London to Brighton cycle (Part 2: team info/prep/training)

[byke95]

Anyone heard anything back from BHF?

I haven't...

It's ages away but anyone thought about training/preparation?

I run at the gym most days and have changed to cycling so I will hopefully be fine on the day (when fuelled by a mixture of lucozade and beer)!

[G]

Haven't received anything yet either. Will talk to people at work who have done it before.

Went out for around four hours in Bracknell forest on Sunday with Ste and Korn. But then I had just got my brand new fancy bike (not one that I'm intending to use for the race, one got through the 'ride to work' scheme.)
Don't think I'm going to have time to do it again this weekend, but may look at something the weekend after.

Obviously any one else is welcome to come along, though a bit far for most.

[Dom]

I've heard nothing either. My 'training' currently consists of at least one long ride a week plus some standard weights/pushups/situps etc in the evenings, which I've been doing a while anyway. Tbh I'm not much of a road rider and try to spend as much time on the muddy stuff as possible, much more fun. Currently a 'long' ride for me is around 20 miles (again mostly off road) over maybe 4 hours so I've still got a far way to go.

As it gets lighter in the evenings I'll be cycling after work too.
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Photos and that

[G]

You don't really need to be ultra-fit.

I've found that once you can do a few hours on the trot, then you can pretty much keep going for ever if you're keeping a steady pace.

Can't hurt, but I wouldn't worry too much for most people (unless you want to ride a stupidly heavy bike ).

[Dom]

[G]

[Dom]

[numark1]

When i first started caddying at queenwood i would cycle 11 miles there caddy (walk around an 18 hole course with heavy bags) for 6 hours then cycle back.

Wasn't too bad (then again i have an athlete's pulse ) but i only stuck at it for a week as i couldn't be arsed after a while.

[illusion]

I got the following e-mail:

[michael j]

I did the London to Brighton last year, no training, and on a mountain bike( tyres were low on pressure for first 25 miles too, thanks Halfords). Did it in about 4.5 hours, had to walk up some of the hills tho and didn't stop for beer. Watch out for Ditchling Beacon!!

[Ste]

Anyone got suggestions for comfy saddles then?

[byke95]

[G]

[Irezumi aka Reuben]

[Korn]

[byke95]

[Dom]

Just spotted that they've cashed my entry cheque, so I guess that means we're in.
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Photos and that

[Irezumi aka Reuben]

Did a ride of 30mile's in about 2 hour's yesterday, into a slight headwind and half of it uphill. Completing the actual ride within 5 hours (cycling time) should be no problem for you all.

I'll be doing a few test ride's there and possibly back if anyone's interested in joining in.
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Pictorgraphicalfantastical

[Dom]

Well I have not tried to do a road only ride at all yet (too boring) but I don't think I'd be at a 15mph average, probably a bit below. I might be up for a 'test ride' but will probably leave it until the weather's nicer.

Reuben, I'm guessing you've got a road bike as opposed to MTB/similar?
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Photos and that

[Irezumi aka Reuben]

[Dom]

[Irezumi aka Reuben]

You possibly will do.

Most of you will probably be quicker than me tbh.

Anything to reduce your rolling resistance is good for cycling. Also ensure that all rotating components, hubs etc are in good working order and greased up.

Sitting on a flat smooth road I can happily do 18-20mph for a long time. No reason why that shouldnt be possible on a hard tail MTB with slick's.

EDIT: The trick to cycling is to keep your leg's turning. You will be better off turning you leg's at a faster rate than having to push harder on your pedal's. Your after an rpm of around 80-90per minute, known as cadence in cycling gibberish.
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Pictorgraphicalfantastical

[cagiva gezzer]

Never had any probs in 7 years with my WTB SST saddle. Big saddles arn't as comfy as they look and smaller ones are always better than they look.

https://www.greenfishsports.com/ProductImages/wtb_sst2k.jpg
A nice wide rear to the saddle to support it all, but not too much at the front to get in the way.

The Selle Italia Flite saddle is one of the most comfy saddles of all time. Doesn't look it.

https://www.cyclingnews.com/photos/2002/tech/probikes/telekom/seat.jpg


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"because one stroke isnt enough and four strokes waste two"

[illusion]

I've just seen they have cashed the cheque so looks like we should be getting some confirmation through soon!

Cheers.
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My bike

[colin1]