Stepping up the mileage

[Chuffy]

Posted in here because it's not really a Cafe thread.

I'm planning an epic solo ride next month. 175 miles from Leamington to home.

The biggest ride I've ever done is about 130 miles and I've done plenty of centuries, so I'm not new to long-ish distances and full days in the saddle.

This ride is going to be a fair bit further than I've ever ridden before and I'm not quite sure what to expect. I know all the usual advice (eat regularly, cream up the nethers etc) but can any of the silly mileage people on here offer any other tips on what I might face?

Cheers,
Chuffy

 

[yenrod]

I'm no expert Chuff but eat regularly / plenty of fluids AND all the best !

 

[bonj2]

try on yacf, they tend to ride further.

 

[Rhythm Thief]

If you've done 130 miles in one go before you'll be fine. Just do the same things, only more so.

 

[bof]

Don't hang around too long at stops and try to do as much as possible in daylight, so set off just before dawn.

 

[Chuffy]

If you've done 130 miles in one go before you'll be fine. Just do the same things, only more so.

45 more of the same!
Er, thanks, that's like really helpful...

 

[Greenbank]

Exactly. If you've done 130 miles before, and plenty of other centuries then you'll be fine. It's just another 3 hours or so of fun.

 

[HLaB]

I just got back from 125miles, that the longest I've done in one go, 175 miles respect
I packed a couple of bananas and lots of cereal bars in my jersey and two bottles full of energy drink. Other than stopping to eat the bananas and to buy an ice cream I didn't really stop enough but I'm sure you will braking up the journey in to manageble chunks.
PS I had to do my ride the when prevailing west wind was an eastardly it made the last 55 miles very hard, then I cut down so it was a side wind and suddenly the energy came back you might want to check out prevailing winds but there no guarantee

 

[yello]

try on yacf, they tend to ride further.

Sadly true. I often take a peek over there for exactly that reason.

45 more of the same!
Er, thanks, that's like really helpful...

It might not seem too helpful but it's pretty much spot on... imo at least. You've done big miles before so the legs and backside are used to it. As long as you fuel adequately then bigger mileage really is simply that; more miles.

My only advice would be to give yourself plenty of time and think of it as 3 x 60 miles, or some such. It doesn't seem so daunting that way and you can look forward to a bit of a break every 3 or 4 hours. Personally, I don't like to stop for too long (no more than 20 minutes) but others do differ there.

 

[bonk man]

Try to plan the day around the weather, not so much the rain but wind direction.. the big enemy of cycling
We have easterlies at the moment which would suit you but it is usually a westerly in these isles so that is worth considering, at least choose a day that is still if not in your favour.

I used to ride to Taunton from here every couple of weeks or so and it could take an hour or more longer to get there if the wind was strong in my face. Sometimes with a tail wind I would average 20 mph for 100 miles with luggage on the rack.... so there you go.

Most I have done in 12 hours is 216 miles and I am not a super racer so with the right attitude 170 miles is ok for most of us honest..

 

[GrahamG]

If you end up going via Bristol and it's a weekend (unlikely I'm sure!) then feel free to call in for a food/coffee/toilet stop - hell I'd probably join you for the ride from there.

 

[Chuffy]

Most I have done in 12 hours is 216 miles and I am not a super racer so with the right attitude 170 miles is ok for most of us honest..

My route and day are pretty much set in stone so if I get a crappy wind, that's tough.

I don't lurk over at YACF and I'm not about to start, but I do know that they tend to have more of the beardy long-haul types on there.

Bristol definitely isn't on the route. If I end up there then I'm badly lost and heading for Temple Meads! But thanks for the offer Graham.

Basic route is A429-A350-A303-A30. Nothing too complicated and it's not too hilly.

I'm trying to shift a few kg and also practice riding steadily. I'm doing an Exodus recce (120 miles) the weekend before, so I'm hoping to ride that with slow and steady in mind rather than balls to the wall.

Cheers all
Chuffy

 

[Keith Oates]

All I can say is good luck with the ride Chuffy, no doubt it will go fine. Just out of interest what type of bike will you be using!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[GrahamG]

When is the Exodus route recce?

 

[iLB]

what day are you planning on doing it then, it looks like i'm doing a 400Km on May 2nd is it anytime near that?