Should I do a 100m Sportive?

[Hip Priest]

I'm entered for the Northern Rock Cyclone in June. It'll be my first event, and as a relative newcomer to cycling I opted for the B route (63 miles).

However, I comfortably managed 50 miles on Saturday and I've been wondering whether 63 miles will represent an insufficient challenge.

I currently commute 50 miles p/w and do a longer 35-45 mile ride on weekends. My rides are in Northumberland and take in a lot of the Cyclone route, so I'm familiar with the terrain.

Should I stick with the 63 mile and move up to the 100 mile next year? Or should I just go for the 100 miles now? Ladies & gentleman, it's over to you.

 

[DiddlyDodds]

Only you know the answer, go with how you feel

 

[oldfatfool]

Try doing 75 miles at the weekend, if you feel as fresh after that as you did after your 50 miles then go for the 100.

 

[HLaB]

If you can get a 75mile ride in on your own (and on a similar terrain, some sportives can be hilly) beforehand, I'd go for it but you know your body best

 

[Banjo]

The first Sportive I did had 70 mile and 104 mile options both were hilly routes. I opted for the 104 and completed it ok but was right at the back of the field by the finish(several bailed out so at least I finished) If I had done the 70 miler I would have come half way up the field judging by completion times published.

I am glad I did the long route as it gave me a real feel of achievment which I dont think I would have got from doing the 70 which I could have done comfortably.

Not sure if my experience is really relevant to you or not but I struggled with the decision at the time and looking back made the rigt choice.

With the mileage your doing now and you still have a couple of months to train I think you will do the 100 no problems.

 

[lukesdad]

100 metres should be no problem then sorry thats how I read it 100m huh ?

 

[Nearly there]

I comfortably managed 50 miles on Saturday

Its an extra 37 miles if the terrain turns out to be tough you may well wish the 37 was only 13

 

[MattHB]

I did a 56 mile sportive a few weeks ago, and it was much harder than doing the same distance on my own. It was a hilly route, but I didn't think any more hilly than my usual. I wasn't able to stop like I normally might do, and it's oh so easy to get sucked into mini-races!

You'll also be watching timings like crazy and will push push push more than you normally would (MUCH more).

I'd do the 63 first, then find a 100 later in the year.

 

[Hip Priest]

Thanks for all the replies.

I think I'll stick to the 63, then aim for 100 next year.

 

[MattHB]

There will be lots of other events this year I'm sure that you can hop on a biggie end of the summer?

 

[annedonnelly]

Can't you decide on the day in the Cyclone? See how you're feeling nearer the time?

I meant to enter last year - for the short, family route that people take their five year olds on - didn't get round to it. I wonder if I've left it too late for this year - off to check the website now...

 

[jdtate101]

My first ever sportive was the Tour Of Britain Stoke stage. I signed up for the 80KM route, but got talked into the full 140KM at the start line by my riding buddies. I could have split off to take the 80KM route, but decided to stick with it. Come the end I was actually fresher than I would have thought, so I recommend jumping in with both feet.

Put it this way, if you go for the shorter route and complete it easily, then you will be kicking yourself.

 

[Hip Priest]

There will be lots of other events this year I'm sure that you can hop on a biggie end of the summer?

True. Nothing as handy as the Cyclone though, which starts right by my house!

 

[zizou]

Do the 100 as it gives you something to aim for plus a few weeks to get up to the distance. Waiting a year to aim for the 100 is a long time...make next years aim beating your time on this years 100

 

[TheSandwichMonster]

Get it done. If you start to struggle you can jump on my wheel and I'll tow you round!

I'm doing the Dartmoor Classic 106 miler the weekend before, then racing in the Leazes Park crits on the Friday. The jump from 50 miles to 75 and then 100 is more psychological than physical.