RideLondon-Surrey 100 (2014!!!) Anyone?

[User33236]

In fact, you could do worse than start here - http://sportivecyclist.com/ultimate-guide-to-ridelondon-2014/

Thanks.

I'm sure me and Mrs SG will have no issue with the route. We are just trying to work out how best to pace ourselves over the various sections. Might just pop in a few big hills over the next week or so to be sure lol.

 

[michaelcycle]

Thanks.

I'm sure me and Mrs SG will have no issue with the route. We are just trying to work out how best to pace ourselves over the various sections. Might just pop in a few big hills over the next week or so to be sure lol.

You can have a look here as well:

http://veloviewer.com/segment/615597/Leith+Hill,+northbound

to compare it with the hills you want to climb.

Leith Hill is the toughest climb no doubt but it is not that horrific. I think most people (dependent on sensible gearing) will be able to get up it in one go or with a few stops. I think the biggest limiting factor will be bike traffic in reality.

The Surrey Hills section is the challenging part of the course. The sections on either side are relatively flat (although there is a sting in the tail around Wimbledon and a few short and sharp inclines in the latter section.)

I think the first 40 miles I will go at a sensible but quick pace. The next 30 will deliberately take it down as that will be the hilly part. That should hopefully leave enough in the legs for the final 30 mile push.

Please bear in mind what I want out of the day is to finish and enjoy the whole experience. I'm not fussed about a "good" time. Should be an amazing day!

 

[w00hoo_kent]

I think the biggest limiting factor will be bike traffic in reality.

That's my thought too. It's not going to take many stoppages to cause a blockage on Leith even though it's two cars wide and the right hander in to Box looks like a bottleneck waiting to happen to me. Once people start to slow to a stop things will get harder. I'm not great at starting in the middle of a hill (tend to be wobbly and take two bites at it) so I could see myself giving up and pushing if I get baulked, especially on Leith.

My aim is also to finish it above all else and I have a similar feeling, try to keep an OK pace until the Surrey Hills, then get them out of the way whatever it takes and try and make up time post Leatherhead.

What is Wimbledon hill actually like? Is there a similar image for it? I've heard a lot of people say all you need to know is that it's there then occasionally someone will play it up as being a huge thing. I'm not sure I can go and physically look at it, but it'd be nice to know what to compare it with.

 

[michaelcycle]

What is Wimbledon hill actually like? Is there a similar image for it? I've heard a lot of people say all you need to know is that it's there then occasionally someone will play it up as being a huge thing. I'm not sure I can go and physically look at it, but it'd be nice to know what to compare it with.

Have a look here:

http://veloviewer.com/segment/1481137/Wimbledon+Hill+(Wimbledon+Bergs)

In isolation it is not bad. It's short and not massively steep. The problem is that it occurs after 90 or so miles and I think that's where the problem lies...

 

[w00hoo_kent]

OK, on Veloviewer it looks comparable to Teston Hill near me. Which is a bit of a sod (short and sharp) but often appears at the end of my rides and is doable. I can see how that would upset some people though. Thanks.

 

[Bike_Me]

I'm actually quite concerned about these hills. The only hill training I've been doing are the hills at Richmond Park. Any idea of how they compare?

 

[ianrauk]

I'm actually quite concerned about these hills. The only hill training I've been doing are the hills at Richmond Park. Any idea of how they compare?

Forget about it. Just stop worrying and go enjoy the ride with the many thousands of others. If you walk.. so what... there will be hundreds of others walking.

 

[michaelcycle]

Forget about it. Just stop worrying and go enjoy the ride with the many thousands of others. If you walk.. so what... there will be hundreds of others walking.

Pretty much.

What's the worst that can happen? You end up walking a bit along with many others...(myself included probably.)

Given the 3 main hills will account for what is a small minority of the total riding time they are not worth losing sleep over.

 

[PK99]

Have a look here:

http://veloviewer.com/segment/1481137/Wimbledon Hill (Wimbledon Bergs)

In isolation it is not bad. It's short and not massively steep. The problem is that it occurs after 90 or so miles and I think that's where the problem lies...

Exactly!

The problem some will have is charging along the flat from the a3 bridge, turning the corner and finding themselves facing a wall.

Have a gel at the a3, spin easily from Raynes Park, and hit the hill with fresh(er) legs. Drop a gear or two and spin up...

 

[vickster]

Good luck to you all. Have a great day. I'm gutted that I didn't get in this year.

Volunteer, be part of the action...

 

[User33236]

Volunteer, be part of the action...

+1

I am a British Cycling accredited marshal and regularly volunteer for races. Getting close to the action makes for a very enjoyable day.

 

[PK99]

Good luck to you all. Have a great day. I'm gutted that I didn't get in this year.

There are many charity places available each year - most look for £400 sponsorship money.

We got a places in the ballot, but we are riding for a local hospice and are at £875 at the moment

 

[Nick Stone]

i am in an orange wave (hoorah) starting at 8:12. this is a slight worry as i am pathetically slow. anyone want to give me a tow to escape the voiture balai?

Hi Laurence, snap same wave a starting time for me, I'll be there the one behind you and just in front of the broom wagon

 

[Nick Stone]

As Leith Hill is a little bit far away from Manchester for a training ride I was wondering if there is anything in Greater Manchester that is a similar challenge to Leith Hill that we and the Mrs can include in a ride or two before the event.

Did u get any ideas to try, I've done reps on little bumps round Alty for now

 

[User33236]

Did u get any ideas to try, I've done reps on little bumps round Alty for now

Heading up Rivington over the weekend.