1st ever sportive

[MDA 998]

looking to get off my butt this year and enter my 1st ever sportive but only looking at something like 30 miles to start off with, in the East.
Any advice on what and how much to take as I don't want to overload

 

[Smokin Joe]

For thirty miles spare tube, levers, multi tool and a bottle of drink.

 

[vickster]

For thirty miles spare tube, levers, multi tool and a bottle of drink.

And a pump

 

[fossyant]

And have a chat with the other riders. You'll find you've just done the 30 miles without even thinking about it.

 

[roadrash]

and a bike...

 

[vickster]

Assuming it's not closed roads, watch for other riders, road users, and obviously traffic (esp at junctions)...it's not a race

 

[rugby bloke]

Jelly babies - 1 every 5 miles ! Go at your own pace and enjoy the ride.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

There is a 50km Audax from Henham a week on Sunday if you are happy with navigation. Cake and sandwiches , tea and coffee, orange juice at start / finish.

 

[NorthernDave]

Kit is covered above - maybe add a lightweight foldable jacket if the forecast is dodgy and some Haribo or energy bars to snack on.

From experience UKCE events are generally well organized and have decent stuff at the feed stations. Velo29 events have the best food I've encountered but I don't know if they get as far south as you.

 

[Sharky]

In addition to all the tips above, and assuming you have a mobile. Make sure you have the organiser's number stored and of any mates riding with you.
On an organised ride, there is always somebody who will stop and help.

 

[Dave7]

Jelly babies - 1 every 5 miles ! Go at your own pace and enjoy the ride.

Ha... I made the mistake of telling Mrs Ds 93 year old aunty that I eat jelly babies or liquorice allsorts on a bike ride.
For Christmas she bought me 3 bags of each.... 6 bags!!! Should last me a few years.

 

[mjr]

Alternatively, if you're not happy with navigation, there's a group of us riding out from Lynnsport at 10am each of the next three Sundays, building up to 32 miles with a break IIRC. This Sunday is 20 miles flat loop, then a cafe stop in Lynn for anyone who wants it - an easy start. Next Sunday is 20 miles rolling hills loop, slightly harder. Then the 24th is 16 miles rolling hills, a walk through lots of snowdrops (£5 entry to charity IIRC), lunch (or take sandwiches because it's usually chaos) and 17 miles rolling hills back - a day trip of more than 30 miles. All welcome http://www.klwnbug.co.uk/2019/01/13/februarymarch-rides/

Then to do a sportive, you might only need to speed up slightly to meet their time limit.

 

[MDA 998]

Thank you for all the advice