Ring of Kerry Cycle

andyournameis

I really want to do Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle in 2015, just how much training would I need... Any advice and tips??
I'm new to the whole cycling on the roads, as I am very active I go to an advanced spinning class 3 - 4 times a week.
I'm want buy a bike in the next couple of weeks and hopefully to start cycling on the roads soon... Also could you please recommend a bike, I really don' t to spend a huge amount...

Thanks

specialised

andyournameis wrote: »

I really want to do Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle in 2015, just how much training would I need... Any advice and tips??
I'm new to the whole cycling on the roads, as I am very active I go to an advanced spinning class 3 - 4 times a week.
I'm want buy a bike in the next couple of weeks and hopefully to start cycling on the roads soon... Also could you please recommend a bike, I really don' t to spend a huge amount...

Thanks

Hi i've done the ring of kerry for the last 10 years and it's won of the best leisure cycles you'll find fitness wise you get round if you have a fare level of fitness

Koobcam

Hard to say how much training without knowing your fitness level. I reckon if you are reasonably fit, then maybe the thing you will need is some practice at riding longer distances. Riding outside is very different from indoor spinning sessions, so I think the thing is to try to get out a couple of times a week maybe for a couple of hours each time. You can also try to build cycling into your routine, maybe cycling to work or something like that. You should think about joining a cycling club also-it's good for motivation, plus you will learn about riding in a group. The RoK cycle is really popular, when I did it a couple of years ago, there were over 12,000 participants. So, basically you will need to get used to riding in a group. For the bike, it's hard to say. However, I reckon the most important aspect is comfort. The RoK is about 170km, so you are talking about several hours in the saddle. A bike which isn't comfortable will be a problem. I'd recommend a good bike fitting. What you actually buy depends on budget. I think most people would agree that when choosing a bike, the most important considerations in terms of actual equipment would be firstly the frame, then the wheels. You also want to think about how the saddle and shift levers will affect comfort. The other components need to work, but they would be of secondary importance compared to the other factors.

detones

To be honest if you have any level of modest fitness you have plenty of time to do it THIS year. You can take as long as you like to go around. If you break it up it's just 3 x 60k cycles. I seen people of all shapes and sizes on all manner of bikes completing it last year.

Tourman

I agree that you have time to train for it this year.
I just got back on my bike yesterday after the winter. I took a 35km spin on a reasonably flat route with a small climb at the end.
Start of easy to get used to the bike. Find a location that you might get a reward, ie a coffee stop and a snack. Tell everyone you are going to do the 180km ring of kerry and they will be sceptical and or impressed. This then puts pressure on you to put in the work. Its very rewarding and a great event.
If it's possible do it this year but register soon.
See if you can find someone to go out for spins with in order to keep up a routine just adding a little each week. Try to get out every second day. Every other day is an important rest day. The rest days are as important as the training days . Good luck

Nmccd

I agree with the advice above, aim for 2014 event. Ask to take the bike for a good test spin before buying, look into buying through cycle to work scheme. You can buy cycling shorts, helmet jersey etc with the bike through the scheme - up to ''€1000.00.

nilsonmickey

I did 92km on Thursday in 3:30 hrs, I felt grand afterwards. Then I did 102km on Saturday and was completely wrecked. Getting really worried now if I will be able to complete it. Can someone give me a tip for what I should be doing for next 2 weeks? Complete novice here.