Maybe doing a 100 miler - tips

[Wankelschrauben]

I may be involved in my first 100 miler, well the route is actually 90 miles but getting to the start and back will probably add an extra 20 miles or so.

Obviously being a noob I need some tips, such as what spares to carry and how much water to carry.

I'll be attaching the bike lock to the frame but is it worth carrying the extra weight?

I've no intention of using the backpack on this one, so is it time to buy some padded lycra shorts and brightly coloured lycra shirt?

 

[Angelfishsolo]

I may be involved in my first 100 miler, well the route is actually 90 miles but getting to the start and back will probably add an extra 20 miles or so.

Obviously being a noob I need some tips, such as what spares to carry and how much water to carry.

I'll be attaching the bike lock to the frame but is it worth carrying the extra weight?

I've no intention of using the backpack on this one, so is it time to buy some padded lycra shorts and brightly coloured lycra shirt?

Spares - A minimum of two inner tubes, tyre leavers, chain splitter, multi tool and mini pump.

Water - If the ride is supported than two 3/4 litre bottles should be fine as you can top up around the way. Unsupported I would consider closer to 3 litres (but you don;t want a backpack).
Lock - Only needed if you are going to leave the bike unattended.
Lycra - Any excuse to buy new kit is a good one


Other considerations - Food and energy gels.

Best of luck.

 

[ianrauk]

Don't push yourself too early. Take it easy and go at a comfortable pace.
On a long trip I take 2 bottles of water and get through those pretty quick. I drink before I feel thirsty. It's amazing how much you can drink whilst on the move without having to have a waz. You can always top up at shops, pubs and even knock on someone's door to ask for water (I have never been turned down yet).

Carry as little as possible. Get rid of all the crap you really don't need.
For my 100+milers all I need is a small saddle bag and my back pockets. Of which I carry the following

In the saddle bag and pockets
2 Innertubes
C02 Inflator & 2 spare canisters (1 fits in the inflator).
Little box of bits and pieces. (few nuts and bolts, puncture repair kit, levers etc).
Pair of latex gloves.
Mobile
Keys
Wallet
Hanky
A few baby wipes
MultiTool & Swiss Army Knife
spare contact lenses.
Small retractable lock
A couple of fruit bars

On the bike.
2 bottle holders and bottles
Small pump holder and pump
GPS
Lights front and rear.

As it's summer you really don't need any wet weather gear, ride light. If it rains you will soon dry out quickly. Leave all that stuff at home.

 

[HLaB]

We are all different but I'd eat well the night before (a pasta meal) and prehydrate gradually a few hours before the start. And after a gentle cycle to the start have a banana or cereal bar. I'd take two bottles as I'm only topping up that will more than suffice and take a cereal bar/ banana or energy bar every 20-25 miles and if I'm after a good time I'd take a gel at about 90% of the distance.
Its definitely not worth carrying the extra weight of a lock, if you are stopping you will only be leaving the bike under the nose of a 100+ witnesses who all have an interest in bikes. I'd definitely invest in some padded shorts before hand (and get used to them), I'd probably get a lycra top too (the specific pockets are useful for carrying food ); you are making a good choice IMO ditching the back pack; you'll feel much more comfortable with all that and perform better. Spareswise I just carry a Tube a p repair kit a small pump, a multi tool (with tyre levers and chain tool) and a quicklink. If you are particularly p prone I'd throw in a extra tube. Good Luck

 

[Wankelschrauben]

OK, the route is this:

Start at Boxley (Kent) and travel to Camber (Rye) via Headcorn (near Ashford).

Return journey is via Ashford instead of Headcorn along the A20.

 

[al-fresco]

You won't be straying far from your bike so I'd just take a basic lightweight cable lock if I were you.

If there are others doing the route with you someone will usually offer to help but I'd pack a inner tube, a puncture repair kit, chain links, a multitool and a pump because I don't like asking for help.

I'd also pack a couple of fruit bars for 'an emergency' but I usually end up bringing them back because there's never an emergency.

I find 2 water bottles plenty - or even 1 if there's an opportunity to get re-fills.

And the most important tip of all - it's all in your head, you'll be fine, enjoy it!

 

[Wankelschrauben]

OK, there will be about 5 or 6 of us doing this ride and it is to raise money for the local lacrosse team. I may go about getting donations for the rugby club also.