Malin to Mizen

Mackas_view

Hi I'm doing the malin to Mizen challenge in a few months and was just lookin for some tips and advice if any of you have some experiences to share. I'm a novice cyclist undertaking this for charity and we will be averaging about 85 miles per day.

Thanks

onthebikenow

Mackas_view wrote: »

Hi I'm doing the malin to Mizen challenge in a few months and was just lookin for some tips and advice if any of you have some experiences to share. I'm a novice cyclist undertaking this for charity and we will be averaging about 85 miles per day.

Thanks

Eat soft foods as much as possible. Sandwiches and bananas rather than crunchie energy bars.Muller rice is a treat at food stops. Ride at a steady tempo and go easy up the hills/drags and a little harder than normal down the other side to keep avg speed. Going South to North you have a better chance of a tailwind. Plan food stops in advance at petrol stations/ shops etc. probably need 2 each day for 85 miles. Try to leave early each day to get to hotels early each evening. Try to build up your training gradually to 85 miles Sat and Sunday 2 weeks beforehand. If you are putting a training plan together start from the end and work back. Enjoy the training and enjoy the challenge itself.

Mackas_view

Thanks. Would you recommend forking out large sums on clothing or just buy cheap stuff and lump on the Vaseline?

couerdelion

Mackas_view wrote: »

Thanks. Would you recommend forking out large sums on clothing or just buy cheap stuff and lump on the Vaseline?

Buy the best you can afford. First time I was grand - wore a pair of shorts I was used to doing long rides on and washed them in the sink each evening. Last year I wore some sponsored gear that I had never worn for any significant rides before. Day 1 from Mizen the heavens opened and the wetness and poor quality chamois meant I got bad saddle sores which I have never had before. I had to do the next 4 days with sores and I was in a right state (despite wearing better shorts for the remaining time) - rubbed raw is the best description. It's not a nice feeling.

Cee-Jay-Cee

Buy a tub of assos chamois cream and apply generously every morning. It will stave off saddle sores/chaffing in all but the most extreme conditions.

Mackas_view

Thanks. Do you reckon I'll be sore for long after as I've to get back into training the week after for an upcoming course at work

ford2600

Mackas_view wrote: »

Thanks. Do you reckon I'll be sore for long after as I've to get back into training the week after for an upcoming course at work

Sore ass can often be due to not being bike fit; your legs should carry a lot of your weight, plus your hands and ass carries some.

When not fit your legs might not do their fair share. Only one way to improve that.

No shorts will safe you from deficiencies in hygiene; sudocream is cheap moisturising and gently antiseptic.

Swimcyclerun do endura range shorts, I used the f260 one on a 440km audax ride and they were excellent.

Enjoy.

outfox

onthebikenow wrote: »

Eat soft foods as much as possible. Sandwiches and bananas rather than crunchie energy bars.

Can I ask the reason why? What's the science?