150k charity cycle - REALLY need advice

mawsh

Hi everyone,

I'm taking part in a sponsored from Cork to Kilkenny on the June Bank Holiday weekend for the Chernobyl Children's project. It's a two day cycle, 75k each day. I have a Giant Hybrid (not sure of the model) that I use for cycling around town, but I'm really worried that it's not going to cut it for such a prolonged journey. I'm trying to find a road bike, to borrow or rent for the weekend, but I'm hitting a brick wall. I've tried almost all the bike shops in Dublin to no avail - does anyone have any advice as to where I could source one for the weekend?

Also, any other tips for the weekend would be greatly appreciated. I cycle every day to work but 20k - 30k is the max I'd normally do when going for a fun cycle (I can do this very comfortably though), so I'm daunted. I've been told that cycling gloves and lycra padded shorts are essential - any other advice?

Thanks so much,
Ashling

Caroline_ie

Hello -

The wiki pages will give you an idea of what you need for a spin.
In regards t your bike, why don't you take it to your local bike shop for a full service, have them check everything, change the chain and so on. For the type of distance you are planning to do, your hybrid should be fine.

CheGuedara

Hi Aisling,

Good on ya for having a go - for 75km a go your bike should be fine, a racer is more ideal just for efficiency over distances like that but the hybrid shouldn't do you much wrong if you're unable to source one. And just pace yourself on the day to get over not having done much in the way of distance - take it as a marathon not as a sprint:)

Definitely do get the proper padded shorts, gloves and a jersey (and if you have a lightweight jacket have that on standby too - the weather will be the least dependable thing on the day!)

Other than that what you need to look at is the bike and what you'll have on it.

The week before, make sure the brakes and gears a working well, and that the tyres are in good condition. If you don't have a pump or spare tubes/puncture repair kits or bottle cages, now's the time to invest.

The day of the cycle, don't forget your crasher & waterbottle, check the tyres are inflated firmly (the firmer the better) and that the wheels are still secured (if you have quick releases - I've seen people cycling with them loose and you really dont want that).

That's the key stuff really. Enjoy the cycle!

RestlessNative

Do not ride a bike you are not used to for the ride. If you are going to do a long ride then train on the bike you are going to use. This will give you time to tweak the contact points and position and your muscles will be used to that. Doing your training on a hybrid then getting on someone elses road bike for the weekend will likely lead to alot of discomfort.

A hybrid should be fine with nice fast tyres on.

I use my cyclocross bike with slicks on for this sort of thing.

petethedrummer

mawsh wrote: »

Also, any other tips for the weekend would be greatly appreciated. I cycle every day to work but 20k - 30k is the max I'd normally do when going for a fun cycle (I can do this very comfortably though)

Try doing two longish cycles on consecutive days before the event. It might give you an idea of what is involved. You might feel a bit stiff at the start of the second day but you'll loosen up once you get going again. You sound fit enough so you should be fine. Get as thin tyres as your wheels will take, a bike shop should be able to advise on this.

KStaford

OP

Worry not, I'm doung Mizen Head to Malin Head in a couple of weeks on a large heavy commuter. Take your time and enjoy it, no worries whatsoever