Sky rides, sportives etc

[Kbrook]

Hi all , new to all this malarkey, did my first longish ride on Sunday when I did the Manchester to Blackpool ride. Despite all the lunatics I saw with their crazy riding, I really enjoyed it and have decided that riding with others is much more fun than doing it alone which is what I have previously been doing.

I am thinking of going on a skyride at the weekend, but can't find that much information about the standard required. I am looking at a 70 mile ride where there only a handful of people booked in, how do these things work does everyone ride together, how do the organisers manage different levels of ability/fitness, are the quicker riders expected to ride at the pace of the slower riders, or do they just leave slower riders to make their own way or drop out. Cant get my head round how they work in practice? The sky site, just describes it as challenging but what does that mean?

Would I be better off doing a sportive? Was the manchester/Blackpool what is classified as a sportive or was that just a charity ride. I have been googling away but ant find a definitIve guide to all these different rides.

Thanks in advance.

 

[fabregas485]

I would be interested in finding this out as well.

 

[Houthakker]

I went on my first sky ride last year and it was very relaxed. It was a 30 mile "ride strong" and no-one was left behind. We probably averaged 13-14 mph and stopped for a coffee half way around. Like you, this was my first time riding in a group and I'd do it again, except they haven't had any near me since! Do you think I might have put them off organising any more?

 

[Kbrook]

Well lets hope someone can help, its all a mystery to me, I have asked a few cyclists and they look back at me like I have two heads . Have you done any group rides fabregas?

 

[TonyEnjoyD]

Sounds like you're doing gret kbrook.
Never done a sky ride however, I ave done quite a few of hese events and the only thing I would say is if its 70 miles and described as "challenging" then they may be referring to the terrain as well as the distance.

Hopefully there will be riders of all abilities and they will all go at their own pace.
You never know, fabregas485 might air up with you!

Good luck and enjoy the ride

 

[Andrew_Culture]

The Sky ride I did around Ipswich town centre was kinda dull, but I'll do it again.

The first sportive I did was brilliant fun and had a very broad range of cyclists involved.

 

[Paulus]

Hi there Kbrook, I don't think that Sky rides are just for the experienced, Have a look at there site and it seems there are rides for every ability.

http://www.goskyride.com/

 

[Kbrook]

Thanks paul us, looked at the site and there are different rides described between easy and challenging but no further info about how that translates in reality, how do the groups work in reality because a challenging ride could contains Mr Wiggins and me, and I guess Mr W might have the edge on me. Anyway thanks for the reply

 

[vickster]

Skyrides are well organised, with a leader at the front to pace the ride and another at the back to ensure everyone is safe and no one gets lost/dropped or if help needed with repairs. The website gives an idea of the expected time for the ride and average speeds

I've only done the shorter family oriented ones, they are very relaxed and friendly.

Skyrides are about enjoyment and having a good time. If you want to race, join a club

 

[jp1970]

Just completed a sky ride this week end.. Total distance was 28 miles. The ride was classed as 'challenging'. The average speed was Approx. 12mph... Which was a bit slow to my normal pace. The ride had some good climbs.did have to stop a number of times to re-group due to slow back markers and a few punctures.

Also had a cafe stop, this was a good chance to speak to members of the group.

Having never ridden with anyone else it made a pleasant change from wizzing round the local lanes on my own.

I did find it frustrating having to stop every now and again ... But in hindsight I presume that's what's involved in riding with a group !.

Overall the experience was a positive one.... I have book onto another ride ..... Just outside my local area.