UKC

Pedal for Scotland Sportive?

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 Wee Davie 11 Aug 2013
http://www.pedalforscotland.org/

It's less than a month away and I'm considering entering it.

Anyone got experience of the 100 mile plus course, or any tips for this event?

I've been cycling this Summer but I'm wondering if I'm up to it. My longest rides have been 45 hilly miles (2200ft of ascent)- done on a slick tyred mtb.

I've just got myself a 2nd hand Specialized Allez which should be faster and easier than the mtb.

Am I mental to be thinking of doing it?
 JLS 11 Aug 2013
In reply to Wee Davie:

>"Am I mental to be thinking of doing it?"

It'll be tough but do-able. Looking at the route, it looks like it has be designed to make the most of the prevailing South-westerly winds.

If it's pee-ing down and there is a NE wind you are fooked.
Removed User 11 Aug 2013
In reply to Wee Davie:

Go for it man. You'll get caught up in the general ambience of all the other riders and if you get into a rhythm you'll do the 100 miles ok. At worst, the last X miles will be like walking out in the dark after a long route when you're totally spent, something I suspect you've got plenty of experience at! Good luck and enjoy.
 Andrew W 11 Aug 2013
In reply to Wee Davie: I might look at entering it does anyone have an idea of roughly what the total climbing would be for the 110 mile route.
interdit 11 Aug 2013
In reply to Andrew W:
> (In reply to Wee Davie) does anyone have an idea of roughly what the total climbing would be for the 110 mile route.

1600m according to this:

http://www.mapmytracks.com/events/pedal-for-scotland/race/110mile-sportive
 Andrew W 11 Aug 2013
In reply to interdit: Thanks, not as hilly as I was expecting then might have a look at it then.
interdit 11 Aug 2013
In reply to Wee Davie:
> http://www.pedalforscotland.org/
>
> I've just got myself a 2nd hand Specialized Allez which should be faster and easier than the mtb.
> Am I mental to be thinking of doing it?

Not mental at all. You should have the fitness and a road bike will fly compared with the MTB on slicks.

Just make sure you try some decent rides on your new road bike.
Getting your position right, getting your body used to the position for hours at a time and ensuring that the unfamiliar saddle isn't going to tear your arse apart are your main concerns.

The rest of the stuff you may need to know will appear if you search on here for general sportive advice (feeding, pacing etc).
OP Wee Davie 11 Aug 2013
In reply:

Thanks. That's pretty encouraging. I'm under no illusions it'll be anything but hard work but would be pretty cool to get it done. Will try to get out as often as I can between now and then.
 JohnnyW 11 Aug 2013
In reply to Wee Davie:

Thanks for the prompt, I'd been meaning to enter. My only problem is I've got to do the 47 miler as it's my wife's first big ride, and I promised to do it with her. The sportive looks a good course, and I agree with the comment that it'll be helped by the prevailing wind.

I used this training plan for my first sportive (Trossachs Ton), and it worked a treat - http://bicycling.about.com/od/trainingandfitness/a/century.htm
OP Wee Davie 11 Aug 2013
In reply to JohnnyW:

I've never really done any serious road cycling (or a road event before) so I'm quite excited and a bit nervous about this jump into the deep end. A light South- Westerly would be just the ticket. Fingers crossed!

 lesleyann 12 Aug 2013
In reply to Wee Davie:

Davie you'll have no problem doing it unless your out for a time to beat. I cycled from Edinburgh to Pitlochry in a day with no training and carrying full panniers on the front and back and it was a borrowed bike which wasn't great. You'll be fine if you've got any sort of fitness.
OP Wee Davie 18 Sep 2013
In reply:

http://daviesdaysoff.blogspot.co.uk/

I completed the Sportive in the end! Here's a blog I wrote about it...
In reply to Wee Davie: chapeau
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