My first Sportive - a review and thoughts .....

[oldgreyandslow]

Well done mate, good read, I did the gridiron 100k last year as my firts real sportive after doing a lot of charity rides. It was nowhere near as taxing as your 100 miler of course but I felt exactly the same, nervous, will I make a twat of myself etc. I didn't either and most people doing these events are "normal" and helpful cyclists.

 

[Bandini]

Enjoyed reading that - doing my first one in July. I was a bit perturbed by this:

"so ended up turn the bike upside down, and taking the front wheel off to get it fitted"

Does that mean I have to do something complex before I set off??

If anyone has any tips for preparing/riding...I have just thought - I should read the forum.

 

[Keith Oates]

That was an enjoyable read Kevin and you certainly put up a good performance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Bond]

Well done mate, I enjoyed reading about your experiance. Keep up the good work.

 

[kevin_cambs_uk]

cheers all !!

mucho's gracias !

 

[slinky malinky]

Kev good write up, well done. I did my first sportive (spring lambs in essex) like you after nearly a year of training and thinking 'could I do it?' and the answer was yes, It was great, the best ride I have ever done that includes 3 LTB's and a couple of London to Southend rides, the timing chip thing confused me as well but another rider fitted it for me, everyone was really nice and supportive nothing elitist at all and some of the bikes were just pure bike porn!!!!, i came in the top 200 out of nearly 500 riders, my wife and kids came to the finish and cheered me over the timing mat and I must say i was on top of the world, I've put my name down for another at the end of the summer.

 

[fossyant]

Just read this - commuting is a great way to get in valuable base miles - and it shows against many of the weekend warriors..... although you get battered by the club racers who live and breath 100 miles...

Well done..... and an excellent result.

 

[BearPear]

That's inspiring, although a 34 mile a day commute is some commitment! Well done!

 

[Banjo]

Great read, Im normally to lazy to read long posts but read every word of yours.I hope I do half as well when I do my first one in July.

I wish the Merlin that i am doing had the same start system,its just a mass start at 0800 with 1000 riders all off at once.I intend staying well back out of trouble.hopefully.