There’s some good stuff here, thanks for your help.
Spin – I might hit the turbo, but as I like to enjoy my riding (even the uphills), it won’t be a habit – just if we get snow and ice between now and August!
Mrmo & others – I guess I am missing the target a little by trying to recreate the climbs here – I think the alternative approach of reps on smaller hills is more appropriate – Bredon Hill and Edge Hill are 2 local hills that offer 100m climbing at 10% or so, so I’ll be building up on those. I have been doing some weights and leg strength work over the winter to prepare my legs and upper body for the pain of 1000m climbs and 1000m descents – that has started to work well already.
I have the Dragon Ride in June, and have done that a couple of times, so I know the climbs it offers are about right.
For the effects of altitude, I am going out a week early, so will be getting a few 0.5-1 hour sessions as high as possible during the preceding days.
Hadn’t thought of time trials as a potential training aid – I’ll search out some local 10 and 25mile TTs and have a crack. I’ll be doing a few MTB races also, but these are only 60 – 90mins long, so limited benefit, but any riding is good riding.
Whatnobear – I have done the climb to Wanlockhead – during a Lejog 6 or so years ago – was quite long, and as I was encouraging a mate who was having a bad time, it didn’t feel anything like 8 miles. Did take a while though at less than 10 mph. The descent the next morning was fun though!