http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: My first event en Tue, 23 Jun 2026 17:32:00 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15721&page=2#post-204565 Sun, 15 Nov 2015 16:17:06 +0000 chdot 204565@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>By someone who describes herself as<br /> "</p> <p>Reformed runner, recent cycling convert and aspiring triathlete!</p> <p>"</p> <p><a href="https://notdeadnotlast.wordpress.com/2015/11/14/winter-training" rel="nofollow">https://notdeadnotlast.wordpress.com/2015/11/14/winter-training</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15721#post-204411 Fri, 13 Nov 2015 11:58:20 +0000 mmaohara 204411@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Excellent, I'll keep my eyes open for entries being opened. Think it looks great. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15721#post-204000 Sat, 07 Nov 2015 15:04:02 +0000 Colonies_Chris 204000@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Just had confirmation from Ros Kerry that the 2016 St Andrew's ride is not sold out, despite what the website says - and in fact the date is not yet 100% confirmed as it has to be agreed with CEC (but it'll be within a couple of weeks either side of the longest day, as ever). </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15721#post-203983 Sat, 07 Nov 2015 01:44:09 +0000 Snowy 203983@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Some helpful person put together a list of Scottish sportives this year. As they say, it may not be 100% (e.g. Tour de Lauder is missing) but the list may be useful in giving you ideas.</p> <p><a href="http://www.dundeewheelers.co.uk/index.php/news/65-sportive-in-scotland-2015">http://www.dundeewheelers.co.uk/index.php/news/65-sportive-in-scotland-2015</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15721#post-203968 Fri, 06 Nov 2015 20:51:35 +0000 mmaohara 203968@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>1.5 miles, even I can manage that :-) I'll keep an eye out for Edinburgh to St Andrews and look at the tour of the borders - I like the sound of those. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15721#post-203962 Fri, 06 Nov 2015 19:00:24 +0000 The Boy 203962@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Yeah, I keep threatening to sign up for something like that, but lack of riding/training partner means it will probably always be on the 'to do' pile. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15721#post-203954 Fri, 06 Nov 2015 17:08:32 +0000 sallyhinch 203954@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Don't forget this: <a href="http://pedalonparliament.org/pop-5-eek-save-the-date-april-23rd/" rel="nofollow">http://pedalonparliament.org/pop-5-eek-save-the-date-april-23rd/</a></p> <p>A not-at-all challenging mass participation ride of about 1.5 miles ...</p> <p>There are usually feeder rides from Glasgow and elsewhere of varying speeds and distances for those who like a bit of a longer ride </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15721#post-203891 Fri, 06 Nov 2015 12:27:23 +0000 crowriver 203891@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"It's actually staffed by a midge swarm dressed up as a man to trick everyone into stopping so their buddies can feast."</p> <p>Ha! Yeah that can happen, but the first year (2010) it was really hot and sunny so the midges were hiding. If it's warm but overcast though: watch out! :-) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15721#post-203890 Fri, 06 Nov 2015 12:15:02 +0000 Neil 203890@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>+1 for the St Andrews Lepra ride. It was my first event after getting a road bike earlier in this year. One word review would be "lovely". Really nice atmosphere, great mix of people, ages and bikes. I'll do it again next year and probably take it even slower. I will take bug repellant next time though- the ice cream van at the top of the first climb is a trap!! It's actually staffed by a midge swarm dressed up as a man to trick everyone into stopping so their buddies can feast.</p> <p>I did the Pedal for Scotland long route this year as well. Also recommended, but very different :) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15721#post-203869 Fri, 06 Nov 2015 09:51:22 +0000 paulmilne 203869@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I'll be registering for this:</p> <p><a href="http://ovarian.org.uk/fundraising-and-events/events/man-power-cycle-glasgow-to-dumfries" rel="nofollow">http://ovarian.org.uk/fundraising-and-events/events/man-power-cycle-glasgow-to-dumfries</a></p> <p>Granted it's primarily a fund-raising event, but it will definitely be a challenge for me who has never done any long-distance road cycling before. Training will be the order of the day between now and next June! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15721#post-203863 Thu, 05 Nov 2015 23:35:51 +0000 gembo 203863@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Long version of pedal for Scotland is quieter and a long slog </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15721#post-203857 Thu, 05 Nov 2015 22:38:20 +0000 crowriver 203857@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I already checked with LEPRA last month and the Edinburgh-St Andrews is NOT sold out. They are apparently still confirming things: permissions, etc. Allegedly registration will open later in November.</p> <p>I think it's an excellent run for testing your capacity. Great food stops and very friendly atmosphere. Ice cream at the top of Cleish Hill always a highlight. I first rode it in 2010, solo. In 2014 I rode it with my son on the tandem (broke the tandem half way there - Cleish Hill I suspect, but with some help from EBC mechanics managed to complete the ride despite broken bottom bracket). We will hopefully ride it again in 2016, probably the tandem again.</p> <p>Pedal For Scotland (Glasgow to Edinburgh) is really busy: lots of charity challenge riders, folk in fancy dress, that sort of thing. One good feature is the roads are closed for part of the route. Also the stadium welcome at Murrayfield is a nice touch. The huge queues at feeding stops are not much fun though. I wouldn't have ridden it personally if I didn't have kids. Rode it in 2013 with son on tandem, will be doing it again next year, this time he'll be on his own bike. </p> <p>There is a longer Pedal For Scotland 'sportive' type challenge event too which I imagine is not quite so crowded.</p> <p>I've not much to add to DaveC's excellent description of audax riding, except to agree that in my experience it is a friendly and welcoming pursuit. Also some audax events are not that long: several at 100 or 150km in Scotland. Also I think there was a 50km audax out of Edinburgh during this year's Festival Of Cycling (June): maybe there are plans to run that again next year? I've ridden calendar events, permanent routes (so-called 'perms') and DIYs. Not done an audax in over a year due to being really busy (it takes TIME) but will be riding some in 2016. Maybe I'll even go for RRTY again. Maybe. Those winter DIYs though... :-) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15721#post-203855 Thu, 05 Nov 2015 22:20:53 +0000 mmaohara 203855@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Thanks everyone. I think the audacity sounds good but is probably a bit long for me just now, definately something for the future. The St Andrews ride sounds great so I might just e-mail and ask if they are fully booked (maybe they have a waiting list or something). Tour of Borders would be lovely as well, it's nice down that way.:-) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15721#post-203843 Thu, 05 Nov 2015 21:02:42 +0000 gembo 203843@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Glasgow to Edinburgh in September mass participation to the max </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15721#post-203842 Thu, 05 Nov 2015 20:59:25 +0000 Vez 203842@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>+1 for the St Andrews run. I've done it twice on a hybrid, this year and last year, for similar reasons - getting more into cycling and wanting a challenge. All kinds of people on all kinds of bikes do it, but it's not as crowded as Pedal for Scotland. It has just the right amount of organisation (i.e. you are looked after but it feels relaxed). The people in the food stops are lovely and welcoming and the home baking in Freuchie is rightly legendary. I can also vouch for the helpfulness of the Bike Co-op puncture repair van and the first aiders (!) I don't believe it's sold out, probably just hasn't opened yet, I think I got an email around February about this year's. We trained for it by doing some longer runs beforehand, up to about 50-60 miles, but it's still the furthest I've been on a bike in 1 day. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15721#post-203839 Thu, 05 Nov 2015 18:28:20 +0000 DaveC 203839@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>ch. "I hope someone will come on and talk about DIY Audaxes."</p> <p>Audax, is a long distance cycle club. Long distance means different things to different people, so don't be put off by the words "long distance". Audax is not competitive, you have a minimum speed to complete the ride but also a maximum speed in which you can not complete the ride. The rider is expected to self navigate, but this is not difficult and many use a gps device and a pre planned route loaded onto it and 'follow the line'. The former way is using direction sheets provided by the organiser, or following others who (appear) to know where they are going. ;o)</p> <p>Events are published here:<br /> <a href="http://www.aukweb.net/events/">http://www.aukweb.net/events/</a></p> <p>Audax is generally a very welcoming club open to non members, who ride together and are willing to help other riders on the ride, whether that be navigation, moral support or fixing a mechanical breakdown.</p> <p>Look at the calendar of events above and tailor the search for shorter (or longer) rides and region for better results. Warning the default search is 4 month ahead and as its winter you may have to search for the next 12 months instead.</p> <p>As well as 'calendar rides' there are permanents or DIY rides. The rider can organise their own route and ride or join a loosely organised DIY, which is usually advertised on various cycle forums. These DIY rides are usually of a minimum distance of 200km (126 miles) as this is the shortest distance where 'points' are collected. What do points make? Well frankly nothing other than kudos in Audax, but you can buy yourself a badge.</p> <p>Cost. In general Audax is cheap. Why? Well you just book on, turn up and ride. Most rides have some limited control points where nothing is provided, hence no large overheads. Some are plush and have overnight accommodation and food, but most are just 'x' rated, basic events where you collect your 'brevet' card and set off at the allotted time, find your own food and proof you passed through a control, like an ATM receipt.</p> <p>Some of us ride round the year, a min distance of 200km and if you think you can ride 126miles in around 12-13 hours, then feel free to get in touch. We organise a ride each and every month throughout the year to qualify for the Randonnour Round The Year (RRtY) award (yes another badge you buy yourself!)</p> <p>If you have any questions, just ask.</p> <p>Dave C </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15721#post-203838 Thu, 05 Nov 2015 18:27:43 +0000 nevelbell 203838@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@mmaohara have a look at the Tour o The Borders short route - 56 miles. Bear in mind that you'd have to contend with Talla - which is hard work, but great fun. It's closed roads too, so no cars to worry about and if you are into big shiny medals, you get one at the end. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15721#post-203837 Thu, 05 Nov 2015 18:11:34 +0000 mmaohara 203837@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Yes I do chdot, I plan to try the next easy cycle http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15721#post-203822 Thu, 05 Nov 2015 14:33:02 +0000 neddie 203822@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I'm not sure I believe the Lepra website that the 2016 St Andrew's run is sold out.</p> <p>A 1000 cyclists have already decided they are doing something 8 months in advance? </p> <p>I'm sure you used to be able to just turn up on the day. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15721#post-203818 Thu, 05 Nov 2015 14:03:37 +0000 fimm 203818@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Ah, you want something a bit more challenging? How about<br /> <a href="http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/16-58/" rel="nofollow">http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/16-58/</a><br /> or<br /> <a href="http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/16-100/" rel="nofollow">http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/16-100/</a><br /> or (if you want to make a bit of a holiday out of it)<br /> <a href="http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/16-310/" rel="nofollow">http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/16-310/</a></p> <p>Those are all 100km Audax events.<br /> <a href="http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=13265">Here's a thread about Audax.</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15721#post-203814 Thu, 05 Nov 2015 13:48:09 +0000 chdot 203814@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I presume you check</p> <p><a href="http://www.cycling-edinburgh.org.uk" rel="nofollow">http://www.cycling-edinburgh.org.uk</a></p> <p>periodically. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15721#post-203811 Thu, 05 Nov 2015 13:37:01 +0000 mmaohara 203811@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Thanks everyone, I do plan to have a look at joining the rides around edinburgh - there are a few I plan to go on when they next go out. </p> <p>I guess I want something a little but tough so I have to push myself a bit, hence why I thought of a more organised event. I was thinking about Pedal Scotland and that East Lothian one sounds good too, I'll look into that http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15721#post-203809 Thu, 05 Nov 2015 13:31:35 +0000 Nelly 203809@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"it's a bit late in the year, but MrSRD found the East Lothian Poppy Sportive a welcoming first sportive. definitely not all road bikes / ultra-fit folk there"</p> <p>Stunning sunny weather lst 3 years too ! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15721#post-203808 Thu, 05 Nov 2015 13:08:53 +0000 SRD 203808@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>it's a bit late in the year, but MrSRD found the East Lothian Poppy Sportive a welcoming first sportive. definitely not all road bikes / ultra-fit folk there. </p> <p>Pedal for Scotland is amazing for the range of bikes/kit you see - every age / style imaginable. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15721#post-203805 Thu, 05 Nov 2015 13:04:07 +0000 fimm 203805@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>If EdFoC (Edinburgh Festival of Cycling) run their two Audaxes next year, one of those might be an option:<br /> <a href="http://www.edfoc.org.uk/events/event/edfoc-audax-x-2/" rel="nofollow">http://www.edfoc.org.uk/events/event/edfoc-audax-x-2/</a><br /> <a href="http://www.edfoc.org.uk/events/event/edfoc-100-km-audax/" rel="nofollow">http://www.edfoc.org.uk/events/event/edfoc-100-km-audax/</a><br /> - those are this year's pages.<br /> (Audax originated in France and so Audaxes are always measured in kilometers. 50km is about 30 miles.)</p> <p>Or there's Pedal for Scotland? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15721#post-203804 Thu, 05 Nov 2015 13:02:18 +0000 amir 203804@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>you may want to consider joining a non-event organised ride (is that a contradiction?). Something like the spokes rides or CTC rides. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15721#post-203800 Thu, 05 Nov 2015 12:51:50 +0000 paulmilne 203800@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"The St Andrew's run?</p> <p><a href="https://www.lepra.org.uk/Event/edinburgh-to-st-andrews-cycle-ride-2016" rel="nofollow">https://www.lepra.org.uk/Event/edinburgh-to-st-andrews-cycle-ride-2016</a>"</p> <p>Sold out, according to the page. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15721#post-203799 Thu, 05 Nov 2015 12:49:32 +0000 chdot 203799@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"The St Andrew's run?"</p> <p>Good idea. </p> <p>On occasions (dreadful June weather!) I've abandoned near Ladybank Station... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15721#post-203798 Thu, 05 Nov 2015 12:43:47 +0000 chdot 203798@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I hope someone will come on and talk about DIY Audaxes. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15721#post-203797 Thu, 05 Nov 2015 12:43:09 +0000 neddie 203797@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The St Andrew's run?</p> <p><a href="https://www.lepra.org.uk/Event/edinburgh-to-st-andrews-cycle-ride-2016" rel="nofollow">https://www.lepra.org.uk/Event/edinburgh-to-st-andrews-cycle-ride-2016</a> </p>