Morning all, I’m looking for a bit of advice on organised ride outs, some friends and I intend doing a bit of cycle touring next summer and are aiming to knock out 80 – 100 miles a day for a week. Now obviously that requires a pretty decent level of fitness so our training has started(!)
We were thinking that, (if time can be found) joining some organised rides could be good for learning to ride in groups and building endurance and fitness, but not having any experience of cycle clubs or organised rides we don’t really know what “moderate” or “easy” means in the descriptions.
Currently I can moderately comfortably (ie a bit of sweating and pain on the hills but not broken by the end) do a reasonably hilly 27 miles at an average around 15mph (Falkirk-Linlithgow-Broxburn-Ratho-Currie-Colinton). Is that a suitable level of fitness for “moderate” rides? Or should we be looking more at beginner or easy rides?
Thanks, S
CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Events, rides etc.
Advice on organised ride levels?
(19 posts)-
Posted 14 years ago #
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I have never been on one but I would think the best thing to do is just to contact the organiser and ask what sort of average speed is expected if that information isn't given already. The ERC says its beginners runs go at about 15mph for 40 miles.
Posted 14 years ago # -
Thanks Min, good advice :)
I'd rather hoped someone on here might have had first hand experience of some but looks like not, I shall ask some organisers then and give whatever seems suitable a try...Posted 14 years ago # -
I went on my first ERC beginners ride (0950) on Saturday and it was definitely 14-15mph average over 38 miles with the group splitting into "slightly faster" and "slightly slower" about half way through before having a shot at chain gang.
Pace was very relaxed (well, I thought it was anyway) and a policy of riding at the slowest rider's pace was followed.
Very enjoyable and defeinitely going back so I can upgrade myself to the giddy heights of 09:45 ride.
Posted 14 years ago # -
Looks like I'll always be a beginner in ERC eyes then!
Suppose you have to take into account that the ERC speed is one created by riding in a group.
A reasonably hilly 27 miles at an average around 15mph will be faster than many people on solos (ie unaided by following wheel of person in front).Posted 14 years ago # -
Yes, the beginner part is in regards to not being used to riding in a group. You are still expected to be reasonably fit and fast on a bike.
A friend of mine keeps trying to persuade me to try the ERC ride, it doesn't sound too bad from what you say Kaputnik so maybe I will just suggest we go for it one Saturday.
Posted 14 years ago # -
There were even a few people (shock horror) without lycra or dropped handlebars! But you need to wear a crashbonnet, don't know if that puts you off or not.
Posted 14 years ago # -
a WHAT????????
Posted 14 years ago # -
without lycra or dropped handlebars!
I must turn up and try them to the limit then (on style rather than speed)!
Actually my first LB customer had taken a lightweight Dahon Folder out on an ERC ride 5 years ago. A very bad thing to do...! Once he got a 'bent he kept his solo riding apart from the ERC riding and alternated between his Giant OCR and a Challenge Fujin.
Posted 14 years ago # -
Thanks for the morale boost Laidback ;-) I'd forgotten that sitting behind someone makes life somewhat easier!
I have the Giant OCR (old and basic model) but I reckon I need to stop the mudguard rubbing annoyingly before I go play :-) Can fit my lunch onto the rack or in the panniers though, do they have a "wide load" group lol
Style... hmmm, well I possess lycra but I try not to inflict it on the population at large, isn't it banned after you pass 40?!?
:-DPosted 14 years ago # -
a WHAT????????
A crashbonnet, like a helmet, but starts less
argumentsdebates :)I have the Giant OCR (old and basic model) but I reckon I need to stop the mudguard rubbing annoyingly before I go play :-)
I got on perfectly well on my old Trek 1000 so the OCR would be just fine
Posted 14 years ago # -
mudguards....?
panniers...?
Now that would test the ERC. I think though that the ERC three group system is as good as you will get and they do get a good crowd. Other Edinburgh group rides (Spokes, 20 milers) average around 12mph. That is except for the (sadly missed) Try Cycling ones which come down to around 6mph!
We did try a fast forumers ride a few months back (Etape Balerno). I'm pleased to say that no two bikes or riders matched.
Something which the ERC can only aspire to!- •post ERC rides terminate at Black Medicine and Artista on Marchmont Road. Cafe Artista owner Bruno threw them out last year but they seem to be back.
Posted 14 years ago # -
"no two bikes or riders matched"
But did the riders match the bikes?
Posted 14 years ago # -
mudguards....?
I've got crud roadracer guards on in anticipation of the rainy season and no-one batted an eyelid!
Posted 14 years ago # -
'But did the riders match the bikes?'
Some bikes were superior to their owners. The best riders always ride bikes which aren't quite as good as they deserve.
Roadracers
Well they sound ok. I was thinking of CTC approved mudguards with a mudflap.
Posted 14 years ago # -
Best not to pitch up on the tourer then!
Posted 14 years ago # -
So I'd be stylish and individual with a dirty great touring rack and full SKS 'guards then :-)
Posted 14 years ago # -
"So I'd be stylish and individual with a dirty great touring rack and full SKS 'guards then"
Yes, but slower...
Posted 14 years ago # -
"Yes, but slower... "
Hmm not noticeably, and certainly my age and fondness for beer and food will have a far greater detrimental effect on my speed! :-)
Besides, I will have the psycological(sp?) advantage ;-))Posted 14 years ago #
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