IS 280+k in two days doable as a 50th birthday challenge?

alexanderomahon

I took up cycling a few months back and I have really enjoyed it. As I am turning 50 next August I decided I wanted to set myself a challenge and preferably one linked to cycling.

I was wondering if experienced people on here felt it was reasonable to set myself a target of riding from NCD to Birmingham next July. I'm from Birmingham originally and will be heading over for the Olympics anyway, so I thought the wife and kids could drive over and I'd try and cycle.

As I said I started a few months back and have managed to do a 100k on a few occassions since. The furthest I have riden on my own is about 80k. My health is good, but achilles are a bit of a problem (that's why I'm cycling and not running anymore) .

So, do people feel this is a reachable target? Thanks

Inquitus

alexanderomahon wrote: »

I took up cycling a few months back and I have really enjoyed it. As I am turning 50 next August I decided I wanted to set myself a challenge and preferably one linked to cycling.

I was wondering if experienced people on here felt it was reasonable to set myself a target of riding from NCD to Birmingham next July. I'm from Birmingham originally and will be heading over for the Olympics anyway, so I thought the wife and kids could drive over and I'd try and cycle.

As I said I started a few months back and have managed to do a 100k on a few occassions since. The furthest I have riden on my own is about 80k. My health is good, but achilles are a bit of a problem (that's why I'm cycling and not running anymore) .

So, do people feel this is a reachable target? Thanks

I would say its very doable, even if you did little over the winter and got training in March when it brightens up you would be well able to achieve this, you would just need to put some work in the in the preceding few months.

ashleey

I planned to ride from Kilkenny to Donegal in 2 days this summer. I did the first day of 145 k to mullingar in atrocious weather and as it was the same the next day took the car option. 150k on your own with no group to drag you is a big undertaking. I did several 150/160k sportives and it was completely different! You could do it with good training and meal breaks on the day and good weather. Hope it works out as you will be really pleased with yourself

Beasty

Age is really not an issue provided you are healthy. Indeed older riders tend to be more prepared to stick to it on the longer rides.

I didn't take up cycling at a serious level until my late forties - did my first WW200 aged 48 within three weeks of a knee operation, most of it riding solo. Get the miles in over the winter and you will be absolutely fine

Lusk Doyle

Get the miles in and let the mind do the rest!

mediwheel

I don't know anything about your past medical history or physical ability but a visit to your GP would be advisable as opposed to asking people on a web site although the advise will be well intended. Espically if this is a new activity or mid life crisis or something !

Eamonnator

I'm 60. I did wicklow 200 for the first time this year.
I also did the maracycle(Dublin-Belfast/Belfast-Dublin)
Go for it, you're only a young fellah!!

PCX

mediwheel wrote: »

I don't know anything about your past medical history or physical ability but a visit to your GP would be advisable as opposed to asking people on a web site although the advise will be well intended. Espically if this is a new activity or mid life crisis or something !

In fairness to the OP I don't think he is asking medical advice as such. He says that his health is good and he has cycled 100k in the recent past.
I think he is trying to ask experienced cyclists who have experience of riding long distances on consecutive days whether the distance he is planning is realistic. I think it's very valid to ask people who have experience of doing similar things what their advice or tips might be.
While a medical professional might be able to tell someone whether they are fit enough to undertake physical exercise they may not be the best people to ask for advice on cycle touring (unless you're lucky enough to have a doctor who cycles). We can't always just answer every question about what a reasonable speed or distance or time frame or goal is with "ask a doctor".
So my unqualified advice is go and get the ok from a GP but also listen to the experienced people on this forum or in your club or that you meet at sportives etc. who have done similar things and have real world knowledge.

alexanderomahon

thanks for response PCX that is exactly where I am coming from. I've been out with Swords cc a few times now and willbe joing next week at the AGM, so I will get people's input there.

Dermot Illogical

alexanderomahon wrote: »

thanks for response PCX that is exactly where I am coming from. I've been out with Swords cc a few times now and willbe joing next week at the AGM, so I will get people's input there.

Get into the habit of going with them on both the Saturday and Sunday spins and you'll be ready in no time. Don't be afraid to mention the distances you're training for and you'll find that the club spins may get slightly longer than usual.
There were a few of the Swords touring group doing the Bothair challenge this year and the Sat/Sun spins were lengthened a touch to help them along.

I hope to be joining next week as well. :pac:

Canis Lupus

Yup, deffo doable specially if you'll be unloaded although lemme tell you Wales is a b*tch so get some hill training in.... After that easy peasy.

Roadtoad

As Adidas say, just go ahead ya boy ya. Lots of 50+'ers &95kg+ers do the W200 or similar. Company would shorten the road and a couple of the spring sportifs help.

alexanderomahon

Roadtoad wrote: »

As Adidas say, just go ahead ya boy ya. Lots of 50+'ers &95kg+ers do the W200 or similar. Company would shorten the road and a couple of the spring sportifs help.

Thanks for the reples. looks like it's on glad that people think it is doable, so now it's just down to some hard work.

seve65

while you r on your way, you should take in bwlch y groes

alexanderomahon

That looks a bit scary. I assure you I will be looking for as flat a route as possible . Looking at A55 across north Wales and heading south from Chester.

Beasty

alexanderomahon wrote: »

That looks a bit scary. I assure you I will be looking for as flat a route as possible . Looking at A55 across north Wales and heading south from Chester.

The A55 is a very busy road - it's dual carriageway most of the way with lots of fast moving traffic heading to and from Holyhead (some hard shoulder though which makes it easier).

You may want to consider the A5 - probably quite a bit more challenging terrain because it goes through Snowdonia unlike the A55 which is pretty much along the coast (and therefore more rewarding in terms of both the "challenge" and scenery)

alexanderomahon

Beasty wrote: »

The A55 is a very busy road - it's dual carriageway most of the way with lots of fast moving traffic heading to and from Holyhead (some hard shoulder though which makes it easier).

You may want to consider the A5 - probably quite a bit more challenging terrain because it goes through Snowdonia unlike the A55 which is pretty much along the coast (and therefore more rewarding in terms of both the "challenge" and scenery)

A lot will depend on my fitness prior to the ride. I was thinking A55 for the hard shoulder. What i remember of the a5 is that it can also be busy and is pretty marrow. Anyway, as I said it will depend on my fitness and I will look for route advice closer to the event. Also have to think about which days of the week to do it and where to stop etc.

CramCycle

alexanderomahon wrote: »

That looks a bit scary. I assure you I will be looking for as flat a route as possible . Looking at A55 across north Wales and heading south from Chester.

If possible, I would try and stay off the A roads as much as possible, the back roads are quieter and generally more scenic.

ashleey

I would second that. I am from London and have driven to the ferries many times. In general most a roads in the uk are dual carriageways and thus 70 mph which means 80+, and with lorries too!