[/quote]Unless you mean the 3 separate hills

This.

Aw, go on – I’ll shout encouragement

Yes, that way I can look them in the eye as they stretcher me off…. 😕

Ferk…I’m in. Excited, but a huge amount of training ahead of me, as I’m currently not that fit. And I need to buy or borrow a cross bike!

I put a few quid extra in for the rescue people on my entry, did the same for the Richmond 5 dales Sportive as well.
I think I’ll end up donating more in this way in the future as I don’t get into the usual collecting box / bucket areas these days due to other commitments and the cost of travel.

However off to the Lakes for a long weekend this week looking forward to riding / running in the rain and cloud and much Tea drinking.

You’ll be fit enough to get round, it’s just how quickly that will be affected…

What is this training of which you speak? 😉

I ride to work most days, short run in the evening. Usually doing one (sometimes two) crit races a week although I’ve missed the last few weeks but next week will be three crit races!

Mostly road miles at the weekends, anything up to 70 ish miles per day normally. Gradually bringing the balance round more to CX miles and next month I’ll start properly running up hills with bike. Want to get my crit races out the way first.

With about a month to go I normally try and do a run over Whernside and/or PyG.

Of course, none of the above explains why I’ve consistently failed to get under 4hrs. Nearest I’ve managed has been 4.03.00 but at least I’m consistently average cos I normally get in that ballpark: I’ve had a 4.03, 4.06 and a 4.09 (plus a couple nearer 4.20 with punctures etc).

Damn right!

Though, as odd as it sounds, that’s what makes it so much fun the first time round 🙂

No comment having come from Ireland for this 3 times already. Also doing it again. IT is a race that is worth it.

did this 3 times in late 80’s 90’s came close within seconds of breaking 4 hours but never had the weather..
top tips for fast times from average riders.. (as it applied back then)
1. be at or close to the front at the start the field gets well strung out once under way / up first hill
2. you cant do it solo fast you need support to feed you lubricate you..
3. enjoy running with the bike onb your shoulder practice practice
4. dont walk.. a fast shuffle at minimum..

ouch..
2 be fair we started at helwityh bridge rode/ ran/ walked up and down three big hills and galloped back to helwith AND we only had toe clips steel frames canti brakes and tubs with less grip than sand paper so your right it was a lot easier..

I only said the course was shorter.I`m not in a position to comment on others times going on my own crap efforts over the last few years

The point about starting further up the field is that it makes a big difference on the first climb, and also you’ll be ahead of most of the properly hairy group riding skills and crashes on the road.

Has anyone got a garmin file with elevation on it for the three peaks? I am trying to work out what to practice and things like knowing how long Simon’s Fell is would be really handy.

I’ve only just started riding CX and I did my first bit of training on Monday. I now understand that training is ‘getting used to prolonged pain and breathlessness’. Bike on shoulder, 10 minute climb up nearest big hill. Ride down (ish, legs like jelly). Repeat.

Stagger home weeping… why, why, why did I think this would be a good idea?

Thanks but I have seen that and for some reason have difficulty visualising it…

Super helpful!! 😀

First time is a good one

Then second time you’ll forget there is a bunch more climbing after the steep bit.

Thanks for the encouragement 😉

Our local landmark sits on top of a hill – 412ft of climb in .36 miles – it’s my new fun bike hike. Except it’s not fun and the descent off it isn’t completely straight forward especially when legs are jellified from climbing. When I can do 10 in a row I think I’ll have proved to myself that I can stay the course…

How many days to go?