Ring of Kerry on a hybrid

ruffmut

Hello,

I am a newbie to cycling and bought the following boardman performance hybrid bike a short time ago.

http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_777849_langId_-1_categoryId_212377#tab2

Would this be suitable and comfortable to do the Ring of Kerry on. Also as a newbie from starting out, what sort of training plan should I follow to do it. I am currently doing 20km spins at the moment which I know is a very short spin for experienced cyclists.

Thanks for any advice.

Beasty

Yes you should be able to do the ROK on that bike without any major issues. A road bike would be more comfortable and perhaps a little faster, with additional options for your hand positions. Having said that I did the WW200 a few years ago on a hybrid and it was fine

In terms of preparation, you just need to build up time and distance in the saddle. If you can comfortably do 20km, try to do 30-40km. Then maybe 50-60km and so on. At each level do it a few times, and try and improve your times a bit before moving on. Also shorten the times between spins if you can. If you can comfortably and regularly do 100km+ spins the ROK will be a doddle.

nilhg

People do the ROK on a lot worse, for longer spins you might need to look at adding bar ends to give you some alternative hand positions.

If you are prepared to put some time in to training you can do the ROK in comfort, this time last year I hadn't sat on a bike for yonks and I managed it last year, there is no magic plan, build up your distances gradually, take in some sportives during the spring/early summer and you should be grand. Last year the farthest I had done before hand was 140km, you just have to mind yourself on the day, don't go off too fast, try to get in with a bunch to save some energy and eat plenty of brack to keep the fuel supplies up.

Take a look through the training logs sub forum, you'll find plenty of info about building up there.

Raymzor

http://www.ringofkerrycycle.ie/training.php

above is a good guide also for training advice. it is important to ease up the week or two before hand. website gives details about registration.

ruffmut wrote: »

Hello,

I am a newbie to cycling and bought the following boardman performance hybrid bike a short time ago.

http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_777849_langId_-1_categoryId_212377#tab2

Would this be suitable and comfortable to do the Ring of Kerry on. Also as a newbie from starting out, what sort of training plan should I follow to do it. I am currently doing 20km spins at the moment which I know is a very short spin for experienced cyclists.

Thanks for any advice.

shaka

No problem with that bike,nilhg is right a set of bar ends might be needed by end of the day

funnights74

Previous posts are spot on, plenty of hybrids on the day, one guy did it on a bmx a few years ago!!, not reccomended, that's an excellent training programme on the RoK site, also if possible try to train with a group, you'll find it easier ,more motivation and pick up plenty of good tips.

ruffmut

Thanks guys for that. Will hopefully do it in 2013. Will check out the ROK web site.

ford2600

Dungarvan man did it on post bike this year. Horrible bike, he is hardy though and and a good cyclist.
Also know 63 yr old, more or less knew to cycling who did it on hybrid in 7 yrs.
Start your train as early as possible get out as often as you can, and most importantly enjoy.
Tour de burren in june is goid preparation and nicer route imho.

ruffmut wrote: »

Thanks guys for that. Will hopefully do it in 2013. Will check out the ROK web site.

meercat

agree
all sorts of bikes going around
the best day i have ever had on a bike
going next year(and every year d.v)
this lad done it on a high nellie

meercat

dont forget a good pair of padded cycling shorts

you wont regret it;)