Anyone ride sportives ?

[widowmaker]

Looking for some advice on taking part in sportives.

In a moment of madness I have entered the Wiggle New Forest 101 Sportive and raise money for Macmillan Cancer Charity. I have ridden the Oxford to Cambridge 89 miler on a mountain bike with semi-slick tyres so the distance should be ok (that was 5 years ago though :? )

Has anyone done this route in the 5 odd years it has been going, is the route challenging. I am planning on using my 1985 Raleigh Clubman which is as it left the factory bar some new tyres.

I cant see on the webpage if there is a time limit

Am I mad ?

 

[Jonny69]

I do the occasional one. I wouldn't worry about the bike - as long as it's mechanically sound there's no reason why it won't go 100 miles. I do up to 60-110 miles a week on mine and I've only had to give it a full service once since Christmas.

I would probably:
-Clean out and re-grease wheel bearings, bottom bracket and headset;
-I'm not usually one to dump old components unnecessarily, but a new sealed bottom bracket is a lot less bother than the old cup-and-cone jobs;
-Check wheels are running true;
-New brake blocks;
-New cables if they're old, for peace of mind;
-New chain;
-Ensure everything is well lubed;
-Check tyres and tubes are in good condition.

Then it's basically a new bike bar the visual war wounds from years of use and there's no reason why you can't ride it like any other brand new bike.

 

[widowmaker]

Thanks for that, ill make sure I give the bike a thorough service before.

I quite like the thought of riding alongside people with Carbon Fibre dream bikes in my old Raleigh

 

[hamster]

I live in the New Forest. The route is pretty gentle apart from Blissford Hill (25%). You should be fine.

 

[VanhireBoys]

I ride them all the time on the Vitus 979 .. She is a great travelling companion.. Light fast and comfortable

I rode from Loughrea to Ballina on Saturday last 122 miles .. My advice is just do the maintenance stuff mentioned above and carry
2 spare tubes/ 1 tubular
Tyre levers
Mini Pump
Phone
A few quid
Fig Rolls
Vanilla Fudge
Turkish Delight
Light Rainproof Jacket and perhaps overshoes

Drink sips of water every 15-20 mins to prevent dehyration. An odd fig roll keeps the sugars up.

I usually sneak off perhaps 15 mins early as this avoids the mass start mayhem. Some idiots ride like its a race and will end up in a spill very handy. By the time others catch up the group will be well split and you will find your own comfortable pace.

Dont go like a V2 at the start - and dont ride outside your limits - you will suffer really bad tword the finish.. Just pace youself, enjoy and keep a bit in the tank for the last 15 miles.

Most of all - Enjoy yourself ..

 

[widowmaker]

Thanks VanhireBoys , some good advice there.

 

[Ian Raleigh]

Watch other riders! They may be totally shite bike riders who have no road sense at all and will cause crash's!!

 

[widowmaker]

What's a decent average speed, i was aiming for 17-18mph

 

[Old Ned]

Watch other riders! They may be totally shite bike riders who have no road sense at all and will cause crash's!!

Going by my experience - and that of many other people - MAY should be altered to WILL.

Quite honestly, I don't know how these sportives manage to keep going. They should be BANNED!

OH, BTW, despite what people may say and think - IT IS NOT A RACE.

 

[widowmaker]

Watch other riders! They may be totally shite bike riders who have no road sense at all and will cause crash's!!

Going by my experience - and that of many other people - MAY should be altered to WILL.

Quite honestly, I don't know how these sportives manage to keep going. They should be BANNED!

OH, BTW, despite what people may say and think - IT IS NOT A RACE.

I shall keep my eye on them, and I WONT be racing, I ride charity rides and sportives as they are (normally) well marshalled and if something happens to me I hope someone will notice