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Hypothetically if I signed up for the 2018 Birmingham Velo, is a year long enough for a slightly unfit 36year old to train to pedal 100miles on a 'probably make myself get out once a week unless it's really cold and wet when I might get on the Turbo trainer' type regime?
If so does any one have any appropriate training plans... that would be great.
Also I don't currently have a road bike...
I have a Whyte Montpellier flat bar commuter bike that I haven't commuted on since I lived in Oz three years ago which I guess I'll start out on but I will probably have to buy a road bike. On a budget. And get use to drop bars. Which I've always avoided because of my dodgy back and the position. Recommendations for dark-siding please.
Although, I wonder how fast Tom can make me a Demon Frameworks frame... I'm sure this would be the perfect excuse.
Yes, that's loads of time. Just set some targets along the way: 40 miles, then 60, then 80, for example. Plan an interesting route for each milestone and set a date for it. If you can happily do 80 around a month or so before your 100 you'll be fine.
Easy peasy!
I've convinced a couple of friends to register (I know doing it is another story).
Loads of time. Many LEJOGers start with less fitness than you, a shorter timescale to get fit, and still manage 10 centuries in a row.
No need for drop bars either. They do convey a slight aero advantage and a range of hand positions but don't force your body into discomfort for those gains.
Loads of time! Although these things have a way of sneaking up on you, right now you've got 12 months then suddenly it's July and you've only got 3... 🙂
Which I've always avoided because of my dodgy back and the position. Recommendations for dark-siding please.
Road bikes should be pretty comfortable, one of the main advantages of drops is that you have at least 3-4 different positions you can use, so you can move around a bit. As for recommendations, what's the budget?
PO, where are you based?
From resonable rolling road rides solo and plenty of MTB to 200km in 3 months last year. A good spring helped and being flexible at work
Easily, I've done much the same this year. Our son was born last year and I didn't get any riding done at all (only 400 miles in 2015 too). In about December I picked up a turbo trainer to get Zwifting a couple of times a week. I rode Mountain Mayhem and found I was woefully under-prepared so started hammering road cycling, joined the local cycling club and did their Saturday road rides, with a couple of evening rides (or Zwift if the weather was rubbish).
Finished Velo Brum yesterday, by far the most fun cycling event I've ever done.
I went from 16 stone to 14 stone 4 pounds as well, 6'6" though, so I'm quite content sticking on this new weight! Also 36 years old.
As others have said, loads of time, but don't underestimate the climbing involved and work that into your training
[I]I have a Whyte Montpellier flat bar commuter bike that I haven't commuted on since I lived in Oz three years ago which I guess I'll start out on but I will probably have to buy a road bike. [/I]
At risk of incurring the wrath of the n+1 gods, if the bike you've got is comfy, there's no reason why you shouldn't use it. You don't need a 'road' bike.
Piece of piss.
Just don't go off too fast.
Yep, easy, no issue at all.
Re. bike, whilst the vast majority were on road bikes there were plenty of hybrids on show and I even saw a Brompton so your will be fine. Obviously, if you want an excuse to buy a new bike then ignore that, you definitely need a road bike...
At risk of incurring the wrath of the n+1 gods, if the bike you've got is comfy, there's no reason why you shouldn't use it. You don't need a 'road' bike.
Look that's not the STW way, stop trying to stop me using any excuse to buy a new bike!
As for recommendations, what's the budget?
At the moment about *looks in pocket* three 50p's a trolley pound and some lint.
Sensibly I should just use the Montpellier until I get in to it and start upping the miles but since when has sensible been any fun! I have been trying to justify buying a Demon from Tom since he started but to be honest I can't quite justify that and I'm pretty sure the current waiting list might mean I get one in time for Velo 2019 or 2020.
If I do buy a more road geometry style bike I probably just buy something off the peg like a sale Planet X or something or an eBay special but that's just boring.
For example there's a nice old Major Nichols on eBay that would be interesting for a restro project...
A £700 Giant Contend that fits well would be all the bike you'd ever need. Fit is key.
I suppose alternatively I could just replace the SRAM Via group set on the Montpeller with a lighter better roadier group set, put some pimper Easton carbon forks on and some lighter brakes...
Not that I'm just using this as an excuse for bike related purchasing in any way shape or form. Honest.
It's quite an impressive shopping list for a six hour or so bike ride 😉
Any excuse...
Any it wouldn't be just the 6hours of bike ride, it'll be the twelve months of dying in the saddle trying to get fit first!
And if you want hand position options on your whyte you could fit a set of Jones bars.
easy peasy, its not the toughest course in the world by a long stretch. just hope they sort the feed stops for next year...