how I can get faster?
Gym based exercises you’d advise? Or should I just keep going for now?

Speed / pace comes with fitness & confidence - as everyone has suggested just keep going as you are, enjoying it, you will naturally become quicker (and more competitive ).

 

[SkipdiverJohn]

If you want to mix things up a bit, go for a nice brisk walk instead. It'll help with your overall fitness, it's load bearing (compared to cycling, which isn't) and it's far kinder on the knees and ankles than running. If you do want to make it harder, then get a backpack and wang a few tins of beans in. No need to worry about joining a gym.

Or just get your food shopping on foot and carry it home, which is what I often do. Quite often, its just as quick as using a car or bus, plus its free and you get some exercise thrown in.

 

[Reynard]

Or just get your food shopping on foot and carry it home, which is what I often do. Quite often, its just as quick as using a car or bus, plus its free and you get some exercise thrown in.

In my experience of London (am born and bred) that's pretty well much par for course. So would imagine the same would be true for the OP in Brum.

 

[Fab Foodie]

10.8 MILES TODAY!!!!!

😆😆😆

Birmingham is so beautiful when you see it from your bike saddle rather than the car window!

Any tips on how I can get faster?
Gym based exercises you’d advise? Or should I just keep going for now?

Well done! Just keep it up and the miles will soon fly by....