Drooper

The 100 mile route looks to be a challenge right enough. I'm swithering about entering that, but will see how I get on with the Glasgow 100 at the weekend. I might enter the 50 mile event and just enjoy the day out, or try for a decent pace, depending on whether I can be arsed on the day. Ah...decisions, decisions. It's great to have a few options, and plenty of levels of ride to choose from.

I suppose a lot will depend on how well you are looking to do on the day. If you don't have any particular level of expectation, then you just need to relax and look upon it as a fun day out with no pressure. It might be hard going at times if you're not used to cycling very far, but the occasion and atmosphere should carry you on. Pacing yourself is also key. Don't hammer it too early on. Clock who is round about you and find someone who doesn't seem too hardcore, but who looks fit enough, and use that person to pace youself in the initial stages. You might 'hit the wall' around the 35 or 40 mile mark, but that's common enough, and it's a case of gritting your teeth and getting on with it. The Trek is a MTB bike AFAIK. What tyres do you have on it? If it has knobblies, take them off and fit a pair of semi-slicks, or even road specific tyres such as Schwalbe Marathons (good, bombproof tyres that can hack a great deal of varied terrain). The investment in a new set of tyres for the ride will make the world of difference. PFS is in mid-September? You've got time to get a couple of 35 mile rides in before then. Decide you're going to take the bike out, set a route, and do it! You'll enjoy the ride on the day much more if the miles are in your legs as the bike-types say, and it won't seem so daunting. I'm doing the Glasgow 100 mile ride next weekend, and haven't cycled further than 70 but hope that I'll have enough in the tank on the day to complete the ride okay.

60 miles today. The highlight was when I headed up a queue at temporary traffic lights and glanced over my shoulder to find that all the cars lined up behind were classic jobs, the one directly behind being (I'd have thought) from the 30s or 40s, and the one behind that an E-Type Jag etc. Anyway, I sprinted through the lights, and as this was obviously some kind of club day out convoy affair, I pulled in at the first opportunity so they didn't have to pass me one by one (I'm a good egg that way ). Each and every car that passed waved or peeped their horns in acknowledgement - a nice touch, I thought, and, that way, I got to see all the motors, some of which were very striking indeed

Aye, I agree with all of this. There was a bit of a breeze as I cycled to work this morning, and it made it much more difficult to maintain a good pace. You'd hardly know there was any wind looking at the trees and bushes, but you bloody well notice it when out on the bike. I was reading a letter in Cycling Plus a month or so ago, from a runner who was looking to take up cycling. In response, C+ made the point that it is a very different form of exercise, and make different demands on the system - both musculoskeletal and cardioresperatory. I think the guy was assuming that, because he is realtively fit and a strong runner, that he would be able to get on a bike and fly. I'm not suggesting that CS has this notion, as he clearly knows more about what is involved, but I do think there is a danger in setting high expectations for yourself too early on. You're spot on about the clipless pedals too. They make a massive difference once you're confident in using them.

I bought a cheap HRM but have never used it. Seems a bit of a faff, but I reckon it would probably be a good idea to give it a try since I've got the damn thing. My bike isn't a flash carbon job either. Not so long ago, the pros were still using alu-framed bikes, so I reckon a decent one will do me. Your Allez sounds like a more than decent first road bike. I used to run half marathons now and again, but my knees are fucked now, and, at my age, it is time to know my limitations. If you're into TTing and racing, I reckon you should probably join a club. I've been swithering, but I'm a bit of a lone wolf when it comes to running and cycling, so I'm not 100% convinced that it's for me.

I've a similar resting heart rate, and consider myself to be in not bad shape for my age, but this cycling malarky throws up a few challenges beyond simply being relatively fit. My suggestion would be not to get too hung up on average speeds too soon. My average can vary pretty wildly depending on numerous factors. The terrain is the obvious one, but weather conditions, traffic, and how you are feeling on the day all contribute. Yesterday I hammered it on my way home (probably averaging around 20mph if you take a couple of monster hills out of the equation), whereas, on other days I can't seem to get into a zone. The whole cadence thing is also still a bit of a mystery to me. Should you be turning a huge gear, or spinning a smaller gear, and when should you do which? FFS, they should be running degree courses on this. I'm aiming to achieve an average of 18 mph over 50 miles covering a variety of terrain over here in West Dunbartonshire/Argyll & Bute area. I won't be getting into racing, but I enjoy the buzz from hitting 40mph from time to time, and the fringe benefits of getting out on the bike are huge. Oh, and as Flying Scot has asked, what are you riding? ETA: if you fancy going out for a spin sometime, give me a shout.

I like having the wider range of gearing, and have found that I can pedal more efficiently if utilising all those available depending on the conditions and gradient. This afternoon, on my variation commute, I had to tackle two pretty serious climbs. For the first, I stayed in the middle ring, and did likewise for 3/4 of the second climb, but being able to spin a wee bit when my reserves were low let me maintain a decent pace with a higher cadence. I know it's a matter of preference, and serious road racers will always make do with a compact or standard double chainset, but i can't see the harm in having a wee bit more available for when the going gets tough. On a 17% climb a couple of weeks ago, my wee ring (ooh err missus!) enabled me to avoid the walk of shame. I can't see the downside (no pun intended).

Meant to ask, did you stick with the triple?

Aye, that resonates with me. I took the MTB out for a leisurely trundle with a mate who isn't a regular cyclists and isn't confident on the roads. It felt like hard work, and, to be honest, I was pining after my road bike within minutes. I'm now struggling to imagine using the MTB again - even for my commute during the winter. I won't be making any rash decisions, but I'm considering trading the bike in for a winter road hacker (with mudguards etc.). Hmm...not sure if I can part with my old Gary Fisher as it's been a great servant to me, but there's no point in it lying in the shed unused. Tough one.

There is a real dilemma attached to buying a new type of bike (as opposed to upgrading the same type - ie: MTB to MTB, road to road etc.). Do you buy something at the lower end in case you don't really get into it, but find that you are hooked and wish you went for something better (as has been the case with UtN). Or do you buy a more expensive bike and run the risk of either leaving it to go to seed in the shed, or having to punt it within months (and take the financial hit) because you realise you don't fancy this new style of riding? Either way, you're also likely to incur the wrath of s/he who must be obeyed. I was fortunate in that I had an extended loan of a road bike so was able to assess whether I was into this form of riding. I then opted for a mid-range bike - that is, more expensive than I would have taken a chance on had I not been sure that I was going to enjoy road cycling, but not so costly that it would be way in excess of my requirements. All I can advise is that those who are considering trying out a different type of riding try to borrow a bike from a mate or family member for a couple of months before deciding what to do. It might even be worth considering renting a bike if there are any schemes available.

You should give it to me as a gift in recognition of the fact that I was instrumental in urging you to buy a road bike

That's not what your missus told me It does bring a whole new dimension to the term semi-slick, though

Have you got your tadger oot in that photo?

BTW, I can thoroughly recommend For Goodness Shakes for a wee post-ride pick-me-up

I tickle mine to keep it happy. I sometimes do it to the bike, too

Wouldn't that just dent it's confidence further when it's already in need of a little TLC?

Went out for a long ride this morning. Fantastic weather so it was an opportunity not to be missed. 70 miles all in, starting at home, taking in the Roseneath peninsula, and round to Arrochar, before the return leg. Really enjoyed it but probably didn't fuel myself properly as I started to wilt a bit towards the end. It's an undulating route with a max gradient of 10%, and a minimum of -12%. My average speed was 16 mph, and I managed the run (excuding a couple of brief stops) in 4 hrs 17 minutes which I'm pretty happy with. Fingers crossed, I can wring the other 30 miles out of myself 3 weeks tomorrow Anyone else get out today?

Likewise. Perhaps we should form a P&B team and enter a sportive ride en masse in the future. I'd be up for that. It needn't be a 100-mile job. Something that might seem less suicidal to other folk so they'd be encouraged to join us. It is very strange having a sober Friday night it has to be said. I've usually rattled my second bottle of red by this time, but I'm being sensible for my big run tomorrow.

Ta much for the email BTW I'm just getting my legs back having not been on the bike for a couple of weeks due to being on holiday, then having a cold last week. I've biked into work all week aside from Wednesday when I need the car for a meeting, and have taken a few longer routes with some more hills to break it up. I've also been hammering it at times to stretch myself, and feel okay. One of my alternative routes is over the Carman Hill here in Dunbartonshire. I generally come from the Cardross side, but decided to try it form the other side last week. By Christ, that was a challenge! It was only when I returned from work from the Cardross side this week that I spotted the sign with the gradient....17%, FFS! no wonder it was a struggle I'm intending to go out for a big run tomorrow (50+ miles), taking in the Roseneath Peninsula, with a possible run up to Arrochar depending on how I'm feeling. I'm feeling fit enough again having slobbed out a bit on holiday, but I still feel a bit anxious about hitting the wall on a big run and taking a confidence knock in the process. I intend to tackle this 100 mile route by telling myself it's a day out, not a race. I have no idea how I'll perform on the day, so I don't have any expectations at to what my time might be etc. Having run half-marathons a few times, I know that you only scunner yourself and the head goes down if you set unrealistic goals. I just want to finish the route in a respectable time (ie - preferably not right at the end). It's probably about time thatI posted a review of the road bike I bought 6 weeks or so ago - the Cube Attempt. As it happens, I won't be using this for the 100 mile route as I'm doing the run in memory of my father-in-law and using (or should that be abusing) his Flying Scot. In many respects, I'd much rather I was using the Cube as it is a tremendous machine. Taught, responsive, and goes like stink when you put the hammer down. It's hard to fault from the PoV of a mediocre amateur like me, and is all the bike I need and then some.

The reality is hitting home to me, that's for sure - it's a long, long way

Aye, they had it up then pulled it, and it is back online again. I can't remember the original route, but I think it might have been amended a bit. The reality of this thing is now hitting home. I'm looking forward to it but dreading the prospect of a strength sapping wind on the day. That is the biggest fear, but it'll be a good day out, and the buzz should carry us over the line (or, if not, a 4-man stretcher team )

I've never cycled more than 40 miles, so this is virgin territory for me too. It'll be an experience, that's for sure, but if you don't set a few goals now again, it can be easy to stagnate.

Just received an email with a cracking offer on a Cycling Plus sub: 60% Off 13 Issues I already subscribe, so no use to me, but a very good mag for road cyclists.

Good stuff (and cheers for the PM) - I'll give you a shout nearer the time to catch up and say hello....assuming I can still breathe let alone talk