Question:

Experienced cyclists: Tips for a long cycle, please?

by | earlier

I'm planning to cycle to Edinburgh from London, this summer (about 370 miles). I hope to do about 100 miles a day as I have comfortably done that a few times, however I've only done this on isolated days (never two days running) although I did feel fine on the follwing days. I cycle 10 miles a day Mon-Fri. and have done for two years.

Am I being too ambitious? What are the best foods to eat on my journey? Are there any other items I should pack? Any advice will be gratefully received.

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Good Luck!!
Report (0) (0) | earlier
no joke, chocolate gives you great energy
Report (0) (0) | earlier
Bring some EXTRAN Thirst Quencher,CYTOMAX or Accelerade ( all are available on Colorado Cyclist---www.coloradocyclist.com or some better health shops there).Bring some heart rate monitors i.e. Polar S series, Sigma Sport or any in your Sporting goods shop. Last---your backpack or CAMELBAK (H.A.W.G.,Ventoux or Rocket are nice though go to your bike shops for your personal choice!)
Report (0) (0) | earlier
Especially during the summer, it is crucial to make sure you stay hydrated. If this is an unsupported ride, pack as much water as you can, unless you know where to get more along the way and have stops planned for it.
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Good that you're asking and planning now.  Not everyone tolerates special foods the same.  I recommend trying them out on your training rides and stick with the ones that work for you.

In addition to finding foods that you can tolerate, It's just  as important to find ones that you enjoy and want to eat and don't get monotonous.

good luck!
Report (0) (0) |   earlier
I don't think you are being too ambitious, but you may have to start ramping up your training.  I trained for a 600mile bike ride in a four month period when I was a beginner.  I think you should try to get to a point where you can do a 100 mile ride back to back (example:  100 on saturday and 100 on sunday).  The more you train now the happier you will be on your adventure.

Also make sure that you are drink plenty of water AND sports drinks on your ride.  Then make sure you are eating while you are riding (bananas, GUs, cliffbars, cut up a peanut butter and honey sandwich).  Drink before you ar thirtsy and eat before you are hungary.

Be smart and pack the right kind of clothing.... research the weather.  Keeping yourself comfortable temperature wise can make you far more efficient.

Make sure you have all the right tools and supplies for any mechanical problems.

Final secret:  Endurox R4, two scoops in a water bottle will help alot.

Have fun!
Report (0) (0) |   earlier
energy food, spare tubes, and a cell phone.
Report (0) (0) | earlier
I would recommend some clif bars ( http://www.wiggle.co.uk sell them) - Carrot cake flavour, yum

I can only recommend your machine is in perfect working order and you have some good clothing - a proper jersey and some comfortable shorts and cycling shoes.

edit - I also made you a VERY crude map, which shows the changes in altitudes, just to warn you of the hills :P

http://www.routeyou.com/route/view/31017...
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