Did the Trossachs Ton on Sunday and really enjoyed it. The route was fantatstic with great scenery, challenging hills and only a few miles of pot-holes (Loch Katrine to Aberfoyle) and a few miles of busy roads (Aberfoyle to Balfron turn). The organisation was great and the refuelling provisions at the three stops was way beyond my expectations.
Considering my lack of prep which consisted of plenty of 40mile round commutes but only 4 or 5 x 60 milers (nothing beyond) I was pleasantly surpised at my result - I think about 6hrs 45 cycling with about 1.5 hours eating jelly beans, flapjack & pasta at the various stops!
My advice to anyone thinking of doing their first 100miler would be to do the following;
1) Go at your own pace - do not be tempted to push even a slight bit faster than you feel comfortable and risk burn out - a group of us split up very quickly as we all had different natural rythms but there are loads of other groups to tag onto.
2) Drink and eat plenty - I consumed 8 x 750ml bottles in total - it was hot in the afternoon and I perspire a lot!
3) Try to join a group that you can draft (and take your turn at the front) to ease the effort - with over 500 riders there was lots of opportunities for this and everyone seemed to be very friendly about this type of thing
4) Take your time on the hills - I went up these extremely slowly and was overtaken by everyone (except the King of the Mountains!!!!), but felt I was able to make sure I didnt blow myself out on the 2 or 3 tough climbs.
For someone who weighs 16.5 stone and isn't particularly fit and relatively new into cycling I am now hooked - already looking at getting another couple in before the end of Sept out of PFS, Ken Laidlaw, Selkirk Sportive, Break for Border, Tweedale etc - any recommendations?
Good luck to anyone doing their 1st 100 miler - its a great feeling to finish it.
Considering my lack of prep which consisted of plenty of 40mile round commutes but only 4 or 5 x 60 milers (nothing beyond) I was pleasantly surpised at my result - I think about 6hrs 45 cycling with about 1.5 hours eating jelly beans, flapjack & pasta at the various stops!
My advice to anyone thinking of doing their first 100miler would be to do the following;
1) Go at your own pace - do not be tempted to push even a slight bit faster than you feel comfortable and risk burn out - a group of us split up very quickly as we all had different natural rythms but there are loads of other groups to tag onto.
2) Drink and eat plenty - I consumed 8 x 750ml bottles in total - it was hot in the afternoon and I perspire a lot!
3) Try to join a group that you can draft (and take your turn at the front) to ease the effort - with over 500 riders there was lots of opportunities for this and everyone seemed to be very friendly about this type of thing
4) Take your time on the hills - I went up these extremely slowly and was overtaken by everyone (except the King of the Mountains!!!!), but felt I was able to make sure I didnt blow myself out on the 2 or 3 tough climbs.
For someone who weighs 16.5 stone and isn't particularly fit and relatively new into cycling I am now hooked - already looking at getting another couple in before the end of Sept out of PFS, Ken Laidlaw, Selkirk Sportive, Break for Border, Tweedale etc - any recommendations?
Good luck to anyone doing their 1st 100 miler - its a great feeling to finish it.