Weather is looking OK. I am using panaracer gravel kings 43c. I weigh 82kgs, and run 2bar (31psi)

Super excited for this event.

Any predictions on the weather this year?

How is everyones training going?

How strict are the with the mandatory kit?

I have entered the 200k.

My training consists of a 46k daily commute 4 or 5 days a week, then a longer ride of 80 to 120ks every 2nd weekend.

I hope this is enough to get me through..

Apologies for the duplicate thread. Admins, please delete.

I would also be interested in this, as (for my age of 43) I am really struggling with various aches and pains, sore knees ect…

thank you, I didn’t know about the google search, that is very handy!!!!

I use Halfords own brand, cheap and cheerful.
They have lasted me 2 years now.

Stay strong friends, and thanks again for sharing.

This thread has helped a lot of people!!!

@gaidong that’s heavy stuff, thanks for sharing.
I hope you figure it all out soon…

Thanks for all that have been sharing.
This post has been extremely helpful to read.

Good luck to the OP, and all others who are going through tough times.

@P-Jay, how are you feeling today mate?

I batch cooked a huge pot of chopped pork sausage with a chili tomato basil sauce (37p a tin from Lidl), to be had over Uncle Bens microwaves rice.

Its about 4 work lunches for <£5-50. 🙂

I forgot to add that we do have charging stations at work, and its actually 14miles one way, and not 20.

I started (20mg Fluoxetine), and I was lucky, as the only real side effect was inability to sleep for a few days, and I lost my apatite for a little bit.

Overall I feel a lot better, but I am becoming aware of a bit of emotional numbness.

To the OP: maybe try hanging in bit longer, but also, perhaps have a catch up with a (different) DR.

Good luck, and keep us posted.

I have recently (in the last 6 months) started taking a low dose of Fluoxetine. (Its is a SSRI.)
I spoke to my Dr after struggling with anxiety, and a small amount of depression for as long as I can remember. Only now, after taking the medication, do I look back and realize how bad I was.
I unfortioenalty left this to late, and its ultimately cost me my marriage.

The drug did take a while to take proper effect (about 4-6weeks), but I feel 100 times better.

I would encourage you to chat to your Dr ASAP!!!!!

Good Luck!!!!

Thanks and good luck to the OP.
I have been on 20mg fluoxetine for 3 months now, and feel so much better. I would love to hear others experience of fluoxetine. Also, how dose a DR decide what to recomend out of all the drugs available?

Thank you. All valuable tips so far. Would I be ok on 38c gravelkings, with 36-42 gearing.

reading this post has given me the courage to finally call my Dr to chat about some of my own issues.

Thanks everyone for all the support you have showed the OP!!!

Many years ago in South Africa I work as an IT techie. (early 20’s)

We had a guy in our open plan office who was a little weird, but generally a nice guy.
One day he didn’t turn up for work, and a few days later we eventually read in the paper that he had been arrested for killing his un born chid, and nearly killing the mother.

I think he is still in jail.

That was a very strange situation indeed.

I rode to work in shorts, twice this week (05h30am commute) 🙂

Coming form South Africa in the late 90’s, my old car that I had while I was at UNI and then my first job, had a tiny little isolator switch hidden under the dash, I had it connect to (I think the coil wire via a relay – cant remember exactly how we did it).

Is this sort of option not viable for a motorcycle? you could have a tiny toggle switch hidden in a un obvious place, so even if u do have the key, break the lock barrel, u can still not start it?

I have 3 pairs of shoes.

I find that my light gravel shoes begin hurting after about 70miles, but my heavy shimano SH-XM700’s touring shoes are super comfy for hours and hours of riding.

Another tip is to buy one size bigger, and get a super cushioned inner sole.

VW Beetle – I have always wanted one.

Can you charge the 130/130+ on the go via a dynamo hub or a battery pack?)

I am looking for a cheapish unit to use for Audax rides.

I think this is a fantastic idea (I am a bit jealous!!!)

Apache

I issue these to all my staff (and wear them myself.)

They are cheap/light/comfy/warm.

Vauxhall Meriva.
I love mine, cheap to buy, cheap to run, and loads of room when seat are flat. (think small van)

I have taken a punt on one of these…

ALIEXPRESS

I will let you know how get on when it arrives.

I do this every year, just to give my body a little break.
It usually extends towards the end of Feb.

I may extend a bit longer this year, as I was (mentally) in a bit of a bad spot late last year due to work/life balance pressures. (and some other stuff)

If I could add 3 pieces of advice:

1: Sort out little issues before they become big issues.
So, if u got a small blister starting on your big toe, stop, and sort it out, before it becomes a huge blister, and potentially ends your race. (duct tape works wonders for this)

2: Arse cream, get the best you can find, and use loads!! I used to supplement my arse cream with a product called Anusol cream. It has a local aesthetic (its available in South Africa, I am not sure about the UK)

3: Get used to riding on regular plain food. Drink water (and maybe a electrolyte every 2nd or 3rd bottle) Stay away form to much the sugars, as you will begin to feel very nauseous, and ultimately puke!! (I have seen this end races many many times!!!)

Also, I have found day3/4 to be my toughest, after that you seem to get fitter, on the ride (or your body learns to suffer?)

If you consider pulling out, don’t ever make the decision at nigh, most problems seem better after a good nights sleep!!! So golden rule, if u want to bail, first make it to the morning before deciding!!!

Good luck.

thaks for all the responses.

I think I will get myself a set of soon!!!!

water proof sealskinz are the warmest socks I have ever used.

If its cold, that’s my go-to socks. (wet or dry weather)

Thanks, guessing BC is British Cycling?

I have been reading this post with interest.

Apologies to Hi-jack a little, but I cycle 12-16miles a 5 days a week to work and back.

I currently do not have any insurance (I am not to worried about theft), but I am wondering about some sort of legal cover/liability insurance)

Any pointers? Am I daft to not have any cover?

I hope it lasts the southern ocean.
I sure he will check it daily.

I commute to work on a gravel bike, mainly on cycle paths. (about 90miles per week)

I am OCD about my bike, so I generally give it a proper clean and light service every second weekend.

I am struggling to see the live tracking on my phone. Is there a mobile version.

thanks, I though it was something like that!!!