A step too far?

[cabbieman]

Just booked 5 days near Exmoor next week and just noticed they have a 2007 tour of Britain cycle route of 60 miles available to ride. I know I could do this no problem. I'm averaging about 20-25 nightly 3 times a week and a 30 odd miler Saturday mornings. Did a 50 miler 2 months ago in 3.35 and my best so far was a 65 miler but that was last year. I haven't done a 100 miler yet but I know there is one around Exmoor as I've got it earmarked for some time in the future. Is the future to close to me at the moment? Do you think I could do a 100 miler considering my lack of big miles so far or maybe it's just a dream?
Do you think if I tried to squeeze in a 60-70 miler this week this would answer my question? Im not the fittest or youngest at 58 and 15 stone but my legs aren't bad and my ambition is positive
Honest opinions please. Don't want to get half way round and have to phone the wife. I'd never live it down

 

[vickster]

You don’t have to rush round. Long days, you could pootle round at 10mph with proper breaks, lunch, tea (or is it a pretend race aka sportive)

Can you ride it with someone?

 

[cabbieman]

I find it difficult to pootle, takes too long. Maybe a touring holiday would be a pootle but over 1 day I think I would feel I wasn't trying hard enough.

 

[Alan O]

Just booked 5 days near Exmoor next week and just noticed they have a 2007 tour of Britain cycle route of 60 miles available to ride. I know I could do this no problem. I'm averaging about 20-25 nightly 3 times a week and a 30 odd miler Saturday mornings. Did a 50 miler 2 months ago in 3.35 and my best so far was a 65 miler but that was last year. I haven't done a 100 miler yet but I know there is one around Exmoor as I've got it earmarked for some time in the future. Is the future to close to me at the moment? Do you think I could do a 100 miler considering my lack of big miles so far or maybe it's just a dream?
Do you think if I tried to squeeze in a 60-70 miler this week this would answer my question? Im not the fittest or youngest at 58 and 15 stone but my legs aren't bad and my ambition is positive
Honest opinions please. Don't want to get half way round and have to phone the wife. I'd never live it down

I think your chance of doing a 100 based on your record so far is pretty high, providing you are able to pace yourself - if you go at it like you'd ride a fast 50, you could hit the wall.

 

[cabbieman]

I think if I can pootle like vickster suggests but up it a little to maybe around 13 instead of my averages around 15, then I reckon I should do it. Slacking off a couple of mph an hour shouldnt feel like Im not trying but should be fast enough to satify myself

 

[gbb]

Your 50 miler a couple months ago was, if I calculated correctly a little over 14mph average. That's not bad. What i found when trying to extend distance...as you will be when you do your 100, is to try to achieve say 12 or 13 mph average, the difference in effort will be quite noticeable...ie easier. Set you computer to average when you do a longer ride than normal and aim to be just below what's normal. I'm essence, don't try to bust it, relax and enjoy it instead.

 

[vickster]

I find it difficult to pootle, takes too long. Maybe a touring holiday would be a pootle but over 1 day I think I would feel I wasn't trying hard enough.

Why beat yourself up. Just see the endgame as doing the 100 not how fast you do it. You can do the next one faster when you join the imperial century a month challenge

 

[colly]

100 miles isn't too bad if you are riding regularly like you say.
It's only the last 90 that present a problem.

 

[NorthernDave]

If you're doing 60+ mile rides now, 100 miles shouldn't be beyond you.
The only fly in the ointment might be if you're used to doing 60 miles on the flat as I'm going to assume that an Exmoor ride is going to be a bit hilly?

Take it steady, it isn't a race and plan to get some decent food on board during the ride.

 

[cabbieman]

Thanks everybody for the good advice. I think I'll just take my time as originally suggested. It's not the time or destination that counts. It's the journey there.

 

[jefmcg]

Can I add another slightly different suggestion, with the understanding you will ignore it if it's not useful?

Divide the ride into 4/5 20/25 mile segments. Each segment ends at a cafe. Ride the segment at your normal speed, then enjoy the cafe until you feel you are fully recovered, then head out for the next ride also of a distance you feel OK with.

 

[ColinJ]

Is Exmoor hilly?.

Not especially ...

If you usually cycle in the Alps or Andes!

 

[snorri]

Five days in south west England, no thanks.
I went there for a two week tour once, but found it so heavy going that I bailed out within 36 hours and modified a South Western tour into a three week LEJOG, much more comfortable.

 

[pjd57]

Went up to something around 115 last Saturday.
Furthest if been before was high 60's.

But it was a flat route, and speed wasn't an issue.

With the miles you are doing , the step up should be ok.

 

[nickyboy]

I'm guessing that Exmoor cycling is like the Peak District cycling we enjoy up here

No way I would do 100 mile Peak District rides. Just too hard to be enjoyable. If it's flatter then fair enough

What sort of climbing is the 100 mile route?