So, this addiction...

[garethssmith]

Now, I've mentioned before, I'm not technically a beginner, but a couple of years out of the saddle can certainly make you feel like one.

I'm surprised how easily I've fell back into the routine of cycling. I'm doing a minimum of 4 miles per day on a nursery run with my daughter attached and started pushing 20 mile rides too. The main surprise is that I'm averaging 14-14.5 mph on the longer rides. I might be becoming slightly ambitious but I've signed up to do Manchester-Blackpool and the Great Manchester Bike Ride next year which I think given my progress so far will be more than do-able.

Am I pushing my luck by (almost) committing to doing the 1st 2 TDF stages next summer too??

 

[BigonaBianchi]

Once you committ to anything it will happen.

 

[Nigelnaturist]

@garethssmith
If your doing 20 miles @ 14+mph, you breeze Manchester-Blackpool next year. I started last June within two months I was doing 14+ speeds all be it on flattish roads, over the winter I concentrated on some climbing and general fitness, last Thur I did 37.5 miles in 2:32 with 53ft mile climbing.
I just did a quick route 47 miles with 1591 ft of climbing altogether, that works out to 34ft mile a lower rate than the quick 14 miles I did this aft.
Not sure if this would be the route you take, but I probably would.
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/3002446

 

[Hill Wimp]

Now, I've mentioned before, I'm not technically a beginner, but a couple of years out of the saddle can certainly make you feel like one.

I'm surprised how easily I've fell back into the routine of cycling. I'm doing a minimum of 4 miles per day on a nursery run with my daughter attached and started pushing 20 mile rides too. The main surprise is that I'm averaging 14-14.5 mph on the longer rides. I might be becoming slightly ambitious but I've signed up to do Manchester-Blackpool and the Great Manchester Bike Ride next year which I think given my progress so far will be more than do-able.

Am I pushing my luck by (almost) committing to doing the 1st 2 TDF stages next summer too??

TDF stages i'm there in spirit if you need me

 

[Saluki]

I'm with HW on the 'there in spirit' thing.

You can do anything that you set your mind too. Good luck with it, although I am sure that you won't need it.

 

[garethssmith]

Thanks for the encouragement.

I'm hoping that a commitment will keep me motivated...and @Hill Wimp & @Saluki, I think I'll need all the luck and "spirit" I can get ;-)

 

[Hill Wimp]

Thanks for the encouragement.

I'm hoping that a commitment will keep me motivated...and @Hill Wimp & @Saluki, I think I'll need all the luck and "spirit" I can get ;-)

Keep it going by telling us about your training good or bad and when you get to France send us pics, we love them.

 

[garethssmith]

I'll post updates on training.

Alas, the first two stages are in Yorkshire next year, so no French pictures I'm afraid

 

[Hill Wimp]

I'll post updates on training.

Alas, the first two stages are in Yorkshire next year, so no French pictures I'm afraid

OK so that was a blond moment down here in the South. I did think you meant you were going to go and do this years stages 1 & 2 in Corsica. Still total respect as i don't think we can call any of the stages wherever they have them easy. Just hope the weather is good and Yorkshire is pretty lovely so still some pics please.

 

[garethssmith]

Yeah, it's very daunting looking at a 120 mile ride, especially as I'm nowhere near that yet. You're right, Yorkshire "can" be lovely in areas (just don't tell my fellow Lancastrians I said that)

In the meantime, I'll be training hard and saving for he ultimate in padded shorts. Ha

 

[Nigelnaturist]

Gods own county is Yorkshire.

 

[Hill Wimp]

Yeah, it's very daunting looking at a 120 mile ride, especially as I'm nowhere near that yet. You're right, Yorkshire "can" be lovely in areas (just don't tell my fellow Lancastrians I said that)

In the meantime, I'll be training hard and saving for he ultimate in padded shorts. Ha

Huh do tell us what they are when you find them. Despite having er natural padding and wearing padded shorts its still hurts.

 

[Rob3rt]

Manchester to Blackpool and the Great Manchester bike ride are both about 60 miles?

TBH, you have a year, if you can't manage to get up to 100 miles or whatever by then, you are doing something fiercely wrong.

 

[garethssmith]

Definitely @Rob3rt, I'll be more than gutted if I'm not at that level by next summer!

Thanks @Hill Wimp, I'll keep up the search

 

[Nick Stone]

Just do it I'm aiming to do that kind of distance next year as well, mastering the 60's or trying to at the moment and ill take it from there, but I'm a big bloke losing it so If I can anyone can