Before the Cycle Challenge begins:

Training Ideas & Tips:

CTC is a useful resource on information about cycling, training and bike gear; as well as providing links to many cycling sites and forums. Please visit the CTC website and make full use of all the available information and resources.

www.ctc.org.uk

Bike Information: we would advise a mountain, touring or hybrid cycle - some of the paths are unsuitable for full racing cycles

Hadrian's Cycleway also provides a great set of training tips and general advice, which you can read here

Training:
There is no doubt about it, training for events can be tough but it is also fun! Below is a guide to help you plan your rides for the next few months. If you can follow this roughly you should be in good shape for the event. You will be fine as long as you get started now and have a regular schedule of training aiming to build up strength, endurance and mileage!

3 ½ months to go...
A cycle ride every other day should be attempted for the first 4 weeks and the mileage should be between 5 and 10 miles, there is no need to over stretch the ride by pushing a gear that is too difficult, or riding as fast as you can - this can come later.
3 months to go...
Before you know it you will find yourself being able to push harder gears while maintaining the same RPM (Revolutions per minute) – turns of the pedal in simple language! By now you should have become comfortable with being on the bike and it will be time to start stepping up the mileage. Try doing a short ride of 10-15 miles 3 times a week and a long weekend ride of about 25 miles.
2 and ½ months to go...
In the next few weeks keep the same schedule but make your three weekly short rides 15-20 miles and your long weekly ride 30-40 miles.
6 weeks to go...
The following 2 weeks should see the introduction of a ‘back-to-back’ ride where you do two days of cycling in succession. Try going for your long cycle, then going out the next day for a 15 or 20-miler to see how it feels cycling day after day. Step up the long weekend ride to 40-50 miles.
One month to go...
In the final three weeks your mileage should be around 30 miles for shorter outings and any Sunday rides should break 60 miles. (Remember your longest day is around 70 miles so you want to do at least one ride of 60+ miles during training). Your speed should now be around a comfortable 10mph.
1 week to go...
A week before you leave for the trip you should wind down and perhaps attempt 3 short 10 - 15 mile rides.

Remember!
Get into some hilly country to experience cycling on different surfaces and to experience the hills and of course the weather.

The Cycle Challenge:

Please email Justin with ideas and tips that you would like to share with your fellow cyclists!