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I am planning on doing the north wales coast to coast ride this summer - the one published on the edge cycle works website. Its basically 181 miles over 4 days with almost 30, 000 ft of climbing. I am just wondering if anyone has any advice on the sort of training I should be doing between now and then? (May)
Its a vagueish request - but any help would be appreciated. Thanks
just ride up hills lots?
Lots of hills!!!
Thanks - but what kind of frequency should I be aiming to ride and what kinda length rides? I usually just ride socially and for pleasure - I was kinda hoping someone would suggest some proven regimen
Thanks so far guys
I'm one of the riders that did it originally, my tips.
You will need to get a couple of 7-8 hour rides under your belt, not so much for the fitness as I'm sure you'll get that nailed no problems, but to get your bike set up spot on as trust me you'll suffer at some point and you don't want anything magnifying the pains you will have. They will also help you suss out how often and what to have food and drink wise.
Then even on day 1 use plenty of chamois cream, get the pad in your shorts full of it before you then apply some to your skin too. Otherwise the shorts just act like a blotting pad and soak it up.
Any more questions give me a shout (email in profile)
181 miles over 4 days is a nice, relaxed pace. You'll have plenty of time to stop for tea and cake, and look at the view.
When we tour we generally do that sort of mileage per day but around 300 miles total over more days. If I can tow a trailer full of camping gear up to the Tan Hill Inn then anyone can. You'll love it. 🙂
Edit
Unless you're totally off road that is, we are mostly on road. Didn't think of that! 🙂
I found the main thing to do to avoid saddle soreness is, obviously use a saddle that you know is good and is comfy + wash/rinse you shorts EVERY day.
I believe its the sweat salt that is the main problem with day-after-day rides as it leeches any oils that are in your skin out which creates soreness.
If you are B&Bing then you should be able to do the whole tour on one set of your favourite shorts as you can get them dry but if camping, perhaps, 2 sets, one hanging from your rucksack during the days ride.
Never tried the Cham cream so not dismissing it, just find I can get by without it by just keeping things reasonably clean.
Yep its mostly off road and I haven't heard of anyone actually doing it since we first did it back in 2010. Only memorable road climb is the Bwlch y Groes up the tough side.
Hoping to do the same this summer
However, hoping to get hold of a good GPX route with lots of big hills and challenging singletrack
Can anyone supply such a file?? 🙂
Training, just enjoy yourself and ride you bike. If you ride 25 miles on a usual day ride, doubling that over a full day is fairly straight forward. Just take your time and stop more often for tea and cake.
Quite a bit of road in that route.
Have a look at the Trans Cambrian for a leisurly 3 day route, or a 11:44 ITT record
http://transcambrianitt.blogspot.co.uk/
Or for a full coast to coast advenuture
http://bearbonesbikepacking.co.uk/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=1144
You wont die if you dont wash for a week and drink from streams 😯