Charity cycle - Mont Ventoux

Snowman81

Hi, I am taking part in a charity cycle in July. Its a stage if the tour de France. Its 264km in total, with the last 20km up Mont Ventoux! I only bought my bike on Friday and i am very much a beginner. Just wondering if anyone has ever done this before and what their experience was like? Also I was hoping that I might be able to get some help with putting a training plan together?

Arthurdaly

Well done on entering and buying a bike. What sort of sporting background do you have? It sounds like a pretty mammoth challenge for someone who just bought a bike, could you aim a little lower maybe? I hear the wiclow 200 is pretty easy!

07Lapierre

You are brave! Thats some cycle for someone who only got a bike last friday!

t'bear

google Ventoux watch the vids, get yourself into the saddle and put miles and miles into the legs

RobFowl

Been doing this for over 25 years and still building up for that one :cool:

Snowman81

Thanks for the responses! I would be fairly fit but I have taken back seat over the last few years. I know its a really big challenge for me as a novice. I felt it was an opportunity to do something I would always remember for good reasons or bad! I have been doing some work on an excerise bike for the last couple of weeks roughly 60km every two days. Since I've got the bike the biggest issue has been sore ass cheeks! Should I be looking at getting a different saddle? How many miles should I be looking to do a week?

kingdomlad

Hi. I did the Etape Du Tour in 2009 from Montellimar to Mount Ventoux. I was doing between 100 and 150 miles a week from March to July to prepare. The total stage was 180km with 4 other climbs before we reached Bedoin, the base of Ventoux. I thought i was going really well by the time i reached Bedoin, but i never realised how hard a climb Ventoux was. I have done many climbs in the Alps and Pyrenees over the years but Ventoux has to be the toughest i have done. Now, we were in a timed sportif which is probably a lot tougher than doing just a charity ride to Ventoux, but be prepared for a really tough final 19km up Ventoux.
By the way, i am going back there this july aswell, but just riding the climb from bottom to top.
Prepare well, and all the best in July!

t'bear

to add to my earlier comment, if the bike is new to you, be sure you are comfortable on it for over 6 hours, the sore arse bit can be temporary until you HTFU, but other bits will suffer is the bike fit is not perfect (shoulders, neck, back, knees etc) and will only flare up after extended distances.

shaka

t bear is right , I find on even the handier routes bits and pieces can suffer if not used to being in the saddle for that length of time.

I haven't done that cycle but id be thinking you would need to be throwing in a long cycle every weekend. and maybe finish off this long cycle with a tough climb if possible. Fair play

07Lapierre

Snowman81 wrote: »

Thanks for the responses! I would be fairly fit but I have taken back seat over the last few years. I know its a really big challenge for me as a novice. I felt it was an opportunity to do something I would always remember for good reasons or bad! I have been doing some work on an excerise bike for the last couple of weeks roughly 60km every two days. Since I've got the bike the biggest issue has been sore ass cheeks! Should I be looking at getting a different saddle? How many miles should I be looking to do a week?

U only got the bike last Friday right? A sore arse is not unusual at this early stage. You need to get out on the bike as often as you can. Sign up for the Wicklow200. If you survive the Ww200, you stand a good chance of getting to the summit of Ventoux

ROK ON

Happy April Fools surely?

shaka

ROK ON wrote: »

Happy April Fools surely?

Is nothing sacred anymore

Zyzz

t'bear wrote: »

google Ventoux watch the vids, get yourself into the saddle and put miles and miles into the legs

best advice is OP is serious

Snowman81

I'm serious alright. Just felt it was something that I couldn't turn down and it will also be a chance to raise some money for Harolds Cross Hospice and/or Crumlin Children's Hospital.

It would appear to be case of grinning and bearing the sore ass and get as many miles into my legs as I can!

LeftBlank

I'm not really sure you understand the enormity of what you have undertaken.

Presumably the 244km before Ventoux are not going to be flat either?

maloner

Ventoux was the first "proper" climb I did, and the thought of doing it after 240km+ of cycling is pretty scary.

The 10km section of the climb through the woods never drops below 9% and is solid 10% average all the way. Then you've about 7km more of climbing to go on an exposed road. Nightmare if its windy.

The climb on its own is a worthy challenge, let alone at the end of a long day.

Repeats up and down the full stocking lane climb if you're in dublin would be a good thing to do at the end of your training spins.

Get the miles in as has been said and good luck.

Rita1

Get on your bike quick and you should be ready.....sorry ready for this(see below)

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=82490380

See you in 2016

Snowman81

In total there 8 other climbs before they finish on Mont Ventoux. They range from 436m. 459m,424m 150m, 211m, 651m,302m, and finally the big one of 1912.

To be honest I am probably not aware of what I have taken on but I will definately give it my best shot.

maloner

Snowman81 wrote: »

In total there 8 other climbs before they finish on Mont Ventoux. They range from 436m. 459m,424m 150m, 211m, 651m,302m, and finally the big one of 1912.

To be honest I am probably not aware of what I have taken on but I will definately give it my best shot.

Got a link to the event? Sounds like a great challenge

death1234567

Snowman81 wrote: »

To be honest I am probably not aware of what I have taken on but I will definately give it my best shot.

Do this course and then when you get to the end turn around and come back, that's roughly about what you signed up for...



If your not able to get on your bike and cycle 200K+ here in Ireland then no chance you'll be able for 264K in France over mountains and in 30 degree heat. Good Luck, your gonna need it.

detones

Snowman81 wrote: »

In total there 8 other climbs before they finish on Mont Ventoux. They range from 436m. 459m,424m 150m, 211m, 651m,302m, and finally the big one of 1912.

To be honest I am probably not aware of what I have taken on but I will definately give it my best shot.

Well if you are serious snowman fair play to you, let us know how it goes. You could start a training log in the Cycling Training Logs Subforum. In fact if you do a search i'm sure you'll find lots of plans from people who trained for the Wicklow 200 and similar events, that would be a starting point. From the hills and distance your talking about it will be hard to replicate here. Your talking about probably 10 to 12 hours in the saddle. I could be wrong but i'd say there are strong cyclist on here who would struggle to do that stage over 2 days. Maybe do the Wicklow 200 in June and then go staright for a hill repeat session up and down Stockton lane and see how you fare out


I plan on doing the Ring of Kerry Year this year and find that daunting, thats 180k with lots of stopping for Scones, Muffins and Coffee en route!

2 Wheels Good

Think there's another boardsie doing something similar. Thread here.
I did Ventoux in July 3 years ago without doing any serious training, but I cycle and do spin classes regularly enough.

I know some of the Etape tour groups do weeks in Kenmare and that peninsula so it might be worth doing a couple of weekends testing yourself down that area, or Wicklow if you're further up the country. But clocking up the miles is equally important so cycle whenever possible.

The profile is doable, slightly hilly but should be fine. Ventoux is a whole other matter. It's hard, very hard, triple probably advisable tbh. Acclimatise to the alps is another bit of advice i'd give. Get over a few days before and "loosen" the legs. Pace is king really, go your own pace and ignore everyone else.

Food wise, make sure you the bars/drinks you take agree with you so try them before you go. It can be risky taking them on the day, and drink sufficient amounts.

ford2600

Not sure where your fitness is now, but you've taken on quite a challenge.

I was in good shape from hiking, multiple 5 day trips wild camping and a lot of years playing competitive gaa, before before I bought first bike mid April 2006.
I did Wicklow 200 in reasonable comfort on second weekend in June.

You'd need to factor in heat, and the continious climbing that you can't do here.

Ventoux is over 3 times higher than Sally Gap.

You will need to get to enjoy punishment! Your body will take a while to adjust.

If your a bit of an animal, you can do it.

Finally be careful in heat,(you may get lucky and have a coolish day) dehydration/heat stroke is no joke

Snowman81 wrote: »

In total there 8 other climbs before they finish on Mont Ventoux. They range from 436m. 459m,424m 150m, 211m, 651m,302m, and finally the big one of 1912.

To be honest I am probably not aware of what I have taken on but I will definately give it my best shot.

Snowman81

Thanks again for all the comments!

I will definately put my name down for the Wicklow 200km. I will be doing the trip to France with a group of 40. I do know its not goign to be easy at all I just need to prepare for it now..

ROK ON

Snowman

Fair play to you.
Couple of practical points -
(1) Unless you are very light and strong on the bike this will be a long day. By long budget for 16-20 hours. I am not kidding. You have not cycled before let alone done 264k flat. Add in climbs is a whole new ball game.

I was with a group of 10 experienced club cyclists during the summer - we did an event called the Raid Pyrenean. Regular days of 200km with 3500-5000m of vertical ascent.
We put in 2 full 12 hour days. Now while several of us were overweight, we have all been cycling for a long while with plenty of long miles in the legs. We paced ourselves well and had full support from a camper van.

You need to start cycling lots - forget about climbing for now - simply get used to spending increasing amounts of time in the saddle.

By the summer you should have done one 12 hour day.

You need to lose sufficient amounts of weight such that you do not diminish strength. Pinch yourself everywhere. If you can grab a lot of skin then lose weight. Get nutritional advice and stick seriously to it. Carrying weight uphill on a bike for anything more than about 5 minutes is a killer and seriously strength sapping. On the Raid I was so tired at the top of every climb that concentration on the long technical descents was seriously compromised.

Prepare for pain - lots of it. Pain is more than physical - a lot of the pain climbing long steep climbs is mental. Every sinew in your body is aching, the lactic acid in your legs is a killer. This fu*ks with your head in a big big way. You will question why your are doing it, over and over and over again. You need a distraction to push through all that mental anguish.

You have taken on a challenge which is doable - for most serious cyclists - it is at the edge of doable for a novice. Do up a training plan.

Begin today - start cycling everywhere. Dont go anywhere (work, college, whatever) on anything but a bike.

Enjoy.

PS

http://app.strava.com/segments/664838
Check out the Ventoux on Strava. Have a look at the times folks are putting in. The fitest guys ate doing sub 90 minutes. Everyone else is taking a lot lot longer.

Esroh

Snowman

Only thing that can be added to ROK's advice is

Buy the best cycling shorts you can afford.

Snowman81

Rok On thanks a million for taking the time to post that information

ford2600

How is training going? Mount Ventoux still on radar?

Snowman81 wrote: »

Rok On thanks a million for taking the time to post that information

Snowman81

Yeah still training away. Getting between 200km to 300km done per week. Unfortunately with the weather being bad a lot of that is indoors. Managed to get 110km in on Saturday from Kilcock to Phoenix park, 6 laps of the park and a couple of climbs up Knockmaroon hill. Biggest issue was comfort struggled from about 80km on, just a case of bearing with that I think. Any suggestions for supplements that I could use to help with Energy levels?

RobFowl

Snowman81 wrote: »

Any suggestions for supplements that I could use to help with Energy levels?

EPO, blood transfusions, HGH, testosterone and corticosteroids worked well for a Texan chap

ford2600

Weather isn't that bad, except for wind last wed.

Get out on road if you can, you might have to deal with wind, rain in France also. Cycling in wind is great for mental toughness, although it might not feel like it at time.

Don't ramp up distance too quickly, slight increase every week. Rest is important part of training.

I do similar distance, and just eat normal food, can't help on supplements, others on here might be able to help.

Snowman81 wrote: »

Yeah still training away. Getting between 200km to 300km done per week. Unfortunately with the weather being bad a lot of that is indoors. Managed to get 110km in on Saturday from Kilcock to Phoenix park, 6 laps of the park and a couple of climbs up Knockmaroon hill. Biggest issue was comfort struggled from about 80km on, just a case of bearing with that I think. Any suggestions for supplements that I could use to help with Energy levels?

2 Wheels Good

Snowman81 wrote: »

Yeah still training away. Getting between 200km to 300km done per week. Unfortunately with the weather being bad a lot of that is indoors. Managed to get 110km in on Saturday from Kilcock to Phoenix park, 6 laps of the park and a couple of climbs up Knockmaroon hill. Biggest issue was comfort struggled from about 80km on, just a case of bearing with that I think. Any suggestions for supplements that I could use to help with Energy levels?

For breakfast or during a cycle these bars are great and you can play around with the ingredients.

During a long cycle I use Powerbar gels and bars, and High 5 Zero but its down to personal preference and how your body reacts to them.

Supplements, i always found the slow release protein powders good, but someone may be able to advise better on those.

detones

Snowman81 wrote: »

Yeah still training away. Getting between 200km to 300km done per week. Unfortunately with the weather being bad a lot of that is indoors. Managed to get 110km in on Saturday from Kilcock to Phoenix park, 6 laps of the park and a couple of climbs up Knockmaroon hill. Biggest issue was comfort struggled from about 80km on, just a case of bearing with that I think. Any suggestions for supplements that I could use to help with Energy levels?

Hey Snowman, looks like your challenge may well be achievable if you keep the training up. Considering you only got the Bike the start of April 110k is quite an achievement. Well done. Did you stop much on that spin? To add to what others have said you really should get out in all weather even when it’s blowing a gale. Its character building! You'll find once you have struggled on a windy day even a relatively breezy day will seem a doddle. After slogging it out last weekend and week in 40 to 60km/hr winds, think I managed an average of 14km/hr going into the wind, I found yesterday so much easier even though it was still breezy.

Snowman81

I had a quick stop to help the guy that was with me to fix a puncture! Around 10 minutes.

Ha, Character building is one way of describing it alright:) Really enjoying the training so far. Once I get the comfort sorted I'll be flying.. I've signed up for the Wicklow 200 so that should be a good benchmark

Snowman81

Still training away completed by longest cycle yesterday managed to get from kilcock to rosslare. 164km in total took 6 hours 40mins. I was delighted with my self! Last week I got 120km in which included a trip over the wicklow gap. I've sign up for the wicklow 200. Just wondering if people think I should try to complete a cycle longer than the one I have to deal with France which is 242km?

IM0

you do realise that carrying a bike on the roof isnt training right?

07Lapierre

Snowman81 wrote: »

Still training away completed by longest cycle yesterday managed to get from kilcock to rosslare. 164km in total took 6 hours 40mins. I was delighted with my self! Last week I got 120km in which included a trip over the wicklow gap. I've sign up for the wicklow 200. Just wondering if people think I should try to complete a cycle longer than the one I have to deal with France which is 242km?

Well done! Yes keep it up and try and get out every weekend and do 100-150klm and at least 2000meters of climbing. The WW200 will give you a good idea of how you are progressing.

Snowman81

IM0 wrote: »

you do realise that carrying a bike on the roof isnt training right?

Ha! It can be done !

Snowman81

I completed the wicklow 200 on Sunday. I was delighted with my self. Climbs were tough but I managed to do them all. Five weeks left for the big one!

How easy would it be to add more lower gears to my bike? Have a feeling I might need them.

Tobyglen

Fair play. If my back was able I would love to be doing something like this, great to have an end goal like Ventoux.


Famous duel on Ventoux between Armstrong & Pantani.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6q38Gyjv4EE

2 Wheels Good

Snowman81 wrote: »

I completed the wicklow 200 on Sunday. I was delighted with my self. Climbs were tough but I managed to do them all. Five weeks left for the big one!

How easy would it be to add more lower gears to my bike? Have a feeling I might need them.

What gearing have you now?

Snowman81

2 Wheels Good wrote: »

What gearing have you now?

Not sure to be honest. There are 24 gears on the bike. I was reading about lower gears and wonder can this be done by changing the cogs? Or is it possible to rent a really good bike from somewhere that might help?

2 Wheels Good

Snowman81 wrote: »

Not sure to be honest. There are 24 gears on the bike. I was reading about lower gears and wonder can this be done by changing the cogs? Or is it possible to rent a really good bike from somewhere that might help?

They can, I changed from a 12-25 to a 12-27 for the alps a couple of years ago. Depends on your groupset what mix of gears you can get. The front is a bit more complicated depending on whether it's a regular (53-39 typically) or compact (50-34) chainset. I've Shimano 105 on my bike, think it was €60 for a new cassette when i got it. You might need a new chain too depending on wear.

detones

Snowman81 wrote: »

I completed the wicklow 200 on Sunday. I was delighted with my self. Climbs were tough but I managed to do them all. Five weeks left for the big one!

How easy would it be to add more lower gears to my bike? Have a feeling I might need them.

Hi snowman good to hear your progressing well and well done on 200. Getting lower gears could be relatively easy. You may just need to change your cassette. Do you know how many teeth are on your largest gear (in size) on the back?

You know your post really has got me thinking. After just taking up cycling you have already completed the ww200. This would be a goal which a lot of people would take a couple of years at least to achieve. I think in a way because you have set such a high and hard goal the ww200 Is just seen as a stepping stone to you and by the sounds of it you got through it no bother. I think there's a good life lesson there for all about setting aspirational targets and goals even if they may seem unachievable at the start.

Snowman81

It was a good slog but I managed to stay with it.The hills very tough, however for me it seemed that the biggest battle I found was a mental one. I'm more anxious about France now after completing the wicklow 200 as I now know how hard the climbs will be over there. Thanks for the kind comments.

There seems to be 28 teeth on the big cog at the back?

Snowman81

How do I know what my group set is?

detones

The groupset is just the make and model of your gearing system. There should be writing on the front and rear deraileur. Theres lads on here much more knowledgeable than me on this. You say you have 24 gears so im guessing you have a triple ( 3 chain rings on the pedal crank) of some sort with 8 speed cassette. I think i have seen cassettes as large as a 30 in an 8 speed shimano, so you may be able to change the casette to a 30 but to be honest if you do have a triple with a 28 it should go over any hill!! Try and find out what you have and others may be able to direct you better.

Snowman81

http://www.scott-sports.com/us/en/products/227790023/bike-speedster-50-24-l56/;jsessionid=77976D7682E60D48463E4458C987D9C7

This is my bike.

2 Wheels Good

Ok, to be honest, your gearing should be ok for what you're doing. I did Ventoux on a triple. Did you use the small ring in front and the bigger rings at the back in Wicklow? And were they ok?

As long as you're able to spin away you should be fine. It's easier in the alps to spin in a low gear than struggle in a bigger gear (especially when the hills are long)

Snowman81

Yep I used the small and big cog but it wasn't exactly easy to spin. I'm wondering if maybe I went into my lowest gear to early in the climbs?

manafana

i rode the raid on a compact and bought a cassette with a wider gearing for the long uphills and downhills.

Like yourself I had limited experience cycling before doing the raid, I had only cycled more than 120km once when I signed up.

Best advice I got was to focus on my cadence and pedalling and to keep motivation up to do lots of flat spins at first to drop the weight and get used to keeping cadence high and thus limiting latak.

Then once I dropped some weight, I did bit more climbing in build up to the trip, I lost 8-9kg from start may till end of july when I left.

Also the week before no hills, short spins to keep yourself ticking over.