Manchester to Blackpool 1st Timer

[MancRider78]

Hi ppl,

Sure it has been brought up more times than a kebab after a night out, but I'm looking at training for the manchester blackpool ride(60miles) any ideas and/or tips? Thanks in advance

 

[middleagecyclist]

It's a pretty flat route. Basically ride you bike, increase the distance, ride it some more. Do this until you feel comfortable doing 40+ miles. Stepping up to 60 will just be a doddle then. Enjoy!

 

[Globalti]

If you do it in an organised ride there will be plenty of other riders behind whom you can shelter from the wind. After Preston you turn a corner and will be going almost due west, straight into the prevailing wind blowing across the flat Fylde. If you ride with a buddy, practice drafting and taking turns to do the work up front. Drafting can save as much as 30% of your effort; you'll know when you are in the right place because the airflow past your ears will go from steady to turbulent.

 

[MancRider78]

Thanks for the info! :-)

 

[oilyormo]

It's a pretty flat route. Basically ride you bike, increase the distance, ride it some more. Do this until you feel comfortable doing 40+ miles. Stepping up to 60 will just be a doddle then. Enjoy!

I started out as a newbie last year doing a 5 mile one weekend (I took water and food too ha.) then a 10 the next, then 20 then 30 then a 50 all in a 2 month period. I was doing a 30 mile per week commute too though
but from my experience you just need to follow "middleaged" advice and gradually increase the distance you'll find 60 a doddle

 

[oilyormo]

oh another tip would be to drink regularly (before you are thirsty) and eat high carb snacks after first hour and half of cycling to keep energy levels up

 

[smokeysmoo]

Drinking is obviously very important as oily says. A great tip can be to use a hydration pack rather than, or even as well as bottles.

If you aren't used to regularly reaching for a bottle, then it tends to be easier to just pop the drinking tube from a hydration pack into your mouth, and subsequently you tend to drink more than using bottles alone.

Of course if you're used to bottles and are happy using them, (as I am TBH), then take no notice of this

There are plenty of rest stops with re-fuelling opportunities along the way, plus the fact it's not the back of beyond so there's no shortage of shops etc for top ups if required