Undecided which Dragon Sportive route to do?

[Banjo]

The Dragon is a hilly sportive with options of the 200 km route with 3 big climbs plus several smaller ones or the 120 km route still a challenging ride but not in the same league as the 200.


I know I could ride around the 200 in about 10.5 hours maybe I could scrape in at 10 but dont think I will achieve the 9.5 needed to qualifiy as a finisher.

The 120 route will be easilly achievable for me barring accidents or mechanicals.

The finish gate is open until 10.5 hours so I would know my time but not qualify as a finisher.Call me childish if you like but yes I would like to get the finishers certificate

I did the Merlin 104 mile hilly sportive in 8.45 but with 21 more miles and considerably more climbing I need to be realistic here.

My link Link to Dragon 200km route profile

My link Link to Dragon 120km route profile

 

[lukesdad]

The tour of pembrokeshire is very similar in distance and elevation. Sub 8 hrs is not difficult. I think youd get inside the 9.5 hrs Graham.

 

[Banjo]

Thanks for the encouragement Mark I am wavering here but need to decide soon as it affects how i am going to train for it. I did a hilly 102 Mile Audax last week in about 9.5 though I did spend a bit of time taking photos and wasted more time at cafe controls etc,infact I will rephrase that to i enjoyed spending more time at cafe controls etc

 

[lukesdad]

I can believe that Graham but as you know, the Dragon will be a bit more up tempo, and with that number of riders there will be plenty of groups for you to get into. I reckon you could count on adding 20% to your performance on that one. Just remember take it easy for the first hour.