The 2026 Half Century (50km or 50 mile) a month challenge chatzone

[bluenotebob]

All advice from you seasoned riders

As @Dogtrousers said in another thread, 95% of a long ride is all about mentality.

As it's not a solo ride, it should be easier from that perspective too.

Don't dread it - look forward to it. Eat well the night before and get a good sleep.

You'll be fine

 

[13 rider]

I've today signed up for the bus to Hackney; and the start of the Dunwich Dynamo on July 25th. Look what this pesky Chanllenge has led to

With 6 weeks to go - i'm going to have / need to start stretching out my rides accordingly. *I did do a 100 mile Race once; (Maybe Twice ?) when i was about 17. That was nearly 38 years ago - and i'm sure all that Training effort i put in then has probably lapsed

All advice from you seasoned riders around me - greatfully received !

Good luck , Don't get carried away at the start try and ride at your pace but it is easier if you can find a group to ride in for the drafting and the conversation makes the miles past quicker

 

[sevenfourate]

As @Dogtrousers said in another thread, 95% of a long ride is all about mentality.

As it's not a solo ride, it should be easier from that perspective too.

Don't dread it - look forward to it. Eat well the night before and get a good sleep.

You'll be fine

Thankyou very much. Oh i am really positively excited believe me !

I happened to speak to a guy i know who'll be 'hours' quicker than me; some time ago. And at the weekend had a conversation with someone doing it who'll be 'hours' slower - than my aim anyway. I then vaguely remembered i saw an old friend who i though was riding - and from his Strava rides was aound my pace per-se. So i contacted him today - and he's said "Yes come join us....it will be fun" !

So from that - my LBS is organising bus tranport for the riders, and a lorry for the bikes. So i've paid for that today and am set to go.
Dunwich is 19 miles from my house. So i may ride home once done - or get a lift. We'll see.

Need to up the Training mileage slowly, lose a few pounds, start thinking about nutrition a little leading upto; and on the day. However my biggest 'worry' if i'm honest is 'Padded , supportive , 'proper' shorts' and the rubbing that will go with that if not achieved. I have so far struggled with long-term comfort of normal padded shorts - particulaly at the waist of them. And bought some Bib-shorts. Which are 'ok'....but starting to feel niggly on my inner thighs after 30-40 miles. I also have now just bought some much better qualilty / longer waist (Tour length ) shorts - to give them a go again - which should potentially be better. But i'm just aware there's limited time / rides now in the remaining 6 weeks to go; and to try current variables out further / or possibly worse still - start buying others willy-nilly and end up turning up on the day with something pretty much un-tested.

I'm sure it will all work out. Its not a race. I am a positive person. And as you say - i'll be far from alone

 

[sevenfourate]

Good luck , Don't get carried away at the start try and ride at your pace but it is easier if you can find a group to ride in for the drafting and the conversation makes the miles past quicker

Thankyou very much

Theres going to be at least 4 of us together. So we should be able to take turns leading. We're old friends from 40 years ago at School - so should have plenty to catch up on - and they are already talking about 'multiple' food stops. So many chances for a quick rest / some energy intake.......

 

[13 rider]

Thankyou very much

Theres going to be at least 4 of us together. So we should be able to take turns leading. We're old friends from 40 years ago at School - so should have plenty to catch up on - and they are already talking about 'multiple' food stops. So many chances for a quick rest / some energy intake.......

Yes stop rest and refuel when you can