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The Cycling Chat Thread

Orang Utan said:
I think you might be overthinking it a tad. I never had any of that stuff when I did the same journey - have a decent breakfast and make sure you're hydrated - we managed to get all the way to Brighton, and even got away with a pub lunch and a pint halfway. the only tough bit is Ditchling Beacon, which is ok until you get near the top (or so it seems) and then it gets steeper. I gave up at that point and pushed it to the top, so watch out for that. You don't have to cycle constantly to get there, so why make it difficult, have a breather every now and then and enjoy it
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Just wanting to make the best of the things I can control. I'm very far past my physical peak (50 in 2 weeks and heavier than I've ever been), a bit of input here from people that do this regularly is very helpful, my circle of friends is not a sporty one so stuff like "Pop a gel before any big climbs" is really helpful, I would never have known that.

I will be taking breathers and enjoying it but also don't want to make any rookie errors that leave me with a nightmare stitch half way between the 2 cities.

Ditchling Walkup I call it.
 
spitfire said:
Just wanting to make the best of the things I can control. I'm very far past my physical peak (50 in 2 weeks and heavier than I've ever been), a bit of input here from people that do this regularly is very helpful, my circle of friends is not a sporty one so stuff like "Pop a gel before any big climbs" is really helpful, I would never have known that.

I will be taking breathers and enjoying it but also don't want to make any rookie errors that leave me with a nightmare stitch half way between the 2 cities.

Ditchling Walkup I call it.
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ok, just saying that I did it without all that and no training after getting on a bike after no exercise in forever. A lot of people seem to want to make it look harder and more complicated than it is, forgetting the essential matter that it is not a competion and it's supposed to be fun. Just keep hydrated, stop when it hurts to breath, and take your time. And get the train home.
 
Your body can use about 80g of carbs/hour, which is actually quite a lot. But just bear in mind that that 40 mile/1000m ride I posted the other week I ate a curry with some rice for lunch, then a packet of haribo and a lunchbox snickers on the ride. It’s not a super hard route from what I can see, just has a moderate climb…

If you get a stitch or other lactic acid burn, it’s because you’ve gone too hard, not because of what you had for breakfast. Can’t say it enough, just keep it steady and never feel puffed, you’ll get through fine.
 
Thanks TopCat and Cid.

More good advice that I would never have known if I hadn't asked. "If you get a stitch or other lactic acid burn, it’s because you’ve gone too hard, not because of what you had for breakfast. "

Bacon rolls it is!
 
Also don’t go too hard on the grease if you get acid reflux. Stick with stuff you eat regularly. Plus a lot of sugar to keep you topped up.
 
My opinion (just an opinion) is to eat little and often. Don't have a bigger breakfast than usual, just keep nibbling every few minutes as you go along, from a feed bag or your bar bag...something you can rummage in easily while riding. A mix of nuts and dried fruit is perfect. Sold as 'trail mix' all over the place. Or make your own. The DIY trail mix is far superior because you can put mango and banana and cashews and pistachios and all your favourites in. You can go organic. Don't do a massive glucose hit by scoffing a mars bar, or a gel. Gels are a poor compromise for pros who struggle to top up with calories fast enough when racing 150 miles and cannot take the time to snack gently and can only keep food in their jersey pocket. They're not good for you...too much too fast for your system and terribly bad for your teeth. They're yet another thing successfully pushed at us by the bike trade because it's endorsed by the Tour de fucking France. Forget them. You don't need an isotonic drink either. Fuck the additives. Get your minerals and salts naturally from the fruit and nut mix, and drink loads of water.
 
David Clapson said:
My opinion (just an opinion) is to eat little and often. Don't have a bigger breakfast than usual, just keep nibbling every few minutes as you go along, from a feed bag or your bar bag...something you can rummage in easily while riding. A mix of nuts and dried fruit is perfect. Sold as 'trail mix' all over the place. Or make your own. The DIY trail mix is far superior because you can put mango and banana and cashews and pistachios and all your favourites in. You can go organic. Don't do a massive glucose hit by scoffing a mars bar, or a gel. Gels are a poor compromise for pros who struggle to top up with calories fast enough when racing 150 miles and cannot take the time to snack gently and can only keep food in their jersey pocket. They're not good for you...too much too fast for your system and terribly bad for your teeth. They're yet another thing successfully pushed at us by the bike trade because it's endorsed by the Tour de fucking France. Forget them. You don't need an isotonic drink either. Fuck the additives. Get your minerals and salts naturally from the fruit and nut mix, and drink loads of water.
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those gels are also disgusting and hard to swallow
 
weepiper said:
I usually have a bowl of porridge with a banana chopped into it before a big ride. Cereal bars are good. Pop a gel before any big climbs. Drink more than you think you need to, it's really easy to get dehydrated when you're working/breathing hard.
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Yes, Porridge or overnight oats. Clif bars during the ride. Start eating after an hour, don’t wait until you get hungry. Have two bottles, one filled with water, the other one with electrolytes.
 
David Clapson said:
My opinion (just an opinion) is to eat little and often. Don't have a bigger breakfast than usual, just keep nibbling every few minutes as you go along, from a feed bag or your bar bag...something you can rummage in easily while riding. A mix of nuts and dried fruit is perfect. Sold as 'trail mix' all over the place. Or make your own. The DIY trail mix is far superior because you can put mango and banana and cashews and pistachios and all your favourites in. You can go organic. Don't do a massive glucose hit by scoffing a mars bar, or a gel. Gels are a poor compromise for pros who struggle to top up with calories fast enough when racing 150 miles and cannot take the time to snack gently and can only keep food in their jersey pocket. They're not good for you...too much too fast for your system and terribly bad for your teeth. They're yet another thing successfully pushed at us by the bike trade because it's endorsed by the Tour de fucking France. Forget them. You don't need an isotonic drink either. Fuck the additives. Get your minerals and salts naturally from the fruit and nut mix, and drink loads of water.
Click to expand...

Trail mix sounds like a good idea. I'd forgotten that existed.
 
Cid said:
Note: don’t take training advice off some rando on urban :D
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quite, people have been riding that route for years without any advice or equipment, just a bike and a determination to have some fun getting to the coast and jumping in the sea
 
Orang Utan said:
quite, people have been riding that route for years without any advice or equipment, just a bike and a determination to have some fun getting to the coast and jumping in the sea
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Your opinion was noted and my reasons for asking were given. I'm finding it interesting and useful.

I like organising things, I haven't organised a trip for 18 months and this is a day out with some organising to be done. I'm loving it.
 
Remember the sun cream. And something under your helmet to absorb sweat. A sweat band or an actual cycling cap...you don't need a mix of sweat and sun cream in your eyes the whole time. You'll probably have arse trouble if you haven't done a big distance before. Are you wearing padded shorts? If so, put bum cream on the pad. It doesn't need to be official Pro Cycling chamois cream...cocoa butter or coconut oil are good. Vaseline is OK.
 
David Clapson said:
Remember the sun cream. And something under your helmet to absorb sweat. A sweat band or an actual cycling cap...you don't need a mix of sweat and sun cream in your eyes the whole time. You'll probably have arse trouble if you haven't done a big distance before. Are you wearing padded shorts? If so, put bum cream on the pad. It doesn't need to be official Pro Cycling chamois cream...cocoa butter or coconut oil are good. Vaseline is OK.
Click to expand...

Oh yeah I meant to ask about that, I have a pair of cycling leggings that I've hardly worn (with padded undercarriage), they're full length though. Other than that it's Calvin Kleins...
 
You might get very hot feet, especially if it's sunny. Maybe a nasty burning sensation under the foot. Thin socks are best. Pukka cycling socks are actually very good. Thin, with no raised seams. And loosen your shoes if your feet heat up.

Some people get tense when they're new to a big day on the bike, and they get pains in their hands or wrists or shoulders. Try to remember to relax. Pamper yourself with stretches when you stop. You can do stretching and relaxation exercises as you ride.

Lots of people crash on the L to B, mainly on the downhill bits. Don't let your speed build up and keep your distance from people when you see the downhill bits coming. If you brake hard you might get hit from behind, but the person who does that will be the one to fall off, not you.

If you wear padded shorts or leggings, don't wear underpants.
 
Thanks everyone, off to bed now, loads of really useful stuff in here. Got a good idea of what to expect and what to do (and not to do).

Just ordered some carbon fibre pants so I can go faster.

Looking forward to it, should set my personal best. :D
 
What else? I think you know this, but pump your tyres up, it helps to prevent punctures. But not rock hard...maybe 10 psi less than the max pressure which is on the sidewalls. Cycling gloves are comfy and safe for when you fall off. The ones with a terry cloth on the back of your hand are good for dealing with snot and sweat. Are you wearing trainers? Touring shoes would be more comfy but it might be hard to find any at a sensible price. Depends where you live and how much spare time you have.
 
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