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

 

[Jenkins]

Best advice - make sure the wind's from the south west.

 

[sevenfourate]

Best advice - make sure the wind's from the south west.

Lol !

That’s now gonna be playing on my mind for the next 46 days………..

 

[Domus]

Three old men on a tour of the Low Countries.
Day one, DFDS Ferry Dover to Calais, blue skies but a howling cross/tail wind in France.
Very easy riding on good cycle paths and smooth tarmac. Picnic from supermarket enjoyed in Gravelines then excellent accommodation in Ibis Dunkirk. 👍

 

[Domus]

So wet this afternoon 🥶 A visit to the showers in Roubaix was very interesting at lunchtime then the rain came. Got into the hotel soaked and shivering. A smidge under a 2 pointer but enough was enough.

 

[13 rider]

So wet this afternoon 🥶 A visit to the showers in Roubaix was very interesting at lunchtime then the rain came. Got into the hotel soaked and shivering. A smidge under a 2 pointer but enough was enough.

Yes I did noticed the distance ☹️😤 Disappointed what's a bit of cold and rain says a fair weather cyclist 😂

 

[VinSumRox]

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 !

I'm doing the Ride to the Sun on 22nd June, 100miles from Carlisle to Cramond finishing about 0200 at Cramond Beach in Edinburgh. It's only 4000ft of ascent so pretty flat for the distance. I've done it a couple of times and it's usually my longest ride of the year! Just take it steady , I try and ride a bit slower than normal , especially for the first half, Stop a few times to give your bum a break and eat anything going spare.