Sheffield to London Charity Cycle

[Chris08]

The BIG Sheffield to London Charity Cycle for VSO.

160 Miles - 258 KM​

What: Sponsored cycle Sheffield to London for VSO (160 Miles)

Who: Me and a good friend

When: 3rd- 4th September 2014

Where: Sheffield City Centre to Regents Park, London

Why: I will be taking part in the ICS Entrepreneur scheme in Tajikistan on the 15th September through to the 8th December. I have a fundraising target of £800.

The Plan

So the plan is to start off in Sheffield city centre finishing in Regents Park, London. There are a number of possible routes me and my mate can go but we are still deciding on the best roads (open for suggestions).

I will be posting on this thread leading up to the starting line and a final post letting you guys know if I’ve made it in one piece.

So I’m creating this thread for a number of reasons

1) To gain expert advice from the great community that is Cycle Chat.

2) To raise awareness of VSO and the incredible work they are doing in developing countries.

3) To keep myself motivated and not sit on the sofa all day eating Sainsbury’s basic chocolate.

I would be very grateful if you could sponsor me on this huge cycle.

Links and Donations

Sponsorship Page: https://www.justgiving.com/Chris-Cook14

Strava http://www.strava.com/athletes/1308697

Thanks

Chris

 

[Chris08]

Went out for a ride on Sunday, this was the first time I got on my bike for 10 months.

I don't think I've ever been so unfit in my life haha! Take a look on my strava the stats are embarrassing.

A few questions, when planning the route i'm using Google maps and cycle streets, however it doesnt let me choose road by road turns.

Does anyone know a good site/ app that lets you map out an exact route?

Also, any good dieting/ healthy eating advice leading up to the cycle?

Cheers,
Chris

 

[martint235]

Ridewithgps.com is good for planning routes.

I can't get to it from work but I have a route somewhere from London to York that is flatter than a flat thing. If you headed East on to it, you could save yourself some climbing if you want to.

Edit: eating leading up to the ride is really up to you. Someone will be along shortly to advise from a dietary point of view. On the actual ride I'd say eat regularly (I now make sure I eat every 50 miles on a long ride). Are you doing this ride in one go? If not what daily distances are you looking at?

 

[Chris08]

Ridewithgps.com is good for planning routes.

I can't get to it from work but I have a route somewhere from London to York that is flatter than a flat thing. If you headed East on to it, you could save yourself some climbing if you want to.

Edit: eating leading up to the ride is really up to you. Someone will be along shortly to advise from a dietary point of view. On the actual ride I'd say eat regularly (I now make sure I eat every 50 miles on a long ride). Are you doing this ride in one go? If not what daily distances are you looking at?

Cheers for the site, looks good.

I'll get a route planned out and upload it here.

No, we'll be doing this ride over 2 days, stopping off at a B&B overnight. If it's a 160 mile route (not yet confirmed) we'd probably do 70 on day 1 then 90 day 2.

It's very hilly until you get past Nottingham so the first stretch will be most difficult

 

[Chris08]

Went for another cycle yesterday, 11 miles this time and will be cycling to work and back next week.

I will also be going to the east of France on Holiday so will be able to do some training there

Bought some energy jells, speedometer, phone mount, water bottles, bottle holders

So far so good.

 

[martint235]

Once you've got your route post it up on here. You never know, there may be really nice people that will ride out, meet you, and guide you into London. I may be one of them

 

[Chris08]

Quick update

Recent training on the bike has proven that fitness is pretty weak. I have decided to add an extra day to the trip to ensure i actually make it to London.

I have mapped out a route and i'm keen to get advice on not only the route but also diet, medical and also what to take.

http://ridewithgps.com/routes/5715607

We will be stopping in Melton Mowbray and Milton Keynes for the nights so roughly 55 miles each day

 

[martint235]

Quick update

Recent training on the bike has proven that fitness is pretty weak. I have decided to add an extra day to the trip to ensure i actually make it to London.

I have mapped out a route and i'm keen to get advice on not only the route but also diet, medical and also what to take.

http://ridewithgps.com/routes/5715607

We will be stopping in Melton Mowbray and Milton Keynes for the nights so roughly 55 miles each day

Usual spare tubes, gas or pump, multi-tool.

To be honest, for 55 mile days you're not going to need to worry about diet too much. Eat big breakfasts and big dinners and snack in between. Sandwiches from Tesco etc. Make sure you have water and drink regularly.

Good luck.